The highly anticipated Yakuza RPG, Infinite Wealth, is set to release on January 26. However, the excitement surrounding the game has been overshadowed by a controversial decision made by the developers. Players looking to experience the New Game Plus mode, which typically comes free of charge, will now be required to purchase the more expensive Deluxe or Ultimate editions. This unexpected move has sparked outrage among the gaming community and raised questions about the ethics of locking basic features behind paywalls.
Unlike most games that offer New Game Plus as a standard feature, Infinite Wealth has decided to make it exclusive to the Deluxe and Ultimate editions. The standard edition, priced at $70/£60 on Steam, only grants access to the base game. To unlock New Game Plus, players will need to shell out an additional $85/£75 for the Deluxe edition or a staggering $110/£95 for the Ultimate edition. These editions also come with other extras such as a post-game dungeon, bonus music, and additional characters for the game’s mini-games.
The news of paywalling a usually free feature has generated significant backlash within the gaming community. Many players have expressed their disappointment and frustration with this decision. The Yakuza subreddit is filled with critical comments, with one user stating, “It’s not ‘bizarre’, it’s just greedy.” Another player voices their disdain, saying, “I strongly dislike the cut-throat approach to DLC and locking a basic feature behind a paywall.”
Even industry figures have chimed in to criticize the money-driven release strategy. Yong Yea, a voice actor for one of the game’s protagonists, Kazuma Kirya, took to social media to express his disapproval. He boldly states, “No game should lock New Game Plus behind a paywall.” Yea argues that this practice damages community goodwill and diminishes replayability, ultimately harming the game’s long-term success.
This controversy is not limited to Infinite Wealth alone. Locking essential features behind paywalls raises questions about the direction of the gaming industry as a whole. The inclusion of New Game Plus has become a standard expectation among players in games with leveling systems and loot mechanics. Many recent titles, including Elden Ring and Alan Wake 2, offer the feature without any additional cost, while others, like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, plan to introduce it through free updates. Infinite Wealth’s decision to monetize New Game Plus goes against this trend and risks alienating players.
Implementing such monetization strategies may provide short-term financial gains for developers, but they come at the cost of community trust and goodwill. Locking basic features behind paywalls can create a negative perception of the game and its developers, potentially leading to diminished sales and a tarnished reputation. As players become more vocal about their dissatisfaction with these practices, it is crucial for developers to listen and consider the long-term impact on their games’ success.
In an industry driven by consumer demand, it is imperative that developers prioritize the interests of their player base. The decision to monetize New Game Plus in Infinite Wealth has caused significant controversy and has the potential to harm the game’s reception. It is essential for developers to re-evaluate their strategies and focus on fostering positive relationships with their community. By delivering value, transparency, and respect to their players, developers can build a loyal fan base and ensure the long-term success of their games.
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