When it comes to video game microtransactions, how much is too much? That’s the question posed by Apex Legends players, who recently voiced their concern over the in-game pricing.
Much like Fortnite, Apex Legends is freemium by nature which is to say that the über-popular shooter is free to download, and Respawn earns revenue – quite a bit of revenue, we might add – through in-game purchases, which are made possible by the Apex Coin. It’s an incredibly ambitious business model in that it requires an upfront investment from the publisher (see: EA) and a sizeable userbase.
Thankfully, Apex Legends has blown past all expectations to reach 50 million players, but there is now evidence to suggest that some are beginning to turn their nose up at the pricing scheme, with a number of the cosmetic items costing as much as $18.
Here are some reactions to the in-game pricing, courtesy of The Verge:
“Respawn, I would not hesitate to impulse purchase $3-5 for cosmetic items. $11-18 though? Will not even consider it.”
“So far, the store seems to be predatory.”
“I’m actually glad the cosmetics are so expensive. Makes it really simple to control myself and not buy a shit ton of them.”
So while Apex Legends is currently the shooter of the moment, its reign won’t last much longer if players consider its in-game economy to be unfair – or worse, inaccessible. Take Fortnite, for instance. The Epic Games sensation has built a sustainable business model in which players are able to purchase some truly wonderful and at-times hilarious cosmetic items for a reasonable price.
Of course, Apex Legends is still in the process of finding its feet, though Respawn must put content before profit if it’s to appease its legions of players. More on this story as it develops.
