INTRODUCTION
When they first announced Halo Infinite multiplayer being F2P, I, like many of you knew it would come with microtransactions. But to this extent? I’m loving the game right now, even with all its short comings in terms of MP playlists, progression, and customization. The foundation is there, and the changes are practical. However, this is the most aggressive cash shop I’ve ever seen. The extreme prices and use of FOMO in regards to cosmetics is really, really bad. Nobody should have to spend $1,000+ to obtain all cosmetics in a game, that normally, would retail for $60. It doesn’t help that the current armor we can get is fairly restricted, and the “cooler” stuff (Think knives for MKVII Core) are relegated to the store.
FEEDBACK
So, how exactly can there be a compromise for 343/Microsoft to keep earning money from these items? I think it’s fairly simple. I think the current “Premium” Battlepass could see a price increase, and include extra tiers to unlock these items, or even give them to you upon purchase. This would validate a price increase, and potentially sizeable one if the extra gear is simply given to you. However, the items wouldn’t need to disappear from the cash shop individually. If players don’t want to get the premium pass, they can still purchase those items individually, but at a greater price per item compared to the new premium pass.
CONCLUSION
Adding cash shop items to the premium pass at an increased price would reduce FOMO for purchasing the items individually. Players would still be able to buy specific items individually, but would have to pay a higher price per item when compared to the premium pass. Players who buy the premium pass don’t need to worry about FOMO, since their purchase won’t be vanishing in a day or at the end of the week.