Microtransactions are being removed from Middle-earth: Shadow of War

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Warner Bros. and Monolith are doing away with microtransactions and loot boxes (known as War Chests) in Middle-earth: Shadow of War.

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by Liam Andrews

@pass_controller

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This means that the paid for currency, Gold, is also being dumped, as well as the Market where players could make purchases. The changes will come into effect from 8 May, with any remaining Gold reserves being converted into in-game items if players haven’t spent it all by then.

Developer Monolith admitted the reason for the removal of microtransactions was because the studio worried their presence undermined the value of the game’s lauded Nemesis System.

“The core promise of the Nemesis System is the ability to build relationships with your personal allies and enemies in a dynamic open world,” read the blog post.

“While purchasing Orcs in the Market is more immediate and provides additional player options, we have come to realize that providing this choice risked undermining the heart of our game, the Nemesis System.”

“It allows you to miss out on the awesome player stories you would have otherwise created, and it compromises those same stories even if you don’t buy anything. Simply being aware that they are available for purchase reduces the immersion in the world and takes away from the challenge of building your personal army and your fortresses.”

Monolith also made mention of plans to tweak the controversial Shadow Wars endgame, in which players defend their fortresses from Sauron’s repeated attacks. New narrative elements are going to be added to help make the whole experience feel more “cohesive” and “streamlined”.

This will not change the Endless Siege mode however, where players are able to continue to defend their fortresses indefinitely, as they have since the update went live late last year.

What do you think of the decision to remove microtransactions from Shadow of War? Let us know below.​

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