The pitchforks are out. At this point last year, everyone and their mother was pointed their fingers at Hogwarts Legacy, damning it to Azkaban because of the controversial issues surrounding the Wizarding World’s author, J.K. Rowling. This time around, the internet’s ire is focused on Capcom’s highly anticipated sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2.
Arriving over a decade after the underrated first title, Dragon’s Dogma 2 has become the center of controversy, dividing gamers over a contentious topic: microtransactions.
On March 22, Dragon’s Dogma 2 took players aback with previously undisclosed microtransactions now embedded within the gameplay of the single-player action RPG. These in-game purchases, ranging from $1 to $5, include items such as Rift Crystals for hiring Pawns, Portcrystals for fast travel, and various other consumables and equipment that potentially affect gameplay convenience and progression.
To no one’s surprise, the mere presence of these microtransactions has led to a significant review bombing of the game on Steam. The game’s rating, which currently stands at “Mixed” quickly plummeted to “Mostly Negative” shortly after launching. The negative comments highlight Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s $70 price tag for a single-player RPG. Many argue this was more than enough for Capcom to recoup the costs. But instead of being content, Capcom risked angering gamers around the world.
Among the questionable microtransaction items present in Dragon’s Dogma 2 are Portcrystals, which monetize the ability to fast travel across the game’s world – a feature deemed critical by many for enjoyable gameplay. Similarly, the sale of Ambivalent Rift Incenses, which allow players to “re-roll” their Pawn’s randomized inclination for $1.99, has been criticized for turning a gameplay mechanic into a pay-to-win strategy.
The introduction of these microtransactions has dampened the enthusiasm for what’s otherwise a critically acclaimed sequel but also raised concerns about integrating microtransactions into single-player games.
Perhaps the writing was on the wall when Capcom said that video games should cost more. Afraid of selling a game for more than the already-disputed $70 price tag of today’s AAA games, it resorted to adding microtransactions.
Nevertheless, if you look past the uproar, Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s appeal is obvious: it’s set in a vast open world with an engaging combat system and a rich fantasy narrative that has been well-received so far by those playing the game. The situation surrounding the game’s microtransactions are potentially overblown. The game doesn’t have a paywall, as most seem to imply. It lets players fast travel and change characters without costing them a dime; you can obtain the items available to buy using real-world money while playing the game. It’s similar to how microtransactions in Helldivers 2 work: you can either spend your money and blow through the earlier portions of the game or play to earn them.
While the optional nature of the microtransactions in Dragon’s Dogma 2 is defendable, it’s hard to deny that it’s also a slipper slope towards diminishing the integrity and value of single-player games.
If it’s any consolation, Capcom is aware of the situation and have already released a statement.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is arguably the most popular of the trio of games that launched on March 22. The other two are Rise of the Ronin, which is getting solid reviews, and Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition, the PC port of the franchise best defined as perennial GOTY contenders.
