Last Friday, Resident Evil 4 Remake received an update that included the highly-anticipated Mercenaries mode. However, the update also brought something else: microtransactions.
Players can now use real money to purchase special upgrade tickets that unlock the final upgrade of a weapon, regardless of how far it has been upgraded previously.
This controversial move has angered many fans, who believe that microtransactions have no place in a full-priced game.
Through the back door with real money
Capcom has made it possible for players to purchase special upgrade tickets for Resident Evil 4 Remake on all platforms with real money. The ticket can only be exchanged once in-game for 30 Spinel gems and unlocks the final upgrade of a weapon.
This means that players no longer have to spend a significant amount of time and in-game currency upgrading their weapons to the maximum level before unlocking the final upgrade.
The improvements that come with the final upgrade are substantial, including double damage for many weapons and a significant increase in attack speed for Leon’s combat knife.
Previously, the special upgrade ticket was a unique item that could only be earned by completing vendor orders. It was a rare and valuable item that players had to work hard to obtain.
However, the situation has changed with the addition of microtransactions. Players can now purchase the special upgrade ticket for €2.99 and use it at the beginning of the game.
There are also special tickets available for all weapon classes from A to F, and players can purchase selected tickets as a bundle of three for €6.99 or a bundle of five for €9.99.
This undermines the value of the special upgrade ticket, making it just another item that can be purchased with real money.
More than cosmetics: New microtransactions are manipulative
While microtransactions in the form of costumes or the original soundtrack were present in the game from its initial release, the new real-money options significantly affect gameplay. Players can now create powerful weapons for a few euros, disrupting the game’s balance.
This strategy by Capcom is seen as manipulative and falls under the category of dark patterns, as described by Dr. Benjamin Strobel on Twitter.
The fact that Capcom waited until the game had sold over four million copies and reviews were already in circulation before adding the microtransactions speaks volumes about their intentions.
Players are understandably upset that a game they paid full price for now has microtransactions that undermine the gameplay experience.
Capcom’s decision to add microtransactions to Resident Evil 4 Remake has upset many fans who believe that microtransactions have no place in a full-priced game. The special upgrade ticket, once a rare and valuable item, is now just another item that can be purchased with real money.
This undermines the game’s balance and undermines the value of hard work and effort that players put into upgrading their weapons. The addition of microtransactions is a controversial move that has sparked widespread criticism, and players are hoping that Capcom will reconsider its decision.
