730°

Halo 5's multiplayer microtransactions cause a stir

343i:

I'm seeing a lot of questions on Twitter and in forums about the new Requisition System (REQ System) in Halo 5: Guardians. The REQ System rewards players across both our multiplayer experiences. Players will earn REQ Points after each match in Arena or Warzone multiplayer, which can then be redeemed for REQ Packs. So what goodies are in REQ Packs? Each pack contains a variety of requisitions (REQs) in the form of unlockable weapons and armors, skins, assassination animations, and more. In addition, players will receive REQ Packs as rewards when they level up their Spartan Rank (SR) and complete Commendations across multiplayer.

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halowaypoint.com
OpieWinston3231d ago

20 MP maps at launch
15 DLC for free.

Largest lineup of maps to launch with a Halo game and they're all free. Microtransactions work well since Arenas only cosmetics and Warzone is designed as a casual fun battleground for players.

If you're surprised by Microtransactions. This is a smart system, all earnable via in game.

Christopher3231d ago

As long as they're only cosmetic, I don't care. Microtransaction away.

Gazondaily3231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

But its not just cosmetic.

Warzone will allow for people to use weapons they've unlocked from microtransactions in MP.

That sucks. Its going the way of Battlefield and all other shooters.

OpieWinston3231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

Cosmetic for Arena the competitive mode.
They unlock Power Weapons/Vehicles that are still energy walled off by how well your team does.

This is a dick move? They're developing 15 maps FOR FREE over the course of 8 months. Do you know how you make money? If they give all maps away for free and then give a cosmetic only micro-transactions system with all things unlockable in game... There's no problem with that. Nirvana couldn't be more delusional.

REQ Cards function like Titanfalls burn cards.
But you can't just drop into a match and hop in a Mantis, they're walled off by how much energy you get which functions like a leveling system.
You're able to unlock certain lower power weapons and vehicles as you level up but strong ones like Mythic weapons aren't unlockable until end tier energy level.

Does anyone read?

Christopher3231d ago

*** But its not just cosmetic. ***

Then as per my comment, it's not okay. I wasn't setting a stance to say they're all cosmetic, I was stating my opinion on microtransactions in general.

Mr Pumblechook3231d ago

"We’ll also give players the option to purchase REQ Packs as a matter of convenience, with a portion of the proceeds going toward prize pools for the Halo Championship Series."

Microsoft has a lot of money in the bank and this is their biggest franchise. Surely it's better that they fund the prize pool?

BiggerBoss3231d ago

I dont like microtransactions. At all. Even if they were just cosmetic, they still piss me off. If its part of the game, I shouldnt have to pay extra for it after dropping $60. If these publishers didnt spend up to 100 mill on ridiculous marketing and advertising, maybe they wouldnt have to recoup their losses through microtransactions.

PistolsAtDawn3231d ago

Yeah I never have a problem with microtransactions if they don't change gameplay and they can be earned without the transaction

Farmassy3231d ago

It sucks that they have the microtransactions. Its too bad since the REQ stuff sounds really cool. I like the idea of leveling up and unlocking more awesome stuff to use in warzone. I think its a great way to keep me interesting in leveling up. However, I don't like they people can just buy them and have all this awesome stuff just because they spent more money than me

wakeNbake3231d ago

Funny half of the concern trolls on this article dont even own an xbox, typical n4g.

Erik73573231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

Still....that is really pissing me off....I would rather pay for DLC than have to pay to unlock 10 dollar armor....this is very disrespectful to the franchise.
I don't care if it's just cosmetic...I liked unlocking armor in Halo and working for it, not paying for it.

DragonDDark3231d ago

If they are free, why not just make them in the game from the beginning?

nX3231d ago

Even though there are far worse microtransactions in other games it's simply a bad signal to the industry if the biggest launch of the year has this kind of stuff as well. It's pretty sad, why can The Witcher 3 afford to have awesome&free DLC while this is full of cosmetic cash-grabs?

BattleAxe3231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

What's the big deal? If you earn the points in-game, then it's more like an unlockable rather than a micro-transaction. The definition of a Micro-transaction, is when you purchase an item using real money.

"All REQ content in the game can be earned through the regular course of play in multiplayer"

_-EDMIX-_3231d ago

no dlc is good bro, even free dlc! /s

spoonard3230d ago

Micro transactions never work well in a $60 AAA game. NEVER. There is no reason for it. Ther is no benefit to the end user. Just an attempt to exploit the stupid mobile phone model of draining the end users pockets with useless crap.

remixx1163230d ago

@wakeNbake

Oh cut it out dude and look at the problem with microtrans, the ones in halo 5 don't phase me much but I still see the issue, your more about seeing fanboys.

I hate it when people are more concerned with fanboy wars while company drag through them.

