Amid all of the discuss and controversy over loot packing containers these previous few weeks, a patent not too long ago granted to Activision would see the corporate’s on-line video games alter their matchmaking programs to encourage microtransaction purchases of recent weapons.
We worry Overwatch might have been floor zero for the loot box trend.
In one case, the system may very well be used to match new gamers with skilled gamers making use of extra superior gear. The beginner would then be inspired to purchase that gear to emulate the superior participant. In one other case, gamers who’ve bought a brand new weapon could be positioned into matches the place this weapon would have a bonus in opposition to others.
“Doing so may enhance a level of enjoyment by the player for the game-related purchase, which may encourage future purchases,” Rolling Stone quotes the patent as saying. “For example, if the player purchased a particular weapon, the microtransaction engine may match the player in a gameplay session in which the particular weapon is highly effective, giving the player an impression that the particular weapon was a good purchase. This may encourage the player to make future purchases to achieve similar gameplay results.”
This explicit instance would even have the facet impact of creating the opposite gamers in a lopsided match really feel deprived in opposition to the participant with the brand new weapon, encouraging them in flip to improve their gear.
The patent was described as a “System and method for driving microtransactions in multiplayer video games,” and was filed two years, however solely granted by the US Patent Office as of immediately. Though the examples listed are particularly for shooters, the patent may very well be utilized throughout quite a lot of genres.
We don’t know which video games Activision have utilized this know-how to, nor even when it’s really but been utilized to something. Their newest launch, Destiny 2, has already come under fire for its personal microtransactions, which embrace each gameplay objects and shaders with extra restricted makes use of than their counterparts within the earlier recreation.
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