Co-op Roguelike Indie Game Inkbound Removes Monetization - Hardcore Gamer

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In an industry increasingly driven by the allure of in-game monetization, one indie gem is defying conventions and taking a stand for player satisfaction. Inkbound, a co-op roguelike game developed by Shiny Shoe, the studio behind the popular Monster Train, is making headlines for its decision to eliminate all forms of in-game monetization.

This bold move, scheduled for October 27, 2023, comes as a response to shifting industry trends and a desire to align with player sentiment. In a world where FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a prevalent concern, Inkbound is going against the grain.

Inkbound’s monetization journey began with the introduction of a battle pass and an in-game currency shop during its early access phase. These features were intended to support ongoing development while carefully avoiding any impact on gameplay. However, Shiny Shoe recognized a growing shift in the industry, and more importantly, in the sentiments of their player base. Players were increasingly wary of FOMO and the feeling that they had to spend to keep up.

For this reason, Shiny Shoe decided to remove in-game monetization entirely. Instead, they will transform content from the existing Leveling Pass into “supporter pack” DLCs, available on the Steam store. The rest of the cosmetic content will remain accessible through in-game progression.

Inkbound’s cosmetic shop isn’t going anywhere; the only significant change is that the currency to purchase these cosmetics can only be earned through gameplay. The existing purchased currency will be converted into the new earnable currency, effectively refunding players double its value. For example, if you previously bought 1,000 Shinies, you’ll receive an additional 2,000 Vault Dust.

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