Highlights
Forza Motorsport stands out from its competitors by not including paid microtransactions, allowing players to focus solely on the racing experience.
The lack of microtransactions in the latest Forza Motorsport installment demonstrates that the franchise has improved upon previous errors in monetization, providing it with a competitive advantage over other racing games. In contrast to titles such as Gran Turismo 7, which heavily depend on paid content, Forza Motorsport places a greater emphasis on the fundamental gameplay experience, offering a rejuvenating alternative within the genre.
One of the standout features of Turn 10 Studios' new racing sim, Forza Motorsport, is its lack of paid microtransactions. Unlike its competitors, the game does not bombard players with popups asking for money. This absence of microtransactions allows players to focus on the game itself and enjoy the new features designed for both newcomers and long-time fans. By removing this predatory pay-to-win mechanic, Forza Motorsport captures the essence of classic racing games and distinguishes itself in the market. This decision shows the franchise's willingness to learn from past mistakes, giving it a competitive advantage over other monetization-focused games.
Forza Motorsport Learns From Past Entries’ Monetization Mistakes
The latest title in the Forza Motorsport franchise is a refreshing departure from its predecessors in terms of monetization. Unlike previous entries, the game does not feature aggressive monetization strategies, which has been well-received by many players. While players can still purchase car packs and VIP membership with the Premium Edition, there is no option to directly buy game credits or car points. This means that players' progression through the campaign mode is dependent on their skill and perseverance, rather than their willingness to pay.
In contrast, the 2013 release, Forza Motorsport 5, faced criticism for its heavy reliance on pay-to-play content. Despite attempts by the creative director, Dan Greenawalt, to justify the microtransactions, players were left frustrated with numerous cars being inaccessible behind a paywall. This negative feedback served as a valuable lesson for Greenawalt, who currently works as the General Manager for Forza Motorsport at Turn 10 Studios. As a result, Forza Motorsport stands out among other similar games in the genre, as it does not depend on excessive microtransactions to keep players engaged long after their initial purchase.
The Absence of Microtransactions in Forza Motorsport Sets it Apart from the Competition
Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 7 has gained critical acclaim for its impressive visuals and precise controls. However, the game has faced criticism from players due to its aggressive monetization tactics. Many fans are unhappy with the high prices of cars compared to previous versions and the constant pop-ups after races urging players to purchase additional in-game currency called Gran Turismo Credits. This heavy focus on microtransactions has raised concerns among players.
It's worth noting that Gran Turismo 7 is not the only racing game implementing such tactics. Even kart-racing games like Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled have incorporated paid progression mechanics in recent years. The extent of these paid additions in the upcoming EA Sports WRC, set to be released on November 3, remains unknown. However, considering EA's history of utilizing microtransactions in its other sports titles, it's likely that the publisher will adopt a similar approach in its forthcoming rally racing game.
Forza Motorsport offers players stunning visuals, a wide array of cars to choose from, and a revamped career mode. It breaks away from the franchise's past mishaps in monetization and industry trends, proving that it still prioritizes the thrill of winning races rather than squeezing revenue from players. The game is available for both PC and Xbox Series X/S.