Gaming
Video Game “Whale” Talks About Loot Boxes and Microtransactions
Let’s talk about Loot Boxes and Microtransactions once more. There have been some words spoken on this site in regards to these controversial objects. However, people who defend these transactions claim that companies don’t see customers as things such as “Whales”. However, Eurogamer brought to light a case where this is a wrong assumption.
“Whales”, as they’re disrespectfully called, are the big spenders when it comes to online and social games. Forking out roughly £25 a month on microtransactions and recently, Loot Boxes. In free-to-play games, the vast majority of revenue is generated by ‘whales’ who make up a supposedly small percentage of the player base.
Eurogamer took its time to talk with David “Siigari” Perez, a 34-year-old Twitch streamer from Oregon. This person claimed to be a video game whale in a Reddit MMA previously, and the account he brought about this is quite disturbing.
Let’s start with the simple questions about his background. David is a DJ and audio engineer. Currently pursuing other careers related to audio but still DJ’ing at restaurants. The man claims to have spent over $20,000 in the past five years on Loot Boxes and Microtransactions.
He also mentioned that he quitted League of Legends because of the approach they took. “I played League of Legends for years and when it started its own loot chest system I started losing interest in the game. (…) I was like, I don’t know if I want to see the game going down this path, because I know this path very well (…) It definitely discouraged me from spending and for the past few years I’ve said, ‘Riot, I’m not supporting you with money anymore.’”
He then talked about a game where he invested over $5000 USD named Atlantica Online. The reason why he did this was because it was an RPG that allowed for equipment upgrades, and he wanted to be the best. “I liked the game and I played it with some friends but, honestly, I just liked being powerful in that game. I liked kicking ass and it was really expensive to kick ass in it.”
He then talks about the reasons behind these investments and why people feel encouraged to purchase more. “Part of the reason these games have leaderboards is to make you feel like you’re competing against someone else. Leaderboards exist to pressure players to spend money. It’s a gentle pressure at first.”
He then talks about whether or not he thinks that Loot Boxes are gambling themselves. And the answer is pretty unsurprising if you know the content I have posted throughout the months. “Absolutely! It is gambling and the same feeling you get when you pull the jackpot on a slot machine is the same feeling these companies are aiming for whether you win or lose.”
He makes a few warnings to other “Whales” (Or dolphins, as he considers himself because he doesn’t spend as much as other people who shell out the cash.) “If you are not cognisant of the money you’re spending, you can find yourself in a hole really fast. Especially when these games aren’t offering you anything tangible you can actually put your hands on, you don’t actually realise the perceived, or the real, value of what you’re getting.”
You can read the interview at full right here, but this just goes to show that Loot Boxes and Microtransactions are done with these people in mind. And that even the “Whales” and “Dolphins” are starting to get sick of being sucked off their money as well.
Gaming
Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game
Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.
Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.
Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.
What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Gaming
ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games
Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.
In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.
According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.
In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!
Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Gaming
Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5
It appears that many
are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.
We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.
「Stellar Blade」 Physical Package Secrets⚠️#StellarBlade #PS5 #Disc pic.twitter.com/WQSzKUSDQ4
— StellarBlade (@StellarBlade) April 22, 2024
It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.
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