PAX West taught us a fair amount about BioWare’s upcoming blend of choice-driven narrative and MMO. Aside from a shiny-new trailer showing us exactly what we can expect from the game’s gorgeous open world and confirmation that the pre-launch demo will release early next year, it emerged over the last couple of days that all future Anthem story DLC will be completely free.
A refreshing change of pace, I think we can all agree.
Anthem Story DLC and A Conspicuous Absence of Loot Boxes
This is all part of BioWare’s plan to support Anthem during the months (and perhaps even years) following the game’s release in such a way that the addition of brand-new end game content doesn’t divide the player base.
As Darrah explained during an audience Q and A:
We don’t want to divide the audience. We want people to be able to experience the same stories.
That’s not to say there won’t be any kind of in-game economy, of course. This is 2018, after all.
Thankfully, however, these microtransactions won’t come in the form of randomly-generated loot boxes. But individually purchased cosmetic items instead. Items which, it’s also important to note, can be earned through play. For those who find the concept of dropping real-world money on a novelty weapon skin as somewhat distasteful.
The highest-level weapons and gear, on the other hand, must be earned by completing Anthem’s four-player Stronghold missions.
Anthem: Release Date and Platform Availability
It’s safe to say our feelings toward Anthem are somewhat mixed at this stage.
Various aspects of the game look tremendously promising; the beautiful setting in particular. However, based on everything we’ve seen and heard so far, we have a few relatively major reservations, too.
Regardless, Anthem releases on the 22nd February 2019. And will be available on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC when it does so.
Source VG24/7