Square Enix’s upcoming Marvel’s Avengers video game will have microtransactions, though the company has said these won’t affect gameplay. The game won’t feature loot boxes, either, and Marvel’s Avengers’ publisher has detailed at least some of the in-game purchases players can expect to see.
Following the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the possibility for a great Avengers game seemed high, but a full, triple-A release wouldn’t come until Tomb Raider reboot developer Crystal Dynamics revealed Marvel’s Avengers at E3 2019. Initial reactions were mixed, as fans felt the gameplay looked generic and the characters looked like knock-offs of their MCU counterparts. Square Enix later revealed redesigns for the heroes, however, and the game has built up a solid pre-release community.
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Among the other details of the reveal, Square Enix announced there would be significant, free Marvel’s Avengers content post-launch. As with other “live service” games, then, it’s no surprise Marvel’s Avengers features microtransactions to keep revenue flowing in for the publisher. Here’s what Square Enix has revealed about these, so far.
Everything We Know About Marvel’s Avengers Cosmetic In-Game Purchases
A recent update to the Marvel’s Avengers ESRB rating confirmed microtransactions, but fans still don’t know the full extent of in-game purchases. Last June, Crystal Dynamics told IGN the game would feature “custom outfits” and “other aesthetic ways to customize your player card and your player experience” available via an in-game store, but nothing that would affect gameplay. Square Enix then announced in its War Table livestream a year later that certain hero skins will only be available through said marketplace.
While the other purchasable aesthetic customization options Crystal Dynamics mentioned to IGN have yet to be specified, Square Enix did show a few other kinds of cosmetics in the War Table stream. Players will have access to emotes and nameplates, along with the aforementioned skins. Based on the usual practices of live service games, it’s safe to assume these items will also be available in the store, though fans don’t know yet if certain nameplates and emotes will be exclusively obtainable through microtransactions. Players will also be able to customize their personal version of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, so that’s another possible avenue for in-game purchases.
Besides these cosmetic items, Marvel’s Avengers doesn’t appear to have any other microtransactions. Still, while DLC will be free, it’s possible Square Enix could release larger expansions down the line that require players to shell out extra cash, as is the standard for games like World of Warcraft and Destiny 2.
Marvel’s Avengers comes to Google Stadia, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, on September 4, 2020.
