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this post was submitted on 30 May 2024
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What do you mean by "shifted to". Was there ever a time when these were more common on consoles?
The game widely attributed to starting "micro transactions" was MapleStory, a windows MMORPG. PC games adapted online features like digital-only delivery, DLC's, and micro transactions before consoles even had the capability to do so figures out. Even before online capabilities, I remember going to game stores in the 90's and seeing "expansions" for PC games, which is what we used to call DLC back when it was physical.
When think "microtransaction", I think of a handful of different games immediately. MMO's, which are much more common on PC (chat features, complex inputs requiring a keyboard, add-ons or other enhancing programs running in the background). Simulation games (the Sims, Truck Simulator, Farming Simulator, Cities Skylines, Civ, etc) that usually are much easier with a M&KB than controller. Multiplayer battle games like MOBA's or shooters (Valve has DOTA 2, TF2, CSGO and most others are either PC exclusive or multiplat). When I think of Sony in particular, I think of their cinematic single-player experiences. Which may have some DLC, but I don't associate with predatory micro transactions like cosmetics or P2W schemes.
Consoles have tons of that too nowadays, but it seems like kind of weird to act like PC users are somehow less interested or susceptible to predatory pricing schemes.
Both pale compared to the mobile market though.
You are correct there, but I felt the PC community was a lot more patient and less willing to pay large amounts for games. They did however spend in their own games, MMO subscriptions, DLCs etc. It's more the initial cost of games that we were more likely to object, but MTX has always been a problem since it's introduction. League is selling a $500 dollar skin, the fact people don't quit over things like that existing just shows how much we have succumbed.
I feel console generally buys whatever latest thing is marketed to them and they play that. PC generally tries the new thing then slowly they return to their comfort games they have been playing for 10 years.
I think there are populations of both patient and impatient gamers on both.
The absolute worst platform is Nintendo. You might as well buy the game on launch because it's still going to be the same price 10 years later. Or even more expensive in some cases.
Consoles have been moving to digital, but they still have physical games. I can't go to a local store or eBay and buy used Steam games. At the same time, Steam has great sales that do a lot to offset that.
In general I think media hypes up new releases, and there's blame to go around omamong publishers, media outlets, and media consumers for that. But most online discussions on games are going to default to new releases unless it's a specific "patient" or "retro" community. So it's easy to underestimate how many people are fine waiting a couple of years. Or how many kids are waiting until their birthday or Christmas to play a game.
Absolutely and yeah Nintendo are the worst for games, ridiculous how they release old games at the same price as the new ones.