Marketing manager of NetherRealm Studios, Brian Goodman, in a statement to IGN, suggested that the much-maligned system of micro-transactions could be incorporated into the highly anticipated sequel Mortal Kombat X. The game is due out in approximately two months. However, Goodman’s statement suggests that the sequel could use a micro-transaction system for the game. Goodman’s statement was vague, almost purposefully so; and it has already caused a great deal of heated debate and outrage. It is really premature to get angry about a subject that has not even been confirmed one way or the other.
Goodman stated, “We are not releasing any details on that yet. Nothing to say about micro-transactions yet.” One can easily interpret that to mean that perhaps, NetherRealm Studios will incorporate that system. The NetherRealm Studios’ mobile version of Injustice: Gods Among Us uses micro-transactions. It is clearly that NetherRealm Studios is familiar with the system. The vague statement makes one wonder whether a character like Goodman might be trying to poke the bear of internet fandom, or perhaps even test the waters to see how fans would react toward the notion of a micro-transaction for the game. This is conceivable since Goodman did not even issue a flat-out denial.
The opposition to micro-transactions is quite understandable. Players already pay $65 or more for a new game. Couple that with the price of a Season Pass or additional DLC, and suddenly the cost of a new game skyrockets. Top off all those extra costs with micro-transactions, and that could lead to a very frustrated fanbase. However, micro-transactions are not always required to unlock materials or bonuses. They are usually just a monetary shortcut to unlocking something rather than using regular play. For example, Dead Space 3 utilized micro-transactions. However, I never utilized the micro-transactions for the game because it was unnecessary. Players were able to get materials and resources in-game through farming or looting bodies and lockers, without micro-transactions. However, that did not quell the outrage over the utilization of the micro-transaction system.
It is difficult to get emotional over such a vague subject. Getting angry over the possibility of micro-transactions in Mortal Kombat X is a waste of time and energy. It would not necessarily impede the actions of a major developer like NetherRealm from doing what it believes it has to do in order to make money. If Mortal Kombat X does use micro-transactions, my one hope is that all the contact may still be unlocked through actual gameplay, rather than actual purchases.
Mortal Kombat X is due out April 14 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC.