The massively popular Halo Infinite is going to be getting some substantial changes to its in-game marketplace, according to a recent statement. Infinite is the first game in the Halo franchise to feature a free-to-play multiplayer component, and as such is relying on microtransactions and purchasable Battle Passes to remain profitable. Unsurprisingly, this has drawn criticism from some Halo fans.
While Halo Infinite offers up a sizable open-world campaign that continues the story of Master Chief, its fan-favorite multiplayer component is free-to-play. Although this has transgressed the expectations that many gamers had following Infinite's initial reveal, the live-service multiplayer has proven to be a huge success with both series veterans and newcomers alike. While the core gameplay of Infinite is tighter and more polished than ever, many have raised concerns over the implementation of the multiplayer mode's progression system; it is the opinion of several gamers that EXP is gained far too slowly-- a matter made worse by the fact that earning EXP is not strictly tied to performance, rather it is awarded upon the completion of certain challenges. Developer 343 Industries has been tweaking this system, but it is still far from what a lot of fans were anticipating.
More changes to in-game progression and unlockables are on the way, according to Tweets made by 343 Industries Head of Design Jerry Hook. Hook noted that the development team had been monitoring discussions regarding the in-game shop and will be making adjustments accordingly over the next few weeks. While much of these comments are vague, Hook did specify that the initiative's main focus would be to reduce prices, provide better value, and offer more individual items independent of bundles. These changes will begin rolling out on Tuesday.
Microtransactions as a concept are far from respected by the general gaming community, and Halo Infinite has no shortage of them. These upcoming cost reductions should please some fans, and allowing consumers to pick and choose what they spend their money on by splitting up bundles seems like a good idea as well. However, there is no doubt that the continued inclusion and propagation of microtransactions in Infinite will draw the ire of many players who will not be satisfied by Hook's comments.
This group of players may be on to something; it's likely that the controversial state of the Battle Pass progression can be attributed, at least in part, to Microsoft's and 343 Industries' desire to drive players to the in-game store by offering it as an alternative to the grind-heavy traditional progression. However, if 343 Industries can incentivize players to purchase microtransactions by providing better value, it could pave the way for a better Battle Pass down the road.
Halo Infinite is available now on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.
Source: Jerry Hook/Twitter