Dragon's Dogma 2 has stirred up controversy with the introduction of microtransactions on its launch day. While initial reviews were positive, the unveiling of a range of paid extras, such as new fast travel points and character redesigns, has divided the player base.
Some players argue that microtransactions are not uncommon in modern gaming, citing examples from other titles like Monster Hunter and Resident Evil. They also point out that many of the items available for purchase can be obtained in-game, with the option to buy extras for convenience.
On the other hand, critics argue that single-player games sold at full price should not include microtransactions. Comparisons have been drawn to Baldur’s Gate 3 and Elden Ring, which have taken a firm stance against additional purchases to provide a complete gaming experience.
The game's director emphasized the importance of exploration in Dragon's Dogma 2, suggesting that fast travel was intentionally designed to encourage players to travel on foot or by bike. However, the availability of additional fast travel points for purchase has raised concerns that the game may be nudging players towards microtransactions.
While the controversy has dominated online discussions on launch day, Dragon's Dogma 2 has still managed to attract a significant player base, with 180,000 concurrent players on Steam. The long-term impact of the microtransaction debate remains to be seen as players continue to voice their opinions.
