343 Industries dropped some considerable information regarding Halo Infinite yesterday, including the game’s official release date, screenshots of new weapons and armor coating, information from the Live Team, and even an art and graphics update with rationale behind the infamous “Craig the Brute” screencap from the Xbox Games Showcase.
One important topic addressed by the Live Team, the team designated to the live aspects of Halo Infinite such as free to play multiplayer, armor coating modifications, challenges and progression and achievements, to name a few responsibilities was that of “pay to win” elements. According to 343 Industries (per the Halo Waypoint blog post) there will be no “pay to win” features within Halo Infinite as a part of their “principles and pillars” guidelines system.
“We want everyone to play the game in a healthy manner that they enjoy,” said Ryan Paradis, the Design Director for the Halo Infinite Live Team, as part of the “healthy engagement is paramount” principles and pillars subheading. “We’re not trying to build a grind-machine that burns everyone out in an attempt to get more game time from them. Halo Infinite needs to be a place where we all look forward to spending time.
Microsoft/343 Industries
Paradis added that there will be no ambiguous value within Halo Infinite. “If someone invests their time or money in the game, they should understand what they’re getting and that it will be worth more than the investment. Examples of this in practice include no lootboxes, either through engagement or any premium route. And we’re not selling power or giving an unfair advantage in-game via any route.
On the topic of armor coating modifications, Paradis believes that every player should be able to build “their dream Spartan. We are always looking for more ways to customize in-game personas and give the players options. My team knows that our long-term players have favorites that they love and may have for two decades. We want to make sure that Halo Infinite players will be able to get their old favorites, as well as find new favorites at launch and as we expand over the months post-launch. Much like MCC, I want to bring everything to Infinite (eventually).”
Paradis and the Halo Infinite Live Team reiterated that there would be no “loot box” mechanisms. “Combined with our engagement pillar we want to be clear about how to earn rewards. Most of all, we want to bring the best set of cosmetic-only rewards to Halo. We want great looking assets and ways to show that Spartan off. We want players to get close to their Spartan and spend time swapping parts and pieces.”
“It has been said before – and it’s important to restate – no loot boxes, no randomness in rewards,” added Lead Progression designer Chris Blohm.
What do you think of the fact that Halo Infinite won’t have any pay to win features or “loot box” mechanics? Let us know in the comments.
Pingback: Halo: MCC PC launch adds most new players since Halo 3
Pingback: Halo Infinite development progress will be shared monthly, says 343