As if the flurry of loot box and microtransaction-related news and opinions lately wasn’t enough, an untimely revelation has happened. Apparently, there was an Activision affiliated R&D team that filed a patent in 2015 for a microtransaction system that is sure to grind your gears. While the patent was filed years ago, it was granted on October 17, 2017, thus why the news is breaking now.
Even Activision’s patent title is enough to raise tempers, as it clearly states that it is for a system which will convince players to engage in microtransactions in online games. Supposedly the company has created a system which will allow matchmaking computers to push in-game items to players. And we’re not talking about a simple side-bar that says something like, “Hey check out these cool things.” The patent contains information at what is almost a almost conspiracy theory level.
Activision’s “system and method for driving microtransactions in multiplayer video games” intends to do everything it can to get players to buy in-game items. Some of the processes are really simple, like matching high level players with lower level ones in order to encourage the weaker player to buy in-game items. According to the patent, a difficult match with a better player may encourage the lesser one to buy similar items to get ahead.
This is pretty tame compared to some other points made in the system’s patent. Supposedly, it will also pay close attention to the items a player does buy. If you buy a specific weapon, the engine will place you in a match where your new weapon will be best used. You’ll dominate the match, figure you’re smart in your buying choices, and purchase more items.
Activision says that this system is not used in any current games, including Destiny 2 . However, it is still horrifying. Microtransactions and loot boxes almost always affect online gameplay. Let us know your thoughts on this patent in the comments!
Source: Rolling Stone