Microtransactions have become a controversial issue with some gamers, but Gears of War co-creator Cliff Bleszinski defends a developer's right to put them in games.
In his personal blog Clifford Unchained, Bleszinski calls the video game industry "just that. an industry", and says that developers have every right and reason to try and get as much profit for themselves as possible.
"Those companies that put these products out? They're for profit businesses. They exist to produce, market, and ship great games ultimately for one purpose. First, for money, then, for acclaim."
Bleszinski also has a few words to say about people who villainize EA, would recently spoke about the desire to include microtransactions in every future release.
"I'm going to come right out and say it. I'm tired of EA being seen as 'the bad guy.' I think it's bulls**t that EA has the 'scumbag EA' memes on Reddit and that Good Guy Valve can Do No Wrong... it blows my mind that somehow gamers don't seem to get that Valve is a business, just like any other, and when Valve charges 100$ for an engagement ring in Team Fortress 2 it's somehow 'cool' yet when EA wants to sell something similar it's seen as 'evil.' Yes, guys, I hate to break it to you, as awesome as Valve is they're also a company that seeks to make as much money as possible...They're just way better at their image control."
Bleszinski brings up a very valid point in that nobody makes gamers use microtransactions, and that games are expensive to develop and produce. While the practice of microtransactions may make some uncomfortable, ultimately it is up to the player to decided if and how much they want to spend on extra content. Though EA may make a lot of money, they still should try to make every last dime they can on their games, so that they can continue to operate at such a high level. Bleszinski understands this as somebody who is used to running a very successful franchise. Time will show if his words are prophetic or ignored.
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