Dead Space 3 developers - Visceral Games - have moved to clarify the rather controversial introduction of microtransactions to Dead Space 3, couching the in-game financial options in terms of providing time-saving devices geared towards players who "need instant gratification".
“Not much has been spoken about that, but I can tell you the details now," said Visceral's John Calhoun, chatting to CVG. "The way the micro-transactions work, is that there’s only three things that you can buy, and they’re basically tiers of different resources. Resources are extremely valuable in Dead Space – we got rid of credits entirely.
“Everything that you can find in the game can be constructed from resources, which includes Tungsten, Semi-Conductors, Somatic Gel. Combining these in different ways will create either a weapon part, an ammo pack or an upgrade to Isaac’s suit.
“There’s a lot of players out there, especially players coming from mobile games, who are accustomed to micro-transactions. They’re like “I need this now, I want this now”. They need instant gratification. So we included that option in order to attract those players, so that if they’re 5000 Tungsten short of this upgrade, they can have it."
Calhoun took pains to note that the microtransactions are "completely optional", and that everything that can be purchased via real money might also be purchased with in-game currency - ration seals.
“There’s also the hardcore Dead Space players, who are reluctant to spend money outside the purchase of the game," he continued. "Honestly, most of the dev team are that way, we’re kind of old school, a little bit older. So not only are the micro-transactions completely optional, but all packs are available to purchase using in-game resources that you find.
“So, your scavenger bot will go out, and sometimes when he comes back he’ll deliver ration seals. You’ll start to accumulate ration seals at a pretty steady clip throughout the game, and everything that can be purchased with real world dollars can also be purchased with ration seals.”
