14 DAY TRIAL // Epic Games has gone a bit more in-depth about the microtransactions that will be present in Fortnite, its upcoming free-to-play shooter, confirming that they'll cover cosmetic items but also boosters for XP or health.
Fortnite is the next big title from Epic Games, the studio responsible for cult classics like Gears of War or Unreal Tournament.
Unlike those big titles, the new one is going to be free-to-play, meaning anyone on the PC platform can try it out and see if it's worth their time.
Of course, Epic has to make a profit and will feature microtransactions for different bonuses and items in the game.
In an interview with RPS, Epic's Roger Collum admits that for now only a few things have been decided about the in-game purchases, such as cosmetic items or boosters for different things.
"Right now we envision primarily cosmetics. We haven’t really worked out all of our plans on what will work there. We’re going to look at our audience and see what they think is valuable. We could say hats and backpacks and shoes and beards and glasses. That’s the initial plan, but I don’t know if that’s compelling. I think they will be, but we need to investigate."
However, Collum emphasizes that players won't be forced to spend money on the game if they don't want to. If they do end up using cash on it, then Epic wants to make sure they feel special and get value for their money.
"We don’t want it to come down to balance between a paying player and a free player. We don’t want it to seem punitive if you don’t spend money. But we do want people to feel value for money. So it’s that weird dichotomy where we don’t want people to feel bad for not spending, but we do want people to feel value if they spend money."
Seeing as how Fortnite is primarily a cooperative experience in which players work together to defend their forts against a rampaging horde of monsters, Epic wants those who spend money to feel like they're really helping their team in the game.
"I’m hoping we can engender some of that where people feel good about contributing to their team by spending a little money. Benefit the whole team while people who are investing time as a currency are contributing to the team in that way, by building the awesome base or grinding out crafting ingredients or whatever."
As of yet, however, Fortnite isn't even in closed alpha status, so don't expect to hear anything concrete about its microtransactions until well into the future.