Will New World have microtransactions?

As we close in on the release of New World there's still an elephant in the room that needs addressing. With any MMORPG, there has to be a structure in place to allow for monetization. This can be a monthly subscription fee, microtransactions, or both.

New World appeared to be launching without either, or at least we thought. They made a statement about this back in May and honestly, we're no clearer on the situation now.

Here's what we know about microtransactions in New World...

Paid-for Content in New World

After testing a storefront in one of their Alpha phases, New World came under criticism for testing a possible Pay-2-Win strategy. They quickly came forward to dispel this accusation but appeared to just confirm players' worst fears.

In the statement, it is made clear that New World will only launch with cosmetic content available for purchase. If the statement was left here, players may have received it a little more positively.

They instead go on to discuss the possibility of additional XP and fast travel items. These items could either be earned or paid for. It appears that the idea is to create boosters that allow players to progress through levels faster and reach the endgame with less of a grind.

Players have hit out at this tactic as being a slap in the face of those willing to put the hours in to reach the endgame 'legitimately'. New World was quick to fire back on Twitter claiming that these items would not in any way be forced. Instead, they offer an opportunity to players who cannot commit to the grind, a chance to reach and experience the endgame.

One thing the original statement makes very clear is that the decisions will be influenced by how players interact with the game in the early days. Should players consider the grind too much, these items may become available. If everything is nicely balanced, the boosts may never see the light of day.