'Star Wars Battlefront 2' Is Becoming Pay-To-Win, Fans Fear
With only a few weeks away from release, gamers are finally getting the full idea of what they will be getting with "Star Wars Battlefront 2." However, the introduction of loot boxes called "crates" has caused concerns that the game might become a pay-to-win title.
Following heavy criticism of the first game's reliance on a pricey season pass that locked away most of the game's best content as DLC (downloadable content), EA DICE, the action-shooter game's developer, has decided to make all future hero and map DLC free. However, to make up for the lost revenue stream, the developer also shifted its focus to a loot box system where players can additional loot using in-game currency or real money.
Like many games today, at least those involving online play, have introduced loot boxes in some way or another. However, most of the items players get from these are often cosmetic in nature, having no effect whatsoever in terms of gameplay.
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However, there are also games that give powerful items via these boxes, including weapons, equipment, and even abilities. These items are often more powerful than those obtained in-game via, say a "drop" system inevitably making it a pay-to-win situation.
Well into its beta phase, "Star Wars Battlefront 2" is slowly drifting towards the latter side of the loot box craze. It will be offering digital goodies like new weapons, ability upgrades, weapon mods, and passive stat bonuses that give players an edge. If they spend enough money, being the most powerful force in the galaxy will be as easy as one, two, three.
While EA has made some efforts to balance out the game so that non-paying players can have a fighting chance, it definitely demands more of them in terms of skill and patience when compared to just shelling out a few bucks.
The game is still in its beta phase, however, so there is definitely room for change. Hopefully, EA DICE will balance things out to offer a more even playing field for both paying and non-paying players prior to the game's release and not make the upcoming shooter another pay-to-win title.
"Star Wars Battlefront 2" is set to be released on Nov. 17.
