Forza 5 developer Take 10 has confirmed Microsoft did not mandate microtransaction inclusions in the Xbox One exclusive racing title.
One of several Microsoft published games to include microtransactions on the Xbox One, Forza 5 developer Take 10 has explained it was not forced to do so.
Xbox One games like Killer Instinct and Ryse: Son of Rome were also found to include microtransactions, something that was never a feature of Xbox 360 games.
Fans lashed out at Take 10, suggesting that the developer had only included in-game purchases as a requirement from Microsoft. However, Take 10 Creative Director Dan Greenawalt said flat out Microsoft did not mandate their inclusion.
“The truth is, at Turn 10 while I’m a Microsoft employee, we’re off-site and we have our own culture and work our product to have our own culture. We have our own process and all of that”, said Greenawalt. “For the most part, Microsoft sees it as we’re doing a good thing so keep it up, and so we’re left alone.”
Greenawalt highlighted that Forza 4 also included microtransactions via its car token system, which was not a cause of concern for gamers.
“We were definitely not mandated to include these – we were experimenting in Forza 4, we experimented a bit in Horizon and now we’re further experimenting in Forza 5. But we experiment [with] a lot of things – and when we get them wrong we try to fix them.”
Throughout the Eurogamer interview, Greenawalt reiterated that the microtransactions were meant to be an “accelerator” option for gamers rather than a “paywall” as in free-to-play games.
“[Microtransactions are] happening more and more in games, and I understand gamers being resistant, especially if they feel like they’re being short-sheeted. I think people are looking out for being short-sheeted, and they’re seeing conspiracy where there isn’t one. And that’s common in today’s age.”
Nevertheless, Greenawalt did say the developer is aware users really haven’t responded very positively to Forza 5.
“I have to be honest, our team takes great pride in what lights up our players, and community’s the heart of what we do. So it’s been disappointing. I’m not disappointed in people – people feel how they feel. I’m more disappointed in myself that I’ve elicited this reaction in people.”
Take 10 is issuing a Forza 5 update that will make all cars on sale offered at a 50 per cent discount. Qualifying gamers will also be eligible to receive free gifts and Forza Rewards credit payouts will greatly increase.
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