Cyberpunk 2077 says no to microtransactions, Battle Royale modes

Cyberpunk 2077 has been garnering plenty of attention lately. After impressive showings during 2018’s convention cycle, teasing the game’s massive world and unique gameplay, Cyberpunk’s developers are turning heads by swearing off two of the most ubiquitous trends in modern gaming.

Cyberpunk 2077 says no to microtransactions, Battle Royale modes

The announcements in question were made in a series of Twitter threads in which developer CD Projekt Red answered questions from the game’s fans. In the threads, devs flatly denied that the game would have microtransactions or a Battle Royale mode of any kind. The lack of a Battle Royale component doesn’t come as a big surprise; it remains to be seen whether the game will have a multiplayer component at all. Check out the threads in question below:

Micro what? pic.twitter.com/TA6hXN8XBL

— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) February 4, 2019

Battle Royale modes have become somewhat omnipresent in modern gaming. Most popular titles released within the last year or so have included some form of the game type, which gained popularity with the rise of giants such as PUBG and Fortnite. With billions of players worldwide, other developers have capitalized on the trend, with Battle Royale modes included in games such as Red Dead Redemption 2, Call of Duty Black Ops 4, and Battlefield V. Some games, such as Call of Duty, have even shifted focus completely, forgoing campaigns entirely in favor of Battle Royale modes. To pass on this trend entirely is a major decision that puts Cyberpunk 2077 in a growing minority.

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In addition, the Twitter threads also confirm that Cyberpunk 2077 won’t include microtransactions of any sort. This trend is perhaps even more ubiquitous than Battle Royale modes. Most modern games include microtransactions of some sort, with players able to access in-game stores to buy items, weapons, and other content using real currency. Microtransactions have garnered more than their fair share of controversy and scandal, with many player bases complaining about pay-to-win schemes and locking the best content behind paywalls.

Usually, microtransactions are more prevalent in multiplayer games, but single-player only games aren’t exempt to the trend. Despite multiplayer components remaining under wraps, the decision to forgo microtransactions in single-player modes as well is a huge, head-turning move on the part of CD Projekt Red. As the gaming world continues to become more and more frustrated with the growing ubiquity of microtransactions, this decision could mark the beginning of a shift away from the payment schemes by prominent developers.

In addition to these two major announcements, the Twitter threads also teased some other major components to the game. CD Projekt Red confirmed that several companion characters would be available to act as sidekicks in game, and denied rumors that the game would be exclusive to the Epic Games store. Though an official release date has yet to be confirmed, speculation remains that Cyberpunk 2077 is on track for a 2019 release date, and is being developed for all major consoles. Fans of the game should look for more news to be revealed at the upcoming E3 conference.