Following Electronic Arts’ (EA) controversial Star Wars Battlefront 2 complicated gameplay earnings and loot box systems, the company has decided to give a new structure to the game’s progression starting March 21. The title will reincorporate microtransactions, yet providing a more fair and linear multiplayer experience to vindicate the games original launch controversy.
The game’s initial launch was widely unpopular due to the fact that, regardless of early access and loot box privileges for players that had a big impact on the gaming experience, many figured out that iconic playable characters such as Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader could be unlocked by playing for several hours instead of just going with microtransactions.
A total re-design of #StarWarsBattlefrontII's progression system is coming next week. Find out what the future holds: https://t.co/AkHK0mBQ9w pic.twitter.com/0uzEK6t85R
— EAStarWars (@EAStarWars) March 16, 2018
What’s new in the Star Wars Battlefront II update?
As a consequence of the outrage, EA has adjusted a few things. It pulled out the loot box microtransaction option and made popular characters like Darth Vader after fewer game hours. Now, however, EA stated that microtransactions will be made available but only for cosmetic purposes in the customization of characters.
The main concern for players was the leverage the game provided to those who were willing to pay, earning star cards and items that made multiplayer experience unbalanced. For many, this meant that EA has a pay to win concept. To this, EA released a statement addressing the concern and announcing the goal of the new update through the game’s blog.
“With this update, progression is now linear. Star Cards, or any other item impacting gameplay, will only be earned through gameplay and will not be available for purchase, instead, you’ll earn experience points for the classes, hero characters, and ships that you choose to play in multiplayer. If you earn enough experience points to gain a level for that unit, you’ll receive one Skill Point that can be used to unlock or upgrade the eligible Star Card you’d like to equip.”
Do you think you'd ever buy cosmetics in #Battlefront2 with real money if something catches your eye?
— HelloGreedo (@HelloGreedo) March 17, 2018
EA, however, won’t take anything away from players who have already paid. They are to keep everything earned until the new cosmetic microtransaction system launches in April.
The new loot crates will be earned in different ways once the update is in the system. They will be earned by logging in every day and completing different challenges, but they will only contain new skins for characters and credits. The cosmetic update will allow players to get creative by letting them build a Rodian Resistance fighter.
Source: EA
