Gears 5 Boss Addresses Microtransactions Concern: “We’re Learning As We Go”
Gears 5 finally made it to launch earlier this month and the game has surpassed expectations in several respects. The epic shooter not only houses one of the largest-scale and most accessible iterations of the series to date, but has also gone on to become the most successful Xbox release of this generation. With all that in mind, it appears not everything about Gears 5 has received the warmest of receptions, as mounting concerns have compelled developer The Coalition to address the game’s use of microtransactions.
While not leaning on loot boxes (a.k.a. “Gear Packs”) this time around, Gears 5 still sports its fair share of microtransactions, the studio previously expressing a desire to find a worthwhile balance between multiplayer and monetization. However, it appears this fine-tuning may not be up to snuff by the looks of some takes on social media. Taking to Twitter, The Coalition boss Rod Fergusson addressed concerns regarding the game’s economy and potential “pay to win” scenarios, assuring the studio is still “learning as we go” and “will continue to evolve until we get it right.”
We’re learning as we go. This is a completely different economy from Gears 4 (removed Gear packs) so it will take a little time to work through any issues. Our first attempt is not our last and we will continue to evolve until we get it right https://t.co/oHTM3dT4rf
— Rod Fergusson (@GearsViking) September 29, 2019
And we’re learning and improving as we go. There’s no magic wand here. Even small changes take time to create content and design skills and Ultimates.
— Rod Fergusson (@GearsViking) September 29, 2019
Continuing the topic of microtransactions, Fergusson also addressed the perceived lack of unlockable content in Gears 5’s supplemental modes. After several Twitter users expressed dissatisfaction with the current lineup of available maps, skins, and characters; The Coalition boss confirmed that more will be coming through regular Supply Drops, Tour of Duty challenges, as well as with the next quarterly Operation update.
It’s not. The majority of content is free in Supply Drops (free for playing) and in the Tour of Duty (medals and objectives). This is waaaay more free content than Gears 4. And with quarterly Operations giving even more free content including maps and modes. Just getting started https://t.co/Gj18fy0agG
— Rod Fergusson (@GearsViking) September 29, 2019
More content, more maps and more modes coming. We just shipped so now we’re focused on expanding our offering…
— Rod Fergusson (@GearsViking) September 29, 2019
Gears 5 is out now for PC and Xbox One.
What do you think? Have you had trouble adjusting to Gears 5’s microtransactions, or have you mainly spent your time in the game’s story campaign? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:
Eric Hall2712 Posts
Phone-browsing Wikipedia in one hand and clutching his trusty controller in the other, the legendary Eric Hall spreads his wealth of knowledge as a writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. Be sure to catch his biweekly "Throwback Thursday" segment for a nostalgic look at trivia from the past.
