DICE and EA want to help direct the narrative around Star Wars Battlefront II, which has been getting a lot of bad press due to the microtransactions and how they tie directly into the progression system. Our own review admits that the game could have been one of our favorites this year, with great gameplay and Star Wars authenticity, had it not been for the monetization.
Over on the Star Wars Battlefront Reddit, three brave members of the development team have placed themselves in the crossfire to do an AMA where fans can ask questions and they respond directly to them. One question asked by a user named PachytheDino was regarding cosmetics and customization options for the various troopers in the game.
I for one would pay 20-30$ in total for cosmetics loot boxes. Star Wars is filled with so many different species and different squads in each faction. What is the reasoning behind loot boxes affecting gameplay instead of just having cosmetic loot boxes? Is it too late to change the system? You could make so much money on this alone. http://clonewars.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Clone_Divisions
Dennis Branvall, the Associate Design Director at DICE, was quick to say that it is not too late to change the system.
Nothing is too late. As you’ve noticed, we weren’t able to get the customization system into the game in time for launch. I’m actually having artists and designers walk up to me today showing me cosmetic stuff they really want to get out there. I think we have probably the best looking Clone Troopers ever made and I know players really want to customize them (I know I do). I can’t really commit to a date just yet, but we’re working on stuff and I believe it will change the game tremendeously on all levels.
His reply lends a small amount of hope to the idea that we may see Star Wars Battlefront II loot boxes, progression, and monetization systems redesigned to favor cosmetic items over those that impact the game in a pay-to-win style. While it’s far from a confirmation of fixing the system, Branvall makes it clear that they are actively working on a customization system that is set to change the game “on all levels.”
We’ll continue to parse the Star Wars Battlefront II AMA for more coverage and responses from the developers.
