Following the results of the survey, we made some basic decisions:
- A game with micro-transactions is always checked in its review for a possible devaluation.
- Basically, we treat Free2Play and Buy2Play games the same.
- For purely cosmetic in-game purchases, we won't devaluate. They can, however, be relevant to ratings if, for example, they interferr with the atmosphere of the game.
- If micro-transactions affect gameplay, it can lead to devaluation. A prerequisite is that a game meets our new Pay2Win definition.
Devaluation for Pay2Win
- The point deduction for Pay2Win takes place in our devaluation section, where also devaluation for bugs or server problems take place.
- The devaluation is 5, 10 or 15 rating points . The amount is at the discretion of the tester and is dependent on the extent and impact of the Pay2Win elements.
- Independent of the Pay2Win devaluation are aspects of the game, which can be connected with micro transactions, but are in anyway relevant for the evaluation. Example: The speed cards in Need for Speed: Payback are related to the microtransactions and could lead to a Pay2Win devaluation. Regardless of this, the card system fits badly into the rest of the game world and therefore additionally presses on the atmosphere rating.
DLCs
As part of our discussions, we also touched on the subject of DLCs and some basics:
- DLCs as such are basically not relevant to the evaluation. We rate a game in the form in which a normal player can buy it commercially.
- However, pre-order and day-one DLCs as well as season pass content must be mentioned in the test and can indirectly affect the rating, because we only rate what the "normal" player gets. Example: A multiplayer shooter in the normal retail version contains only 5 maps, 5 more are available via DLC. Only the 5 maps of the standard edition are rated, which results in a correspondingly lower perimeter and possibly also final score.
The following link shows some examples and the impact of this new rating system.
- FIFA 18 loses 5pts for Pay2Win
- Mordor: Shadow of War loses 5pts for Pay2Win
- NBA K18 loses 15pts for Pay2Win
- Need for Speed: Payback no deductions for Pay2Win
- Overwatch no deductions for Pay2Win
- PUBG no deductions for Pay2Win
- Rainbow Six: Siege no deductions for Pay2Win
edit: also quite important, their The Pay2Win definition
A game that grants users real money access to in-game content or enhancements that gives the paying user a clear advantage over non-paying players, and thus reduces game balance, is what we call Pay2Win. It is irrelevant whether the game is offered for free (Free2Play) or paid.