The nitrous fueled acrobatic game of Rocket League has jettisoned some extra weight in the form of loot crates.
Developer Psyonix said they’re dropping their loot crate system for something more favorable to players. This loot crate system was introduced into Rocket League back in 2016 and charges $1 per crate for randomized rewards. Psyonix laid out a statement for the future plans for the in-game economy.
“Here at Psyonix, and Epic Games as a whole, we are dedicated to creating the best possible experience for our players all over the world. In pursuit of that goal, later this year we will remove all paid, randomized crates from Rocket League, replacing them with a system that shows the exact items you’re buying in advance.”
Loot crates were a trend of the times and now the times are calling for battle passes. These battle passes were popularized by Fortnite, before being adopted by other online competitive titles. Rocket League implemented their season one battle pass last September.
Epic Games purchased Psyonix in May and has taken similar tactics dropping loot crates with their other titles. By using the “crazy concept” of allowing players to see what their buying, people might be happier about their purchase.
Recently, Loot crates and the gambling influence behind them have grabbed the eyes of politicians. The ESRB was created to have industry self-regulation and keep the government out of it. When it comes to old guys in suits making laws they know nothing about, any woman can tell you that’s not something you want.
The industry is always having a new trend such as microtransactions, online passes and whatever gains revenue. There is a fine line that can’t be crossed before consumers and those aforementioned suits put their foot down. Like tycoons during the California Gold Rush, publishers tend to “get while the gettin is good.”
Rocket League has sold over 40 million copies to date. The title is available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and whatever else plugs into a wall.
What’s the best sports game ever released? Do you think these changes to Rocket League will improve the game? What game do you hope removes loot crates next? Leave your comments!
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