Steamworks to support Microtransactions-bad for TF2?

[Sprunth]

Along with the Steam-Mac announcement, a few other things came out with steamworks. Although not limited to TF2, TF2 does play a part.

These micro-transactions will be available to all future developers as well.

Now, what if Valve adds it to their own games, say paying for hats (I wouldn't :closedeyes

Although, other 3rd party developers may use this more, which would hope not. I'd rather pay $60 for a full game than $50 with micro transaction items, especially if they affect gameplay (as hats really don't).

Want to offer your customers a scabbard for their sword? New tires? The latest in night vision goggles? Now you can through microtransaction support in Steamworks. Your item server can now be easily integrated with Steamworks so that Steam users can buy and instantly use the items they want – all without leaving the game. Steam handles all of the billing through the user’s Steam account.

I have to say though, no matter how much I/we paid for TF2, it's a bargain.

Erm, less flame, less shame.

Original Steamworks post here

 

[Psy]

/me facepalms

Just because they're allowing other developers the option to add micro transactions to their games through Steamworks doesn't at all imply that Valve will be implementing it into TF2.

 

[Sprunth]

Just because they're allowing other developers the option to add micro transactions to their games through Steamworks doesn't at all imply that Valve will be implementing it into TF2.

Yeah, sorry, that's not what I intended. Could'a made that clearer.

This may not be so much TF2 related as steam-related. Feel free to move it?

 

[Firest0rm]

yeah, I doubt that valve will add microtransactions to tf2, because charging for updates would be impossible, and having people buy hats/other cosmetic items would be extremely irritating because i like having hate rare like they are now

 

[Ida]

Whichever way this goes, microtransactions are dumb. I'm disappointed.

 

[Terr]

Microtransactions make sense for certain purposes, but there are definitely bad ways to use them.

I say "bad" mainly because they offend my sense of fairness: I play multiplayer games because they provide (after ping/hardware) a version of reality which is a level playing field. Giving money a prominent position via transactions tends to ruin that.

 

[FaTony]

As expected.

 

[Tapp]

There is one comforting factor which means we will never need to buy items or make microtransactions:
valve =/= blizzard

 

[grazr]

Microtransactions make sense for certain purposes, but there are definitely bad ways to use them.

I say "bad" mainly because they offend my sense of fairness: I play multiplayer games because they provide (after ping/hardware) a version of reality which is a level playing field. Giving money a prominent position via transactions tends to ruin that.

This 1 thousand times over.

I recently played on a TF2 server with a premium account plugin. Premium account owners got overheal on spawn that never reduced over time, and also doesn't reduce after being overhealed by a medic, fully automatic weapons with unlimited ammo, additional speed, additional height to jumps, including never ending double jumps for scouts.

A single player who went scout/solly was able to take out the majority of our team. Imagine a good soldier who not only never had to reload or resupply but had double shooting speed as well.

I soon left.

On a larger scale, if TF2 were to implement this, i would leave TF2 for sure.

 

[Terr]

I think Valve is risking a lot of what makes TF2 good with their adventures in alternate-items. The more "cosmetic" items they add the more they erode what I always considered an important distinction: The clear class/weapon recognition.

I was looking at some of the media for games like Brink, and the only thing I can think of from the mass-customization is that you'll have a hell of a time accurately gaging your enemies in a firefight. "Is that a light guy with bulky armor or a Heavy guy with not much armor? What capabilities does that player have?"

That said, transactions for any gameplay-changing items are much much worse. I'm OK with the unlocks, and--since crafting--a little bit with the unlocks with no associated milestone, but...

 

[The Gentlemanne]

/me facepalms

Just because they're allowing other developers the option to add micro transactions to their games through Steamworks doesn't at all imply that Valve will be implementing it into TF2.

this

 

[TheTurnip]

At least this should mean that Railworks will stop clogging up the Steam game list with it's hundreds of microtransaction based trains.