Are you bummed by the latest news about Cyberpunk 2077 having microtransactions?
Developers of Cyberpunk 2077 have been on fire lately due to delays in the release of the game. After being delayed for a few months from the original April 2020 release, CD Projekt Red announced that the release of the game would be postponed for another 21 days.
We have important news to share with you pic.twitter.com/qZUaD6IwmM
— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) October 27, 2020
However, these are not the only issues regarding the game prior to its release. Recently, players who are waiting for the game to be released expressed their sentiments regarding the rumors of CD Projekt Red planning to include microtransactions on the game.
Microtransaction is a business model used by game developers where players are able to purchase virtual items like boosts, skins, or unlock other game features. These items help to further advance the players’ in-game progress.
While in-game purchases are great if you have the money, this makes the level of competition in the game unbalanced. Players who have the means to buy upgrades would technically overpower those who just play the game.
Will Cyberpunk 2077 have Microtransactions?
Now, to clear the confusion caused by the rumor, Cyberpunk’s official Twitter page released a statement assuring players that Cyberpunk 2077 would not include microtransactions. In the tweet, Cyberpunk said “Nothing changed. Cyberpunk 2020 is a single-player game with zero microtransactions.”
Nothing changed. Cyberpunk 2077 is a single player game with zero microtransactions. One single purchase. No tricks. Don't believe the clickbait. https://t.co/qX0iZwsAf2
— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) September 7, 2020
How CD Projekt Red Might Make Money Off Cyberpunk 2077.
As it turns out, Cyberpunk 2077 would also include a multiplayer mode which will be released after the initial launch of the single-player mode.
In addition, Cyberpunk also stated that the multiplayer/online version of the game is the one that would have microtransactions but that it is a totally different project from the single-player game. While there are no clear details about the multiplayer aspect of Cyberpunk, that is another feature of the game that everyone is looking forward to.
Cyberpunk multiplayer/online, which is a separate project, will have some microtransactions, but we said that a year ago already. Like always, expect us treating your money with respect.
— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) September 7, 2020
On a positive note, the President/CEO of CD Projekt Red reassured players that they are not trying to make the game a pay-to-win system which is important for multiplayer games.
“We treat them fairly, and we’re friendly. So of course not–we won’t be aggressive–but you can expect great things to be bought. The goal is to design monetization in a way that makes people happy to spend money.” says Kicinski.
Based on the statements of Adam Kicinski, it looks like the developers are trying their best to find ways in making the microtransactions of the game bring in real value to players and avoid the pay-to-win system at all cost.
Now that it is clear that Cyberpunk multiplayer would involve microtransactions, what we can do for now is to wait and hope that CD Projekt Red would stay true to their statements and implement a business model in a way that the actual gameplay would not be affected.
A good example of this is CS:GO, the game has a crate system that users can unlock by purchasing keys using actual money.
However, the items that you are getting are mainly aesthetics and does not add aim enhancements or other performance boosts that can greatly affect the level of competition in-game.
Other Things to Expect with Cyberpunk 2077.
While there are some setbacks and confusion before the official release of Cyberpunk 2077, here are some positives that we should all be looking forward to once the game is out on the market.
Lifepaths
Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay will have stories from three character paths. Each character path would have its unique starting points, backgrounds, and prologue. Players can choose between Nomad, Corpo, and Streetkid lifepaths which all provide a distinct storyline and quests.
Camera Perspective
While the game brings in extensive character customization, it is surprising that the game would have a first-person perspective. Given this, you won’t be able to see the customization you put into your character for most of your gameplay. However, a first-person perspective would make the game more immersive.
World Depth
Being an open-world game, Cyberpunk’s Night city is divided into six districts being Heywood, Pacifica, Westbrook, City Center, Santa Domingo, and Watson. Each district has sub-districts that would total into 16 sub-districts with its own distinct characteristics, story, and gang.
Shards
Shards are collectible items that will help you understand the history of the Night City like the backstory of each gang, megacorporations, and maybe even how Cyberpunk’s world becomes what it is in the game.
Story Length
The main quest for Cyberpunk 2077 would be shorter but this does not mean that the game itself would be short. Cyberpunk is set up differently compared to the traditional single-player story mode that we are accustomed to.
The storyline would be composed of side quests and subplots surrounding the main quests which allowed the developers to set different endings depending on the player’s choices and actions in the game which makes the game even more interesting.
In summary, Cyberpunk 2077 would not include any microtransaction for the single-player mode which is set to release in December 2020. On the other hand, the multiplayer aspect of the game would have some microtransactions. However, this is not final yet since there are still no clear details about it and a lot of things can still change while the game is in the works.
“We treat them fairly, and we’re friendly. So of course not–we won’t be aggressive–but you can expect great things to be bought. The goal is to design monetization in a way that makes people happy to spend money.” says Kicinski.