+ Show (15) more repliesLast reply 3230d ago
Gazondaily3231d ago

Is it just cosmetic stuff though?

Arena only allows cosmetic stuff but Warzone allows it all:

" Within Warzone, you’ll have the ability to deploy a multitude of weapons and vehicles from your inventory of REQs throughout a match."

OC_MurphysLaw3231d ago

and that is why I have no issue with it. competitions for pro games will always be arena based so its really a non-issue.

Christopher3231d ago

So, is this kind of like allowing you to unlock weapons early?

Elit3Nick3231d ago

@Christopher No, it will allow you to equip certain weapons when you reach a certain level within the match. For example if you got a card for a fuel rod cannon, you won't be able to equip it once you reach level 7 or 8 within the match.

Charybdis3231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

Seems like an non issue for arena mode, were only cosmetic items can be used.
Though it does raises some issues with warzone. These packs offer unluckable weapons, however before being able to use these unlocks players will just like all warzone players need to fill their in-match REQ Level and Energy systems.
Keeping in mind that these packs can be earned by playing I can see why people might be wary of this.
With a 'portion of the proceeds going toward prize pools for the Halo Championship Series'they do create some good will.

isa_scout3231d ago

Yeah, I'm not to concerned since the REQ system is still based on team performance within Warzone. As long as it doesn't affect Arena mode then I think it'll be fine. I'm more pissed at the fact that the Guardians Statue edition comes with a steelbook case, but has a digital download of the game. Like whats the point of a steelbook case with no game in it? Besides for that this game looks to be the best since Halo 2. I absolutely LOVED the beta, and seeing a proper recreation of midship in the map TRUTH just brought back so many fond memories.

Magicite3231d ago

Metascore of 80-85 confirmed.

RiseofScorpio3231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

Uncharted 2: 96
Uncharted 3: 91

Your point?

Both Halo 5 and U4 will destroy their predecessors judging by what we've seen so stop being a fanboy thanks.

isa_scout3231d ago

Why do inconsequential REQ packs lower the quality of a stellar game? I played the crap out of the beta, and all they need is to deliver that on a larger scale and this game will be a homerun for most critics and fans alike. And this is coming from someone who was super skeptical of H5s new direction until I actually got my hands on it. Now I'm sold.

Halo2ODST23231d ago

It's 343, what do you expect! They don't give a damn about the integrity of halo.

isa_scout3231d ago

To be fair Bungie started driving Halo into the ground with ODST and MP in Reach. If anything I think 343 brought it back from the brink with Halo 4, and the Halo 5 beta was the best Halo MP since Halo 2. I would've been more worried about franchise fatigue had they just copy and pasted Halo 3. I know most people loved Halo 3, but apart from forge and theater mode I felt that it was a huge step back from Halo 2.

3-4-53231d ago

Most Halo games launch with 7-9 maps which is awful.

Halo 2 was the last halo game with a ton of good to great maps.

I'm not crazy about 343 as map designers either.

Hoping this game is pretty decent.

Name Last Name3231d ago

I remember when even cosmetics where free and unlockable.

Immorals3231d ago

They still are. They are just catering to people who don't have time to unlock everything and can afford a helping hand.

XanderZane3231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

Hhhmmm.. what Microtransactions. You can literally earn all the REQ by just playing the game. Don't really need to buy anything. Even if gamers do spend money and buy REQ, 343 will do this, "These requisitions are governed and balanced by Warzone’s in-match REQ Level and Energy systems, which are driven by player and team performance within the mode." So the game will be balanced out even if other players have more REQ then you do. If you don't want to deal with all of that, you can just play the ARENA Multiplayer. I honestly don't see the problem. Maybe some people are confused or didn't read everything. Anytime a developers mentions microtransactions in a game, there's a 'stir'. lol!!

***************************** ****************
@Name Last Name
They are free and unlockable. No one is saying you have to spend real money on these REQ Packs. It's not mandatory.

"Players will earn REQ Points after each match in Arena or Warzone multiplayer, which can then be redeemed for REQ Packs. Each pack contains a variety of requisitions (REQs) in the form of unlockable weapons and armors, skins, assassination animations, and more."

indyman77773231d ago

I'm not buying a game with Micro transactions. Looks like this will be the first Halo game I didn't beat on Legendary (except Halo wars it does not count). I'm concentrating on Gears of war!

3-4-53231d ago

* For the media, everything " causes a stir".

