The announcement ofCrash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Timecoming later this year from Toys for Bob, the same developers who handled theN Sane Trilogyremakes, was exciting news for long-time fans of the 3D-platforming mascot. Some were concerned when Microsoft revealedthe new title will have in-game purchases, but earlier today the developer hoped to alleviate that anxiety by confirming there are no microtransactions inCrash Bandicoot 4.
Toys for Bob let the world know about this lack of microtransactions in a Tweet, through which it also confirmed that the “Totally Tubular” 90s throwback skins are bonuses being included in “all digital versions of the game.” In a game thatwill have over 100 levels of contentwith collectibles strewn throughout, it should put many fans at ease to know its in-game purchases will likely lean more in the direction of DLC levels rather than pay-to-win options.
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Microtransactions gained popularity through mobile games but quickly spread to AAA titles as their money-making potential became clear. They have since become so derided by the video game community for typically promoting more unfair or exclusionary game design to buy one’s way out of that theEntertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) has begun labeling microtransactionsand loot boxes in its ratings.
It’s not hard to see why microtransactions have become as prevalent in the modern-day gaming scene as they have. A financial report released in May saidActivision Blizzard made nearly $1 billion through microtransactionsalone in the first quarter of 2020 thanks to titles likeCall of Duty: Modern WarfareandOverwatch.
Without microtransactions marring down the experience, it’s likely the newCrashgame will be freer to explore all of the promised content that has been revealed since it was announced on June 22. For instance,Crash Bandicoot 4will offer the titular character new abilities and platforming skills, local multiplayer, and both modern and retro difficulty modes.
Though no specifics are given as to what in-game purchases players can expect to see inCrash 4if not microtransactions, Toys for Bob’s track record developing remakes of both the originalCrash BandicootandSpyro the Dragontrilogies suggests this new game will be in the right hands to become something great. News sources like IGN have been releasingnew gameplay footage for a pirate leveland other key aspects of the game to keep players satiated before the official release in October.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Timeis set to launch on October 9th, 2020 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
