Let's face it: EA has never had a great reputation when it comes to microtransactions. Many will argue that the publisher will fight to squeeze some form of pay-to-play into every game in its library, regardless of whether or not it makes sense. When the word "microtransaction" is enough to inspire fear into the heart of gamers everywhere, combining it with EA rarely helps matters.
This time, however, things are different: in an interview with GameSpot, Dice Design Director Niklas Fegraeus confirmed that the upcoming Star Wars: Battlefront will not feature microtransactions in any form.
"Well, the currency system is based on your game performance. The credits that you use to buy things in the game are earned. You play the game, complete challenges, and that's how you get credits," Fegraeus said.
It's a surprising move, especially considering the currency that Dice has already built into Battlefront – but it's one that few fans will have a problem with.
At its core, Battlefront has two separate tiers of currency: credits and points. Usually, when such a system is built into a game, one of the tiers is available for purchase as a microtransaction: for example, many thought that Battlefront's credits would be available for purchase with real money.
Thankfully, that's just not the case: when asked directly whether or not Battlefront would feature microtransactions, Fegraeus simply said:
"...that's not part of the core design of how it works. This is a progression system based on your gameplay performance. "
Basically, Dice just confirmed that you won't ever boot up Star Wars: Battlefront and spend 20 minutes getting blasted by some kid who can afford a better weapon than you. There have been plenty of eyebrows raised at Battlefront's design decisions, but this is one that just about everyone can get behind.
Star Wars: Battlefront is due out on Nov. 17. The open beta is scheduled to begin on Oct. 8.
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