2017 saw the rise of the "microtransactions/loot box controversy" for a couple of AAA gaming titles, with "Star Wars Battlefront II" getting most of the hit. When weighed about the issue, "Monster Hunter: World," 2018's another highly anticipated video game, is averse to the idea, a sentiment echoed by series Ryozo Tsujimoto as well as the whole development team.
In a recent interview with TrustedReviews, Tsujimoto—via translator—stated that they didn't think of adding microtransactions to "Monster Hunter: World" as doing so "doesn't make any sense" for the game.
"This is a co-op game and you're going out in up to four-people parties. The idea is that there's a harmony in the four players going out and you're going to get on well together," Tsujimoto said. "If you feel someone hasn't earned what they've got or they've got a better weapon just because they paid for it and you worked for yours, that creates friction."
"Even in a co-op game where it's not pay-to-win, because we're all on the same team, it's like you didn't earn that or you've got it and don't know how to use it. We don't want that for Monster Hunter," Tsujimoto added.
"There are absolutely no plans, it's not in the game where you can get your random crate or random loot box and get a great item or great weapon. None of the stuff that affects the gameplay is even paid for; it's all cosmetic, just stuff that's a bit of fun."
It may be somewhat frustrating to some players, as getting loot from Monster Hunter requires extensive skill and countless hours of dedicated gameplay to kill a monster and carve out the loot that they can use to upgrade or purchase or new gear. However, Tsujimoto is adamant that the series' gaming experience should revolve around the actual game itself, not the fancy add-ons and rare items that come with it.
Tsujimoto's stance towards microtransactions also reflects his past interview about the topic by Gamespot last November. Game director Yuuya Tokuda seconded Tsujimoto, stating that the mechanics of the game revolve around the skill of the players, not the weapon or gears. He also said that he wants to give players the "satisfying experience" of leveling up slowly by defeating monsters through pure skill, talent, and effort—as he felt skipping that kind of experience by purchasing loot boxes kind of defeats the whole purpose of the game.
"Monster Hunter: World" will be released worldwide on Jan. 26 on PS4 and Xbox One platforms. Meanwhile, the PC version of the game will be launched sometime this fall.
