Over the past couple of years, quite a few AAA developers have experienced their fair share of controversy over questionable DLC policies and micro-transactions. The gaming community itself seems to be split on these topics, with some being critical of what they believe are cash-grabs while others advocate freedom of choice.
Mortal Kombat X is the latest game to end up in the limelight for offering players a chance to purchase “easy fatalities.” We can now use simplified inputs to perform the finishing moves that have been one of the defining features of the Mortal Kombat franchise.
Understandably, some of us were baffled by this. We already knew that the game would contain easy fatality tokens, and that it would offer players a chance to unlock more. But being able to purchase an entire pack of them separately wasn’t something we can say we saw coming.
Here at PlayStation LifeStyle, we decided to have a discussion on the implications of such a move, and like the rest of the gaming community, we have varied opinions. Flip through the gallery below to read our thoughts.
(Note: Galleries can not be viewed via the mobile site at the moment. We’re currently working to resolve the issue, and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused)
We’d love to hear what our readers think. Can we justify allowing players to pay to make certain in-game features easier? Should such settings be included in a game by default? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).
Now Loading - MKX Easy Fatalities
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Now Loading...Purchasing "Easy Fatalities" in Mortal Kombat X
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Cameron Teague
While I can see why people would be upset over this, I honestly don't see anything wrong with it. It's the same sort of thing that goes into a F2P game, where you allow people to buy things that improve the experience. For some people, making it easier to do a fatality might just enhance their experience with the game so why not? Yes, I know it opens the door for other games to do the same thing, but as long as it isn't something mandatory to enjoy the game, then what's the harm?
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Chandler Wood
There is no exploitation in the purchase of tokens for easy fatalities. There is no false or underhanded advertising going into what you are buying. It's not pay to win. There is nothing wrong with Mortal Kombat X offering this. It's simply an option. It's a victory pose. You still have to win the match to be able to do it! It makes no difference on the actual gameplay whatsoever.
Let's take a moment to think about Mortal Kombat's origins in the arcades. That's right. Slamming quarters to play match after match. Lose a round? Too bad, pay more money. To some people, this opens the accessibility to the game. Fatalities are a big selling point in Mortal Kombat, but people shy away from the combos to have to do them. With these tokens, they are offering a doorway to people who may otherwise shy away because they don't feel they can memorize or pull off fatality button presses. Again, it in no way affects the gameplay online. It in no way impacts or takes anything away from the players who choose not to purchase it. And it puts money into the pockets of a great developer so that they can keep their doors open and continue to develop great games.
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Zarmena Khan
I'm personally not the kind of person who goes after the toughest difficulty setting in video games. In fact, I didn't purchase Bloodborne because I knew I wouldn't have the patience to get through it. But, I can't seem to digest the idea of paying to make something easier.
Doesn't matter if fatalities don't impact the gameplay. Easy fatalities sound more like an accessibility option and in that case, should be included in the game rather than being sold separately.
I prefer that we encourage people to learn something with a little bit of practice rather than simplifying things for the sake of it. After all, some easy fatalities are included in the base game. So the argument that it's okay for people to pay to experience one of the defining features of the franchise doesn't hold water with me. Can't the in-game easy fatality tokens suffice if all they want is to experience it?
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Dan Oravasaari
I personally don't believe it hurts anyone to have options, as long as those do not interfere with anyone else's experience. Having a micro-transaction for easy execution of Fatalities may not be for everyone, but if people want it, they will buy it. It is an option that has zero effect on my time with the game, so I have no issue with it. Fatalities are a major portion of the experience of Mortal Kombat, and I have always had friends who couldn't execute them, so something like this make perfect sense for someone in that situation. The issue behind it being a paid service instead of free is something I understand, but I am glad that it isn't readily available, so not everyone can crutch on it from the start.
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Heath Hindman
Accessibility should be in a game from the start, not something you have to pay extra for. This is ridiculous.
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Mark Labbe
I honestly don't see the issue with this. All of the moves can be done without purchasing anything. Having the Fatalities become easy to perform is not a typical Mortal Kombat thing, so it only makes sense that an atypical way needs to be implemented to allow people to make them easier.
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Mack Ashworth
"Easy Fatalities" remove any value in what was once a showcase of skill. Fatalities are supposed to be a final humiliation caused by quick button pushes and good character knowledge. Now these flashy finishers are no longer impressive, as players are paying to get better rather than playing to get better.
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Erren Van Duine
It's an example of downloadable content going too far. Yes you can choose not to buy it but some people will and those who do just enforce the publisher's decision to pull such shameful stunts. It's a practice that should be looked down upon because it's nothing more than exploiting consumer wallets for easy wins and not meaningful content - which is what DLC should be.
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Alex Co
While I see why some people might be upset with this, it doesn't really bother me that much. I mean, as long as the other player doesn't get an advantage that affects gameplay, I think I'm OK with it.
That said, this could lead to a precedent -- and one that's not good. What's next? Micro-transactions for one button combos?
Let's hope NetherRealm -- and other developers -- know when to stop with micro-transactions in games, no?
