The issue of microtransactions was one that definitely shook the gaming world from developers and publishers to gamers themselves. Pirate-simulator game "Sea of Thieves" has its own microtransaction features, but it is not like the ones that give players a huge advantage.
These microtransaction rewards would not exactly be in the form of loot boxes but rather cosmetic items. They also will not be available upon release; instead, it will take three months before developer Rare implements the feature in the game. Executive producer Joe Neate shares his thoughts regarding the three-month microtransaction timeline and on other stuff via IGN.
"Our focus at launch [is] on a great game experience," said Neate. "When we deliver this first major update, that's when we'll turn on the ability for players to spend money optionally." He further mentions that this decision was not something they did for the sake of profit, but rather for the sake of keeping the game going.
Costs will rise once they release and get more players. Being able to earn more through their cosmetic items will help them continue to add more content to the game. Neate also referred to these microtransactions in general as "emotional value, not mechanical value."
What he meant by this is that the aim of these microtransactions is to simply help players "feel" more while playing the game. He likened the feature to a monkey or a cat that players can buy. They will be able to bring the cat on the ship, put it down, and do whatever it can with it, maybe even including firing it off a canon and be okay as it is, after all, a cat can land on its paws.
Neate also mentions that there is a way for players to gain paid currency through the game itself. However, details about it have yet to be revealed. "Sea of Thieves" is due for release on March 20, 2018.
