Dead Space 3 dev on microtransactions: players "need instant gratification"

Dead Space 3's microtransaction store first surfaced via this photo and with it, a torrent of complaints from gamers followed. Visceral stepped in to say that the payments were not boosters, but time savers. Now the studio has discussed the payment model in more detail in a new interview, saying that it gives players "instant gratification."

Speaking with CVG, Visceral's John Calhoun said, "Not much has been spoken about that, but I can tell you the details now. The way the micro-transactions work, is that there's only three things that you can buy, and they're basically tiers of different resources. Resources are extremely valuable in Dead Space - we got rid of credits entirely.

"Everything that you can find in the game can be constructed from resources, which includes Tungsten, Semi-Conductors, Somatic Gel. Combining these in different ways will create either a weapon part, an ammo pack or an upgrade to Isaac's suit.

"There's a lot of players out there, especially players coming from mobile games, who are accustomed to micro-transactions. They're like "I need this now, I want this now". They need instant gratification. So we included that option in order to attract those players, so that if they're 5000 Tungsten short of this upgrade, they can have it.

"There's also the hardcore Dead Space players, who are reluctant to spend money outside the purchase of the game. Honestly, most of the dev team are that way, we're kind of old school, a little bit older. So not only are the micro-transactions completely optional, but all packs are available to purchase using in-game resources that you find.

"So, your scavenger bot will go out, and sometimes when he comes back he'll deliver ration seals. You'll start to accumulate ration seals at a pretty steady clip throughout the game, and everything that can be purchased with real world dollars can also be purchased with ration seals."

What to you think gamers? Should those accustomed to the mobile payment model mind-set be catered for in home console games too, or is this developers finding out how to squeeze more pennies from your pockets? Let us know below.