The announcement of a microtransaction option in "Halo 5: Guardians" has caused an uproar within the game's community.
There is a new REQ (Requisition) system inside Halo 5, can be used and earned either during on multiplayer maps, specifically, Arena and Warzone. After individual matches on either of the multiplayer maps, the player earns REQ points, which can be spent on REQ Packs. The packs contain several unlockable items, weapons and armors, as well as cosmetics and skill animations. Another way of earning REQ points in-game is through leveling up the SR or Spartan Rank. Commendations from the multiplayer matches will also earn the player points.
However, Halo 5, unlike the previous versions, offers the REQ points that can be bought from the market. This cash system, which many refer to as a pay-to-win system that is incorporated by the majority of free-to-play MMORPGs, is what outraged many in the Halo community. Note that the Halo franchise has been regarded for its overall game balance on its PVP modes.
In response to the said uproar, Josh Holmes, Halo 5's development chief, posted on Halo Waypoint and explained the mechanics behind REQ. He said, "While players will earn REQ Packs across both Arena and Warzone, only cosmetic items can be used in our Arena experience. This is to ensure that all players start with the same weapons and abilities as part of our vision for the balanced, competitive play in Arena multiplayer."
After the post cleared up that only the cosmetics will apply to the Arena multiplayer mode, the questions shift towards the Warzone, in which players will be free to use whatever items they unlock from REQ packs using bought REQ points. Wesley Yin-Poole in his published article on Eurogamer.net asks, "How easily will players be able to unlock powerful items through normal play? How much will REQ Packs cost? How effective can players who choose not to spend money be in Warzone?"
