One of the standout qualities of Forza Motorsport is a notable absence of a certain feature
Forza Motorsport distinguishes itself from its competitors by abstaining from the inclusion of paid microtransactions, thereby enabling players to de...
Phil Helsel
Oct 13, 2023
Forza Motorsport distinguishes itself from its competitors by abstaining from the inclusion of paid microtransactions, thereby enabling players to devote their undivided attention to the racing experience.
The lack of microtransactions in the latest installment of Forza Motorsport demonstrates that the franchise has assimilated valuable lessons from past monetization missteps, thereby endowing it with a competitive advantage over other racing games.
While other racing games such as Gran Turismo 7 heavily depend on paid content, Forza Motorsport places great emphasis on the core gameplay experience, presenting a rejuvenating alternative within the genre.
Among the myriad of compelling selling points for Turn 10 Studios' latest racing simulation, Forza Motorsport, one truly remarkable aspect is the notable absence of paid microtransactions. Whether newcomers or seasoned veterans, players embarking on their journey through the game will discover an array of exciting new features, yet they will not encounter intrusive pop-ups coercing them to open their wallets. This refreshing dearth of microtransactions distinguishes Forza Motorsport from its prominent competitors in the racing game market, allowing players to maintain their unwavering focus on the road ahead, rather than on their financial standing.
Although the absence of microtransactions hasn't always been characteristic of the series, the choice to eliminate them from its most recent installment is undoubtedly a commendable one. By allowing gamers to concentrate on the racetrack rather than bombarding them with exploitative pay-to-win mechanics, Forza Motorsport evokes a nostalgia for the genre's earlier days and delivers a sense of focus that can be lacking in other contemporary racing games. The exclusion of this type of paid content in Forza Motorsport signifies the franchise's willingness to learn from previous errors and grants it a competitive advantage over its counterparts that prioritize monetization.
Forza Motorsport Learns From Past Entries’ Monetization Mistakes
In previous iterations of the Forza Motorsport franchise, there were instances where the aggressive monetization approach sparked controversy, making its absence in the latest installment all the more invigorating. While players have the option to acquire car packs and those who own the Premium Edition of Forza Motorsport unlock a VIP membership, providing a permanent credit collection boost, there is no direct option to purchase in-game Credits or Car Points. As a result, progression through the campaign mode relies on players' skill and perseverance rather than their willingness to make monetary transactions.
This represents a stark departure from the heavy reliance on pay-to-play content seen in Forza Motorsport 5 back in 2013. Despite creative director Dan Greenawalt's attempts to defend the microtransactions in the game at the time of its release, numerous players were left frustrated by the significant number of cars that were locked behind paywalls. This negative feedback from fans appeared to be a pivotal moment for Greenawalt, who now serves as the General Manager for Forza Motorsport at Turn 10 Studios. The absence of the excessive monetization found in Forza Motorsport 5 is evident in the latest iteration of the franchise, setting it apart from other titles in the genre that heavily rely on microtransactions to generate continued revenue long after the initial game purchase.
The Absence of Microtransactions in Forza Motorsport Sets it Apart from the Competition
When it comes to intrusive monetization practices, only a handful of games rival the persistent push for player payments seen in Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 7. While this PlayStation-exclusive racing simulation has garnered critical acclaim for its breathtaking visuals and realistic handling, it has faced backlash from players due to its aggressive emphasis on paid content. Fans expressing their discontent with Gran Turismo 7's microtransactions have highlighted the exorbitantly high prices of cars compared to previous installments, as well as the frequent pop-ups at the end of each race urging players to purchase additional Gran Turismo Credits, the in-game currency, as reasons for their frustration.
Although it stands out as a prominent example, aggressive monetization tactics in racing games extend beyond just Gran Turismo 7. Even kart-racing titles like Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled have incorporated paid progression mechanics in recent years. The extent of such paid additions in the upcoming EA Sports WRC, set for release on November 3, remains uncertain. However, considering EA's utilization of microtransactions in its other sports titles, it is probable that the publisher will adhere to this familiar approach in its forthcoming rally racing game.
With its stunning visuals, extensive range of cars, and substantially reimagined career mode, Forza Motorsport presents a wealth of offerings to players. By acknowledging and rectifying the franchise's past monetization errors, while also steering clear of prevailing industry trends, this game from Turn 10 Studios demonstrates that there is still space for a title where the essence of triumphing in races takes precedence over extracting revenue from players.
Forza Motorsport is accessible on PC and Xbox Series X/S.