In recent years many ‘’AAA’’ publishers and developers have started to feel their titles with microtransactions, which were initially found in free-to-play and mobile freemium games. However, some entities refuse to indulge in the practice, and one of them is CD Projekt Red, the developer behind the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the hotly-anticipated Cyberpunk 2077.
In the past, studio representatives have stated that the game will not feature microtransactions at launch, but some publishers have opted to add them via patches after a few months had passed (as in the case of Activision and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4). After a post-launch multiplayer mode was announced some speculated that CDPR might also add microtransactions, as the temptation may be too great.
In a recent interview for a well-known website, a high-ranking CDPR employee has stated that the company believes that microtransactions should not be added after the release, and even if the move would be profitable, the goodwill of the fans is more important.
Stockholders will often pressure publishers to generate more revenue each year, stress which could justify the use of heavy monetization practices in an attempt to satisfy the investors in the long run. It is important to keep in mind that many business people who decided to invest in the world of video games are attracted by the potential numbers, and the quality of the gameplay experience is not important for them since they have no interest in playing the titles from the get-go.
Statistics have also proved that there are enough players who decided to buy them to make the venture profitable in the long run. EA has earned billions from the Ultimate Team modes present in FIFA and Madden, while 2K makes a handsome revenue from microtransactions present in the NBA 2K series and other titles.
CDPR is one of the most appreciated companies in the industry, and many are looking forward to the release of Cyberpunk 2077, which is scheduled on April 16, 2020.
