F1 22 promises more glitz and glamour as fans worry it means microtransactions

polygon.com:

When it launches July 1, F1 22will lean into the fast and flashy lifestyle that Formula One fans have seen over four seasons of Netflix’s popular documentary Formula 1: Drive to Survive. But some fans are wary that that means battle pass bling and microtransactions more than a new mode or an expansion of the game’s popular career.

F1 Life, as it is called, is “a new space for you to unlock and show off supercars, clothing, accessories, and more for the world to see,” according to publisher Electronic Arts. The game’s official website doesn’t expand on the thought. Commenters in the F1 series’ restive subreddit wondered why EA and developer Codemasters couldn’t bring back classic competition cars, which were last seen (and driveable in most modes) in F1 2020.

“Classic F1 cars would make it so much better,” said one user. “It’s an F1 game, not a normal car game.”

F1 2020 was the first game in the series to introduce the Podium Pass, basically a schedule of tiered loot and unlockable cosmetics for use across several modes. Players have to buy into each season with Pitcoin, a secondary currency also introduced that year. Pitcoin is acquired for real money, and sometimes is awarded in one of the Podium Pass’ tiers.

The cosmetics in the Podium Pass so far involve a created driver’s racing suit, helmet, and gloves, and especially liveries for the multiplayer and career-mode car. In terms of outfits and accessories, the F1 series has never had sequences where its drivers appear in street clothes or civilian life. So, whether F1 Life means a fresh set of cutscenes to show off these unlockable customizations, as drivers walk the paddock on the way to practice or qualifying, or something more interactive, remains to be seen.

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