It was noted yesterday that a patent for Activision microtransactions was granted to the company for multiplayer gaming. The patent was for a system that would drive microtransactions in these games and increase sales. The patent was filed in 2015, and was granted to the company this week according to a Rolling Stone article that trudged up the public record.

The Activision microtransaction patent is specifically for a system that, among the features it holds, would pique players interest in spending more money by essentially playing matchmaker. The method would pair new players with players who have been at it for a while. Once paired, the newer player would see how well the older player has done and consider making purchases to up their own game and mirror the items they carry.

The system goes further in encouraging later purchases by potentially pairing that player in matches where their new purchase might do well, thus increasing their enjoyment of the game. The psychology of it is simple, albeit manipulative, and an effective marketing strategy on the sly. The Activision microtransactions were addressed in a statement by the game giant that may put some fans to rest:

This was an exploratory patent filed in 2015 by an R&D team working independently from our game studios. It has not been implemented in-game.”

It was further confirmed on Twitter by David Dague, Bungie community manager, that the system has not been put in place in Destiny. Overall the Activision microtransaction patent has stirred up more controversy over the “pay-to-play” approach to multiplayer games. Whether or not the company will continue to keep the system out of their games now that they have the patent remains to be seen.

How are microtransactions changing the way multiplayer games are played? Is it a fair system, or should something be in place to allow an even playing field for those who don’t want to buy? Join in on the conversation in the comment section below! Don’t forget to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7!