As the much-anticipated release of Assassin’s Creed Mirage draws closer, Ubisoft finds itself once again at the center of the ever-controversial microtransaction debate.
Slated for an October 12 release, this installment aims to take players back to the series’ foundational stealth elements, reminiscent of the early games. However, recent leaks suggest that while the gameplay may echo the classics, certain modern monetization practices might not be left entirely behind.
The spark igniting the debate was a leaked image posted by @xj0nathan on Twitter, showcasing the “Fire Demon Pack” – a seemingly cosmetic bundle offering Basim a demonic-style armor, a fiery sword, and an otherworldly mount. While the image was swiftly removed due to a copyright claim, it was already making rounds on various platforms, particularly the Assassin’s Creed subreddit.
Naturally, fans couldn’t help but chime in with their mixed opinions. Some expressed ambivalence towards the inclusion of such microtransactions, emphasizing their optional nature. However, not all responses were quite so tepid.
Critics argue that the “Fire Demon Pack” seems jarringly out-of-place in the Mirage’s universe – another deviation from historically-themed content in favor of “weird cosmetics.”
The concern isn’t just about aesthetics either. A main point of contention arose over the nature of the microtransactions themselves. If certain purchasable outfits in Mirage offer unique advantages, it might upset the game’s balance and will undoubtedly introduce an element of “pay-to-win.” This was a particular pain point in previous installments, where XP boosters and potent weapons were locked behind paywalls, frustrating many players.
Ubisoft’s history with microtransactions is somewhat checkered. Since the franchise’s pivot towards more RPG-focused gameplay, starting notably with Assassin’s Creed Unity, in-game purchases became increasingly prevalent. While some of these were purely cosmetic, others offered tangible gameplay advantages.
With Mirage’s promised return to the series’ roots, some fans had held out hope that the trend of in-game purchases is no longer. Unfortunately, the leaks suggest a more complicated picture.
Then again, the inclusion of microtransactions in Mirage isn’t inherently a surprise. The practice has become far more common across the industry, with various games offering everything from cosmetics to battle passes. As long as they don’t affect gameplay or provide an unfair advantage, some argue they’re an acceptable means for developers to make money for their projects post-launch.
The debate around Assassin’s Creed Mirage serves as a reminder that context matters. For a game that’s marketing itself as a return to tradition, any deviation – even one as seemingly minor as a cosmetic pack – can stir the pot.
But, as much as fans would like to see a classic-style Assassin’s Creed game through and through, this will never happen. The rising costs of video game development means that developers will have to find a way to pad their bottom-line. If it isn’t from a price hike, you’d best expect it to come from somewhere else.
To Ubisoft’s credit, creative director Stéphane Boudon has mentioned there are “no plans” to support Mirage with post-launch expansions. This, combined with the fact that the game offers a relatively condensed experience (around 15-20 hours of gameplay), indicates a deliberate step away from the live service model recent entries adopted.
While its core gameplay might echo the beloved classics, its monetization strategies seem rooted in the present. Whether this blend will be palatable to fans remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: in an industry evolving as rapidly as gaming, striking the right balance between honoring the past and embracing the future is more challenging than ever.
Here’s to hoping that Ubisoft’s leap of faith in the Assassin’s Creed franchise pays off.
