The addition of microtransactions to Halo 5: Guardians has caused a bit of a fuss in the gaming community, so much so that 343 have had to post on the waypoint blog regarding the addition explaining what they are, why they’re there and how they’re going to be used.
The system will use a currency known as “REQ Points” which can be earned in each game in the Arena or in Warzones multiplayer. These can then be redeemed for what is known as “REQ Packs” which will contain the goodies that we all crave.
According to the blog post the packs will contain a variety of items. The post, written by development chief Josh Holmes reads; “Each pack contains a variety of requisitions (REQs) in the form of unlockable weapons and armors, skins, assassination animations, and more.”
Players can also obtain these packs when they level up their Spartan Rank, and complete Commendations across multiplayer.
The type of requisitions (REQs) that players can use will differ on the mode that they play. In Arena only cosmetic items may be used as a matter of fairness for a competitive experience for all players. In Warzone players can use any requisition that is available to them, but it is all governed by a system.
The post explains, “These requisitions are governed and balanced by Warzone’s in-match REQ Level and Energy systems, which are driven by player and team performance within the mode.”
Warzone games will be assigned a REQ level which will determine the level of the items that can be bought into the game. Energy points are then used to bring selected weapons to the fight for the individual.
Holmes does say in the post that REQ packs may be bought with money as “as a matter of convenience”, but does emphasize that only cosmetic items may be used in Arena games.
“The REQ System is designed to generously reward players with a steady stream of content to keep gameplay fresh.” he writes.
Holmes also noted that a portion of the proceeds will go towards the prize pool for the Halo Championship Series.
Are you a fan of microtransactions? Do you think this’ll ruin Halo multiplayer? Let us know in the comments below.