The Truth Behind Halo 5’s Lack of Content at Drop:
When Halo 5 first came out, many players where surprised to find out just how little was in the game. Many asked, Why was this the Case? Well, I have a theory that piggy backs of this video. Firstly, a bit of background. Ever since Halo: CE, each new Halo game would increase the amount of game modes and content within the game. Every Halo game, except for Halo 5. Why is this? Because, The reason 343 has held off so long on many game modes was because of micro transactions. If there are less game modes in the game, more people will play warzone. If more people play warzone, those players are more likely to buy req packs with money. This brings more profit to 343. That is way forge came after the game’s release. This is also way we are just now getting new game modes. 343 knows that, once they bring back infection, lots of players will start playing that or custom games. They have held off lots of potential content that will take players away from warzone for their profits. Is it a coincidence that Halo 5 has less content and micro transactions in the same game? I think not
“Free” Updates:
One might ask, well what about free updates? If they wanted money so bad, why not make you pay for updates? Here’s the answer. “Free” updates are a means to more money in the long run. Instead of offering up paid DLC, they make them “free” with loads of things we don’t need (like emblems and various variants on already in-game armor). The reason they do this, is to increase the amount of req packs needed to get everything in the game, making more people want to spend money. Also, these updates bring some players back, which means those players are more likely to spend so cash for req packs in order to catch up. What this means is, 343 actually gets there money’s worth back from these “free” updates. In today’s world the is no such thing as “free”.
One Might Argue:
One might argue that 343 simply wants to increase the longevity of Halo 5 by adding most of their content post-launch. This is true, but not in the way you think. Yes, they want Halo 5 to have a high retention rate, but only because it equals more money. The more players that play Halo 5, the more micro transactions are purchased. What makes a game have longevity is not adding post-launch content. Only a good game will have longevity. Look at Halo 3. Halo 3 released all their game modes, forge, and weapons up front. Yet, somehow it had the highest player retention rate out of any Halo game ever (According to 343). This is because, Halo 3 was a good game. Halo 5 also has a good longevity to it, but its not because of post-launch content. It is because Halo 5 is a good game.
Large Amount of Req Unlocks:
Another point that supports my theory is the large amounts of armor, emblems, loadout variants, etc. In Halo 5, there is over 200 body pieces, over 200 helmets, almost 300 emblems, and much more. The more stuff you have to get, the more req packs you have to open. This means the more likely you will pull out your wallet to aid you finish your collection. Everything about Halo 5, is geared toward micro transactions.
Conclusion:
Money talks, and 343 is making a lot of it. Is that there fault? No, its business. So, what do you guys think? Am I crazy? Or Not?
EDIT: I just want to clear a few things up. A lot of you are claiming that I am calling 343 “evil”. I’m not. In fact, I support 343’s decision to include micro transactions and hold off content for post launch. The purpose of this thread is to simply inform the community of this theory. Also, while req packs don’t have to be purchased with cash, you have the option to. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because you don’t buy packs yourself, that neither does everyone else. In fact, a spokesperson at Microsoft has claimed the they have made multiple millions of dollars from Halo 5’s micro transactions. So, indeed, 343’s plan worked out.
