Ubisoft argues putting microtransactions in single-player games makes them “more fun”

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In the recent quarterly update, Ubisoft discussed their business approach and methods for attracting players, highlighting a specific aspect related to the enjoyment of their full-priced premium titles. In the section focusing on these games, they suggested that incorporating paid XP boosters and cosmetics into titles such as Assassin’s Creed: Shadows enhances the overall gaming experience.

Back when I was just a gamer, Ubisoft was among the pioneers who integrated microtransactions into their single-player games. Over the years, it’s become a common practice for them to offer expedited gameplay advancements or exclusive cosmetic items for a monetary fee in return, straight from the horse’s mouth as a fan of their games.

Additionally, it’s no surprise that video games often include cosmetic items these days, even when priced between $70 and $80. However, advancement boosters within the game provide an opportunity for players to bypass the usual progression process that can be tedious, known as grinding.

As a devoted gamer, I wholeheartedly understand and support Ubisoft’s stance on a strategy designed to enhance the player’s journey. This approach permits us, the gamers who have already invested in the game, to further customize our experience by opting for additional assistance that makes it easier to conquer levels and advance more swiftly.

Microtransactions make games more fun according to Ubisoft

If you’ve experienced the latest Assassin’s Creed games such as Odyssey, Valhalla, or Shadows, you’d recognize that these games are quite extensive. Leveling up is a crucial part of the gameplay because if your character is underleveled, they might not be able to assassinate targets with just one strike. However, Ubisoft deserves credit for addressing this issue in Shadows by allowing players to choose the one-shot feature.

Essentially, moving through multiple zones by leveling up is a fundamental aspect of this game’s journey. Although some players might relish exploring the scenery, those seeking to complete the main storyline should expect an adventure lasting nearly 100 hours, depending on their pace.

According to Ubisoft’s perspective, forgoing the grinding process might offer a more enjoyable experience for players, as they propose using paid XP boosts as an alternative solution.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m always on the lookout for games that not only provide an enjoyable experience but also have monetization and engagement strategies that are fair and long-lasting. This means that I appreciate developers who prioritize my gaming journey and create policies that balance their business needs with my enjoyment.

In the creative process at Ubisoft for top-tier games, we prioritize enabling players to fully enjoy the game without additional costs. Our in-game monetization within premium titles enhances player enjoyment by offering customizable avatars or faster progression, but these features are always optional and never required for a complete gaming experience. (Quarterly report excerpt)

It’s widely understood that enjoyment can vary among individuals, but designing a game to be tedious by including excessive grinding, only to later offer a solution for less grinding, might suggest that Ubisoft overlooked some fundamental steps to begin with, ultimately resulting in a more enjoyable gaming experience from the outset.

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2025-07-20 18:48