Ubisoft Says Microtransactions Increase the Player's "Fun"

Ubisoft stated in its annual financial report that monetization in its premium games provides a "more enjoyable experience" for players. The company, known for titles like Rainbow Six and Assassin's Creed, emphasizes that microtransactions are optional and allow players to "customize avatars or progress more quickly".

Ubisoft informed its investors that monetization in premium games contributes to the fun for players, allowing for customization and faster progression. The company reiterated that such options are "always optional".

However, this statement contrasts with the perception of a large part of the gaming community. Forums and social media, like Reddit, often criticize Ubisoft for implementing "terrible" microtransactions in virtually all of its AAA titles over the past decade. A Reddit thread with over 2,000 upvotes describes the company's games as an "absolutely horrible amalgam made of greed, dollar bills, and copy machines". Steam users also express concern about the amount of microtransactions in games like Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Despite the criticism, Ubisoft maintains in its financial report that it has successfully "transformed its economic model" with the growth of its digital business. The company also stated that it has created a "task force dedicated to monetization and associated risks", with the aim of "identifying practices that could be perceived as manipulative or non-transparent". However, due to the "complexity, sensitivity, and strategic nature of the issue", Ubisoft "decided not to provide further details on the guidelines, practices, and recommendations mentioned".