How do you guys think on how 343 should handle the progression/reward system in Halo? (Not sure if this topic has already been discussed, I tried searching it up)
Looking back at past mistakes
As we all know a progression/reward system is important for the longevity of a game, My issue with Halo 5’s req system (which served as the progression) was that 343 made all these fun weapons, vehicles, etc locked into 2 game modes, warzone and firefight around launch. Just think of the time it took to create that large weapon/vechile sandbox, only be limited to two game modes at launch (Thankfully it was added in forge). Does that mean I want halo 5’s req packs to affect all of the game modes and playlists? No, but I do hope that resources are maximized in a way that limits the amount of trade offs a game studio has to make. You also had the complete randomness of the req packs making them unsatisfying to open. Now don’t get me wrong, the player could still unlock certain armor pieces from merit in halo 5 such as the Helioskrill (Completing halo 1-4 on legendary) but when another player has some luck and gets the HelioSkrill armor in a 1-2 gold packs it defeats the worth of that product.
Now I get it, Halo Infinte is a free game and microtransactions in halo 5 gave the community free DLC. But, I don’t believe that should limit 343 or Microsoft creativity in making a more rewarding progression system in Halo.
I would be more fond if 343 added a bit more emphasis on a merit progression system but I understand that it has its pros and cons. With a merit progression system the rewards will have to monetized in a way that doesn’t harm the game. That takes time and resources.
But I believe the benefits of a merit system would be worth the shot. A stronger focus on merit can
Benefits of a Merit System
-Help the Halo community, you as the player may be more likely to search up a video on how to get this piece of armor. You might ask your friends or other people in the community to help you get a piece of armor (Of course it would be monetized in a way that does not hurt the gameplay experience) the community becomes more untied. This brings attention to the game, you have youtubers posting videos on trying to get perform this challenge, people posting it on social media etc.
Not only that but these pieces of armor shows the player identity, people recognize that piece of armor and they know the hard work the player had to go through. You may have an armor piece that is earned by getting a longshot kill with a sniper in campaign and that helps depict what type of player you are.
-Helps the longevity of the game and make the cosmetics you work for, more rewarding and have more meaning.
How can a merit system be implemented without nullifying the importance of microtranscations?
Personally, I think that’s up for you guys to decide but I do have some ideas, not perfect but it’s something.
Only SOME pieces of armor will be only be able to unlocked through merit, about 10%-20% of the total customization. Luke The Notable also had the idea of having variants be unlocked through microtransactions but to actually wear them you had to unlock the base piece armor through a challenge or credit system. It inclines players to perform the challenge and still make the RNG and merit system meaningful however, it does hurt the casual players. (Variants can actually make a noticeable difference an example is if you added the skull from Emilies visor).
Any extra ideas?
Always thought if customization microtransactions were more selective they would be a bit more rewarding.
(Hat pack, Armor pack, Visors and emblem pack etc)