To them, the sun rising, is BREAKING NEWS

Azzanation3231d ago

Why do gamers feel the need to hate on something that basically has no effect on there own game? Big whoop, you can buy online items for real money, what games today don't do that? As long as its not game breaking. I am sure in Halo 5 there are MP game modes that don't allow the use of online items. Play the game mode that doesn't allow it. Problem solved.

bradleejones3230d ago

@Opie. How do they make money without micro transactions? By charging $60 for a game and selling millions of copies. Just like every other publisher who do not do micro transactions. (Do the math, 60x8 million is 480,000,000. Granted their marketing cost will eat up half of that, but that is still hundreds of millions of dollars profit no matter how you look at it. (Basing 8m off of halo4s 9m in sales, figuring this will sell a bit less. Even if you want to figure 4 or 5m in sales it would still be in the hundreds of millions in profit FYI)

+ Show (9) more repliesLast reply 3230d ago
the_dark_one3231d ago

We should be accostumed by now about this practice, dont mean only microsoft i mean all of them that do this, but i guess this practise is here to stay. But in this case i can see it being dropped before launch just to be ib good faith with the fans

BiggerBoss3231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

I disagree entirely. Just because companies keep doing this, doesnt mean we should keep taking it. Thats how these DLC practices got so bad in the first place

Toiletsteak3231d ago

I don't care about Microtransactions when they don't help players out on multiplayer like giving them better weapons or stuff like that, it's when that happens that i think it is stupid. Microtransactions do need to die though, if only people would stop buying them.

Erik73573231d ago

Micorotransactions should only be in a game that free to play....

Rookie_Monster3231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

From the article

"All REQ content in the game can earned through the regular course of play in multiplayer. We’ll also give players the option to purchase REQ Packs as a matter of convenience, with a portion of the proceeds going toward prize pools for the Halo Championship Series. "

You don't need to purchase anything and can earn it. It is just an option.

Many games these days have these option to let players pay to unlock things otherwise could be earn by playing like this game here.

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...
DriveClub micro-transactions will let you quickly unlock cars

It has been a non issue before for other games and it is a non issue here as it is optional and not forced.

badz1493231d ago

That is an old article way before DC was even released. DC so far has only 1 car that can be bought uaing shortcut which is the La Ferrari but those who have full manufacturer accolade for Ferrari gets the car for free. Other cars are still either unlocked through leveling up, given as free DLC or a part of tour packs DLC.

Halo2ODST23231d ago

You may have just changed my stance on the matter, by highlighting "a portion of the proceeds is going towards prize pools for the Halo champion series", i call out 343 for their bull often but this is quite a gesture.

kingdip903231d ago

'A portion' could vary from anywhere in between a small percentage to a big one. It's much to ambiguous to apploud.

I hate micro transactions in any form, especially those that can turn a game into pay to win.

HammadTheBeast3231d ago

Why don't they just use a portion of the profits that they'll make to fund the Halo champion series?

MRMagoo1233231d ago

I may not be an expert but dont the prize pools get paid by the massive sponsors ?

LAWSON723231d ago (Edited 3231d ago )

God forbid the actual best cosmetics be unlockable by accomplishing something in the game. I am tired of this crap... At least BC will let me play Reach if they expect me to buy stuff to have cool armor I will go play it instead

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50°

Master Chief Became More Than A Machine In 343's Halo

In Halo 4, 5, and Infinite, Master Chief became a more nuanced, human character.

In spite of the Halo series’ struggles, 343 deserves praise for adding nuance and characterisation to the ever-beating heart of Halo - The Master Chief. Playing through Infinite, it's abundantly clear that the events of the current and previous trilogies have irrevocably changed the iconic hero. He’s no longer the ‘blank slate’ that was previously presented by Bungie. He’s a fatigued, damaged and fallible protagonist, and one who is meandering through currents of grief, while reveling in his newfound agency. Giving the Chief a compelling and meaningful voice was no small feat, and 343 should be proud of that victory.

Read Full Story >>
thegamer.com
kingnick405d ago

This article completely misses part of the appeal of the original iteration of character in the original game trilogy. It was the Chief and Cortana vs an entire alien collective. The blank slate Bungie displayed in their games was genius, he was an mysterious hero a wide audience could identify with because he wasn't as clearly defined as most characters.

The books added a lot of lore and backstory but most Halo players just want a fun game with exposition that doesn't get in the way of gameplay, it's why the Cortana level in Halo 3 was derided.

Not every character has to be a damaged soyboy, a soldier has to suck it up and do his duty.

BandarHub404d ago

A lot of people give the 343 version of Master Chief a lot of slack.
But Fundamentally he is still the same character, he just has a couple more dialogues. He has not changed in terms of attitude.
"Not every character has to be a damaged soyboy, a soldier has to suck it up and do his duty."
And that's what he has done at the end of the day, he did his duty. Watch his partner die, and was ready to destroy the weapon in Halo infinite....he is still the same soilder that everyone remembers

Halo Infintes one was a nice balance between both.

slate91404d ago

Chief and the halo franchise became a joke under 343

Sciurus_vulgaris404d ago

The 343i Master Chief has is based on the books. However, in Halo 4-Infinite, the Master Chief overtime become. gradually becomes more willing to show some emotion.

