'Halo 5: Guardians': Microtransactions Aren't Ruining the Game

Halo 5: Guardians released just a few days ago, and one of the more controversial aspects was the use of microtransactions. Here's why these microtransactions aren't ruining the game.

I've never been a huge fan of microtransactions. I've played many free-to-play, pay-to-win games over the last decade, and most of them have left a foul taste in my mouth. And while not exactly a micro-transaction, the season passes and map packs available in many big game titles (Call of Duty) required to have a good multiplayer experience have hit my wallet rather hard. I've become less of a console gamer and more of a PC player than I was before because of that.

However, despite my initial recoil upon seeing Halo 5: Guardian's microtransactions, after I did some digging, I'm not as worried. Sure, some of the weapons give boosts to a variety of stats and will be highly coveted. Some of them are just skins, no different than those in previous games. More importantly, all of these items (so it seems, at least) can be acquired simply by putting more time, not money, into the game. The REQ packs can be earned through performance in game, allowing all players some level of access to the game without spending a dime more than the initial cost.

"Proceeds from the sales of REQ Packs will not only go towards offsetting the cost of Halo 5's DLC, but will also be used to increase the prize pools in the game's eSport, the Halo Championship Series."

If the additional DLC is actually going to be included due to these microtransactions, I've got no problem with it so long as Halo 5 doesn't end up being a pay-to-win game.

And while I'm not the only person with concerns about the sales method, here's what another skeptic had to say about their experience: "Weaponry was in good supply however, and I have yet to feel any effect of the microtransactions."

Hopefully the microtransactions don't hurt sales or gameplay. I've loved the Halo series in all it's glory and flaws (ahem, Halo Wars), and I truly want the best to happen.

So what do you think about the future of Halo and microtransactions? Tell us in the comments below!