Battlefield 5 Introduces Microtransactions in the Form of Virtual Currency
4 months after the release of Battlefield 5, Electronic Arts introduces microtransactions into the game.
Microtransactions are nothing new in the Battlefield series and it was only a matter of time before they found their way into the fifth installment. Today, Electronic Arts introduced a special Battlefield currency into the game, available for real money, which, for now, will enabke us to buy weapon and character skins - things that we coukd acquire for the money collected in the game. It is worth noting that the game will not feature loot boxes, and all sets are to have a predetermined content. In the near future, the game will offer so-called Elite Sets and Time Savers. What is hidden behind these names?
- Cosmetic items;
- New soldier characters for online gameplay (in the future);
- New successive levels - ranks within chapters (in the future);
- Experience point bonuses (in the future);
- Special sets of multiple items available only for a limited period of time.
Elite Sets
The Elite Sets will introduce new soldier characters into the game for multiplayer mode. Each of them will have a unique identity with their own name, bio and a set of challenges, allowing us to learn about their history and unlock unique hand-to-hand combat weapons. A set of cosmetic objects: uniforms or weapon skins will also be available. None of these elements, however, will give any advantage during a multiplayer game - new soldiers will stand out only in terms of appearance and their role-playing background. The first elite characters (Seamus and Ernst) will appear in the near future.
Time Savers
What is called Time Savers are things known from the previous Battlefield installments. The most basic of those will be XP boosts, allowing for faster unlocking of vehicle levels, weapons or soldier classes. With real money, we will also be able to buy further ranks gained during time-limited chapters and thus win all the prizes associated with them. The boosters will appear in the game shop at a later date.
Starter Packs
In addition to cosmetic items, ranks, experience boosters and elite soldiers, Battlefield 5 store also sells Starter Packs. These are nothing more than packs with mixed content of different items, available for a limited time. However, their content will be pre-determined and visible to everyone before making a purchase. Two versions will be available in the beginning: the "Battlefield V Starter Pack" and the "Premium Battlefield V Starter Pack". Their contents are as follows:
Battlefield V Starter Pack:
- 500 Battlefield Currency,
- Glacial – Face paint (Rare),
- Night Owl – Weapon Skin Set (Rare) for four weapons:: Sturmgewehr 1-5, Sten, KE7, Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I.
Premium Battlefield V Starter Pack:
- 3,500 Battlefield Currency,
- Demolisher – Axis Soldier Outfit (Epic),
- Cool Hand Duke – Allied Soldier Outfit (Epic),
- Skorpion – Panzer IV Vehicle Skin (Rare),
- Icefire – Spitfire MK VA Vehicle Skin (Rare),
- Chromed Finish – Weapon Skin Set (Rare) for four weapons:: Sturmgewehr 1-5, Sten, KE7, Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I.
Although the practice of introducing micropayments to games only a few months after the release is slowly becoming a standard move for publishers to avoid any controversy in the period of best sales and reviews, many elements introduced to Battlefield 5 are nothing new. The possibility of quick promotion of a given class and unlocking all accessories to the weapon exists in the series from its third installment. The lack of loot boxes with random equipment (available even in the previous Battlefield 1) shows that Electronic Arts is trying to learn from the painful lesson from Star Wars: Battlefront II.