Obscure_Observer404d ago

"However, in Halo 4-Infinite, the Master Chief overtime become. gradually becomes more willing to show some emotion."

Which is awesome! I love how Master Chief become more John and less soldier.

Sciurus_vulgaris404d ago

I didn’t even notice my typos,lol

250°

GameStop Kicks Off Four Pre-Owned Games For $20 Sale

Daily Video Game writes: "GameStop is running a new pre-owned game sale on over 1000 pre-owned games that offers four pre-owned ($9.99 or less) games for $20 across multiple gaming platforms right now, including PS3 and Xbox 360!"

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dailyvideogame.com
roadkillers645d ago

I mean, the deal is alright… Unfortunately for me the Serious S doesn’t have a disk drive and unfortunately for Gamestop a lot of those games are on or have been on Gamepass/PSNow.

Sgt_Slaughter645d ago

Given the nature of backwards compatibility on new systems, this is a great sale in case you missed out on some gems from last gen.

Mandingo2020645d ago

Most of the games on Xbox are on game pass. The Switch games in this sale are trash c'mon farming simulator that's laughable. The PS4 games should be cheaper. I can't wait for the GameStop going out of business liquidation sale.

neutralgamer1992645d ago

Seriously man I don't get the hate on GS and I guess you want even less options and give more control to the publishers

And you want thousands of people to lose their jobs because you don't like a company. One thing I have noticed is how most who hate on GS haven't shopped at the actual stores in years. Many who hate on GS have also done so listening to others negative stories or experiences. People on YT want clicks and hating on GS is the cool thing

SurgicalMenace644d ago

It's not people's hate that would lose people's jobs, it's the shady business practices of the company. So what you're saying is that because people work there individuals should just support what they don't want to? Sound advice; Hitler too had supporters, employees, and advocates but people go around hating him too. They only hate because of other people's bad stories or experiences; they only spoke bad about him because they wanted attention. It's been decades; lets give his way another go. With your logic anything could be made to sound good.🤷🏾‍♂️

neutralgamer1992644d ago

SurgicalMenace

Seriously you used Hitler as an example to say company has shady practices

You don't have to shop at GS there are many other retailers. I shop there and vast majority of my experiences have been positive and most of the employees are super nice

SurgicalMenace644d ago

Just having some fun, bro.🤣🤣

Mandingo2020644d ago

There are other places to work besides GS. Plus, their benefits are trash so why not work somewhere else?

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 644d ago
REDGUM645d ago

And none of those game you speak of you actually own as they are digital not physical & would cost more than $20 as the subscription costs more than that.

Mandingo2020644d ago (Edited 644d ago )

You know you can get game pass ultimate codes for the low on cdkeys or g2a right? You don't need to have a subscription 😂. GS is trash and I'd rather support the mom and pop game store here instead.

BlackTar187645d ago

Why are you people so full of hate? GameStop gives people jobs and provides a physical appearance to see things in the flesh and not just some soulless online experience.

Mandingo2020644d ago

You can get physical at mom and pop game stores plus you can get it online. GS is trash

neutralgamer1992644d ago

Because Mom and Pop shops cost two to three times more for the same product Angie the answer

BlackTar187644d ago (Edited 644d ago )

Mom and pop stores cost more and have even harder time competing against the internet. Also lie to me and tell you have a couple mom and pop stores near you selling games then lie and tell me you shop there.

IanTH645d ago

These sales, while potentially great, really struggle to be valuable given you can't easily parse what games are in stock. You can't just say "only show what is online & what are in my nearby stores". Probably 60-75% of these games in these massive lists are out of stock for shipping, and out of stock locally. It makes it a chore to find anything you'd want, much less 4 of them, much less enough if you wanted to get to a free shipping tier. It's a bummer.

645d ago Replies(1)
110°

10 Best Halo Games

NoobFeed Editor Joshua Burt writes - There are many games in the famous Halo Franchise that are stellar titles and need to be revered. And some that do not. These games stand out from the crowd and deluge of colossal Halo titles. Games that made Halo great. We do need to iron out what qualifies the game for this list. They have to be in the Halo franchise… Obviously.

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noobfeed.com
715d ago
715d ago Replies(2)
-Foxtrot715d ago

Halo CE over Halo Infinite anyday

Not to mention the impact it had at the time

Flawlessmic715d ago

Halo 3 at the top is correct the only thing id change is swap infinite and halo ce around.

AuraAbjure715d ago

Halo 4 best campaign and multiplayer. Halo 3 best story.

ChubbyBlade714d ago

Are you trying to give people cancer?

AuraAbjure713d ago (Edited 713d ago )

Halo 4 has the hottest Cortana too which explains why the MC is the hardest in that campaign and why H4's multiplayer is the illest. Chief ain't afraid to take on teleporting enemies that can one hit melee kill.

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