Ubisoft Says Microtransactions “Make Premium Games More Fun,” Sparking Controversy Among Gamers
Ubisoft has reignited the microtransaction debate with a statement buried in its latest Annual Financial Report, asserting that microtransactions contribute to making premium games more enjoyable. The claim appears in the "Group’s Business Model and Strategy" section on page 10 of the report, intended for investors but quickly noticed by the gaming community.
“Our monetization offer within premium games makes the player experience more fun by allowing them to personalize their avatars or progress more quickly, however this is always optional.”
Ubisoft emphasizes that these microtransactions are optional and designed to respect the player experience while being sustainable in the long term. The company claims their core development philosophy for premium titles is to ensure the full game experience is available without additional spending. According to Ubisoft, in-game purchases like cosmetics, special mounts, and shortcut options to speed up progression merely enhance the experience for those who choose to use them.
However, the reaction among core gaming communities has been largely negative. Critics argue that introducing paid time-saving options can devalue core progression systems, subtly encourage grindy gameplay loops, or shift design focus toward monetization incentives. While microtransactions are more widely accepted in free-to-play models, their presence in $60 to $70 AAA games remains a sticking point for many.
Ubisoft began integrating monetization into its premium titles with Assassin’s Creed Origins in 2017, and the practice has continued in major releases such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Valhalla, and the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. These games offer a range of cosmetic packs, weapon sets, and resource boosters, often available through in-game stores.
Despite the backlash, the move is clearly positioned as a long-term business strategy to increase revenue per player and maximize digital monetization potential. Yet, it raises ongoing concerns about the erosion of traditional game value and how “optional” purchases may shape game design philosophies behind the scenes.
With Ubisoft doubling down on this strategy in an official investor report, it’s evident that microtransactions are here to stay in its premium games. Whether this truly enhances fun or detracts from it remains a question that divides developers, players, and industry analysts alike.
What do you think—do microtransactions truly make premium games more fun, or are they undermining the experience? Share your thoughts below.
