Dead Space 3 Release Date: EA Injects Micro-Transactions into Weapon Crafting System

In a move that is sure to draw the ire of vocal gamers, Dead Space 3 marks the debut of micro-transactions in the atmospheric horror franchise. The news was first uncovered by EuroGamer, who spotted a curious notification during a hands-on preview session with the game.

Much like the original Dead Space and its sequel, the third entry requires players to craft weapons using resources found in-game. Previously, the only way to secure these parts was to skulk in the shadows and struggle to survive against hordes of necromorphs. With this new system, a simple up-front payment will do.

Yara Khoury, the game's associate producer, told the site that "You can buy resources with real money, but scavenger bots can also give you the currency that you can use on the market place. So you don't have to spend [real world] dollars."

The scavenger bot is a tool that protagonists Isaac Clarke can use to obtain currency within the framework of the Dead Space 3's gameplay.

When EuroGamer asked whether or not players would be able to simply buy the ultimate gun from the very first chapter of the campaign, the producer responded "No you can't! There are a lot of weapon parts that are only available to buy later in the game. Unless you're playing through it again [on New Game Plus]."

In other Dead Space 3 news, those of you who hold a Mass Effect 3 save will unlock Commander Shepard's N7 armor for Isaac. Naturally, the save must be located on the same system that you use to play Dead Space 3.

Expect the game on store shelves on Feb. 5.