2017 might go down as one of the most controversial years in the video game industry, in no small part to the recent debacle regarding EA’s Star Wars Battlefront 2 featuring quite possibly the most polarizing progression system gamers have ever encountered. While games have long now utilized “loot boxes,” they have generally been focused on cosmetic options that do not affect gameplay. Never before Battlefront 2 have we seen a system so deliberately designed to essentially force players to pay significant money for in-game advantages. When Battlefront 2’s beta was live in October, gamers discovered this troublesome system and responded furiously against EA. The backlash was so widespread that Disney, the owner of the Star Wars franchise, contacted EA on the eve of its release and expressed their extreme displeasure in how this whole situation was hurting Star Wars as a brand. In response to the demands from fans, critics and Disney alike, EA removed the option to pay for loot crates with real currency, though they were snide enough to add that it was a temporary measure while they figured out how to make this work.
This fiasco with Battlefront 2 is indicative of a larger problem within the video game industry. The issue of a pay-to-win model is certainly one that demands attention and needs to be rectified at some point. Such a model of gaming raises some serious ethical questions, as this will undoubtedly widen the gap between consumers based on what they are willing to spend, or can simply afford to spend. Trends seem to indicate that developers will likely continue to produce video games modeling a service rather than a product, which means the continued inclusion of options for more revenue similar to EA’s attempts through microtransactions.
In addition, as games demand more from players in terms of both time and monetary commitments, we are left with the potential for gamers being taken advantage of for the sake of deeper progression in these increasingly complicated virtual worlds. With the promise of a better experience or an advantage in-game, players willingly all too often commit to what essentially becomes an enslavement of their time and money to developers and their products. The hours and dollars spent in these quests become increasingly rationalized over time as players choose to make the game less an enjoyable experience and more a lifestyle choice.
This is where video games actually do become harmful. Any model of entertainment that insists on extracting regular amounts of money for such little return is nothing short of thievery. As consumers, we are at the mercy of how developers design their games, no matter how greedy their model appears to be, but this does not mean we are doomed to give in to their monetary demands. With this in mind, even if games were not trending towards this model, would it still be wise to spend such gargantuan amounts of time playing video games?
For a Christian like myself, a balance must be found in the pursuit of entertainment. This same principle applies to all forms of entertainment. Any kind of pleasure enjoyed in excess is indicative of obsession, and obsession is idolatry, according to Scripture. That may not mean anything to secular gamers, but there is a reason idolatry is considered sinful. Often when we read Scripture we focus on the directive, rather than the reason behind it. At this point in our existence, surely we must realize that sinful practices actually harm us to our very core. Addictive practices, such as alcoholism, show that sin has very real physical consequences to our lives. Sin never fully satisfies, never mind how compelling it is. A wise apologist, Ravi Zacharias once said of the nature of sin:
“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”
How appropriate a statement when considering the current age of entertainment. Video game addiction will ultimately distort reality for players to the point where the virtual world is completely preferred and the real world is ignored. Such addictions rob us of our precious time, money and potential for greater things. For Christians, we are faced with a very real question of how to approach video games that are often modeled in a way that almost guarantees addiction, not to mention outlandish amounts of money. It is vital to remember that video games are not quite like other forms of entertainment because they engage us in a way that demands investment in some form or another. Not all games are designed this way, but with the inclusion of microtransactions, increased emphasis on downloadable content, and large virtual worlds, video games have become far beyond a simple experience.
While there is no perfect answer for this increasingly complicated matter, I believe there is a simple remedy. We have to remind ourselves that video games are ultimately about having fun. If we lose sight of this, we could find ourselves drowning in the demands of modern gaming. Developers obviously want their games to be more profitable, but at some point, we have to draw a line. EA’s attempt with the release of Battlefront 2 to squeeze more money out of gamers, offering such little in return is a good place to start.
As much as I am loving its gameplay, Star Wars: Battlefront 2 asks a lot of its players, and even more so now that they’ve removed the payable options. It is without a doubt one of the slowest, least rewarding progression systems I have ever seen. EA expects players to overlook this because the gameplay is so fun, but this is an unfair expectation on their part. Gamers may find themselves at an impasse. Spending a tremendous amount of time grinding away just to unlock some advantages in combat, albeit amidst a generally enjoyable grind, is still at the end of a day – a grind. My approach is to try and simply enjoy the game for what it is, not being consumed by a desire to unlock the best of everything.
Video games are here to stay, and with them the challenges they present. Aside from the inclusion of microtransactions and polarizing progression systems, gamers will continue to find themselves at a crossroads. Will we yield to the ever-increasing demands of publishers like EA, or will we enjoy games for what they are in a balanced manner? What will rule us, ultimately? When pondering this question, a comforting passage of Scripture comes to mind:
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
Jon Hand Thoughts 