Eyebrows were raised when it was confirmed that Pro Evolution Soccer 2015 will feature microtransactions, though it wasn’t revealed at the time to what extent gamers will be encouraged to part with their extra cash.
Following a chat with studio head James Cox at a recent PES 2015 event, IGN now has the lowdown, revealing that players will be able to dip into the transfer market and buy the players that they want with either game points, earned through winning matches and training exercises, or with real cash. We understand that microtransaction will be available via PES 2015’s new myCLub mode.
“If you don’t have a lot of time, then with microtransactions you can go buy a lot of players that you want,” explained Cox. “But you also can earn Game Points in the mode and other parts of PES as well. We’re trying to link things together so you can progress and build your team [normally]. The idea is that we’re trying to just give the players the choice of what they want to do. Some people have more time, some people have more money. Some people have a bit of each! Either way, you’ll have the choice.”
Though Konami is still tweaking the system, and claims that microtransactions have been introduced to allow players who don’t have enough time on their hands to grind for game points, it’s a pay-to-win system that is sure to be greeted with open arms by some players and with total objection by others.
“The exact final mechanic is all still being tuned, but yes – if you want to buy Ronaldo, one way or another, you will be able to do that. And you will be happy with what you spend your money on,” confirmed Cox.
What do you think about Konami’s decision to head down the microtransaction route?