Published on: 07/03/2022
Gran Turismo 7 launches with overpriced microtransaction, disappoints players
Shortly after the release of Gran Turismo 7 on March 4, fans have been disappointed over the game’s microtransaction, particularly the game’s overpriced items compared to the previous entry and many have dubbed the move as anti-consumer which could lead to a devastating effect on the game’s reception after release date if things left unchanged.
While many have associated microtransaction with gambling, there are some cases of “acceptable” microtransaction in video games where the feature appears to have been used as a service by the developers in making money from online games they developed and sustaining the game’s longevity.
From popular shooter title Fortnite to the majority of online mobile titles where most purchases are only for skins and cosmetics that do not affect the game’s balance as well as players’ statistics. Prices for these items also play an important part as well.
Otherwise, microtransactions can be a game-breaking feature if it gives a significant stats-changing boost or items achievable only by spending real money. The case is rather similar with GT 7 as it has made many disappointed following critics praising its design, mechanics, and cars collection prior to the game’s worldwide release.
Gran Turismo 7’s microtransaction problem
GT 7 is a new installment to Sony’s expanding and revolutionary racing simulation video games franchise, Gran Turismo. The game cost $70 and $89.99 on Amazon for GT 7 25th Anniversary Edition.
Price-wise, GT 7 might not be for everyone, but it is common for newly launched video games to have such an expensive price. However, the game’s price also affects how players view the game’s inflated microtransactions.
Looking back at GT Sport, players are allowed to buy directly individual cars, as for GT 7 that is not the case. Some cars have increased price-wise in GT 7 compared to GT Sport. Twitter user @reardeov has noticed the price differences, where $5 cars in GT Sport are now priced at $40.
Would be so fascinated to see the Venn diagram of:
People who said £70 for PS5 games was justified because they were self-contained blockbusters that don't rely on shit like microtransactions
vs
People defending Gran Turismo 7's microtransactions because hey, they're optional
— Chris Scullion (@scully1888) March 4, 2022
On a similar note, Sportskeeda pointed out GT 7 bizarre in-game currency called “credits” where players can use it for car upgrades which will increase the time to earn a specific car.
Further, many high-performing cars cost 1 million credits, but the developer only provides players with two purchases instead of paying money for the exact 1 million credits.
Sportskeeda also reported that cars with Legendary rarity will cost 20 million credits or roughly $200. While players can grind credits by completing objectives or side quests, there is no information on how many credits on average a player can get.
If credits from the drop rewards are low and cars prices are left unchanged, it would lead to the game’s longevity and reception by players at high risks.
It is also important to note that, players are not required to spend money on GT 7, although, grinding millions of in-game currencies would take hours and players that are heavy spenders can get their way around from this process.
Sony and developer Polyphony Digital are yet to provide any response to this. Should it get any worse, players might expect the developer to launch future patch updates to help balance GT 7 current progression system.
