Microtransactions are more complicated in the metaverse

digitaltrends.com:

Pay-to-win microtransactions that give some players a clear advantage over others absolutely ruin games for those who don’t pay up. As a result, many games have opted to relegate all microtransactions to cosmetics only. These might make one’s character look cool, but don’t give them an edge in a fight. It makes sense in a competitive game, but what happens when cosmetics are the main draw?

This is a conundrum that I couldn’t get out of my head as I played Fortnite this week after buying its battle pass so my cousin could be more comfortable playing it on my PS5. I’ve played Epic Games’ battle royale more than ever this past week. During that time, I’ve noticed just how critical cosmetics are to the Fortnite experience and how most outfits and emotes are locked behind a paywall. As companies try harder and harder to turn games into metaverses, it’s time to reassess if cosmetic-only microtransactions are still acceptable.

Over Easter weekend, my younger cousin visited me as part of the holiday celebrations. We were eventually drawn to the PS5, and I had installed Fortnite (their favorite game) on to the system so they could see the game in action on a next-gen console. While we were having fun playing it together, they pointed out that my character had the default outfit and was surprised that I hadn’t spent money buying more cosmetics.

Spending money on cosmetics immensely changed my relationship with Fortnite.

Understanding that sentiment, I spent $20 on V-Bucks to buy a skin, emote, and Chapter 3 Season 2’s battle pass. My cousin eventually left, but I didn’t stop playing Fortnite over the rest of that holiday weekend. I had just spent money on the battle pass and wanted to unlock the Prowler and Doctor Strange outfits