Star Wars Battlefront 2’s microtransactions may have been indefinitely removed from the game, but when they return it seems like they’ll still be tied into player progression.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 ‘s microtransactions may have been indefinitely removed from the game, but when they return it seems like they’ll still be tied into player progression.
EA made the decision to remove the ability to purchase crystals, currency used to unlock in-game loot boxes, just ahead of Battlefront 2 ‘s launch in an effort to change public perception of the game. However, the statement from the publisher noted that they would “return at a later date,” and despite confirming that they would continue to tweak their influence on the game post-launch, it seems that when they’re reinstated they will still be linked to in-game progression.
The news comes from a call EA reportedly held with USGamer, with the publisher stating that they are going back to the drawing board to find the “right balance” between those who want to progress by playing the game, and those who want an “accelerated experience.”
Main takeaway from convo with EA: Microtransactions will tie into progression when they return. So no, this isn’t a win
— Kat Bailey (@The_Katbot) November 17,2017
The “accelerated experience” in this instance is clearly alluding to the purchasing of loot boxes, which contain Star Cards that both grant players in-game advantages by upgrading their abilities / equipment, along with allowing them to progress through the game’s multiplayer component.
With crystals now having been removed as a paid currency, it remains to be seen how EA plans to alter the fundamentals of Battlefront 2’s multiplayer experience in order to enforce more balance. We gave the game a 2.5 out of 5 in our review, stating that while it was a fun multiplayer experience, but that “it would take a full overhaul of the leveling and progression system to straighten up [the] mess” that its predatory microtransactions had caused. EA is at least looking to make necessary improvements post-launch, but judging by their statement, it seems that those who want microtransactions removed from the game’s progression system entirely will be left disappointed.
