This game has a harmful micro-transaction system. Cosmetics that should cost a few bucks end up costing $180. The stash tabs are $5-15 bucks apiece. Their announcements typically announce a new micro-transaction item. For example, this one on 6/18 includes this snippet:

"If you're looking for some extra character slots for your account for launch weekend, we're running a sale on these right now! Additionally, this is your last chance to get Thaumaturgy Mystery Boxes! It will leave the store when our next mystery box enters the store! Keep in mind that if you haven't taken advantage of it yet, it's still possible to get a free Thaumaturgy Mystery Box when you spend any amount of points in the store. NOTE: this is only possible once per account. Additional purchases do not grant additional mystery boxes. If you need some extra points, we recommend checking out the Harvest supporter packs."

I don't mind when a free game has a micro-transaction component. But I do mind when the publisher employs psychologically manipulative tactics to get people to keep buying stuff.

I don't like the mystery boxes -- they feel very exploitative. I've never bought one. It is amazing to me they have $480 supporter packs. I have seen YT videos with players having so many stash tabs it easily represents over $1,000. And you can find plenty of people with enough name tags in the forums to account for that much and more...

That said, I'll admit I've spent more on this game than I should probably have. I'd have to spend some time to figure out exactly how much but certainly in excess of $200.

Kxmode wrote on Jun 19, 2020, 20:58:
This game has a harmful micro-transaction system. Cosmetics that should cost a few bucks end up costing $180. The stash tabs are $5-15 bucks apiece. Their announcements typically announce a new micro-transaction item. For example, this one on 6/18 includes this snippet:

"If you're looking for some extra character slots for your account for launch weekend, we're running a sale on these right now! Additionally, this is your last chance to get Thaumaturgy Mystery Boxes! It will leave the store when our next mystery box enters the store! Keep in mind that if you haven't taken advantage of it yet, it's still possible to get a free Thaumaturgy Mystery Box when you spend any amount of points in the store. NOTE: this is only possible once per account. Additional purchases do not grant additional mystery boxes. If you need some extra points, we recommend checking out the Harvest supporter packs."

I don't mind when a free game has a micro-transaction component. But I do mind when the publisher employs psychologically manipulative tactics to get people to keep buying stuff.

Are you also getting subliminal messages that are making you drink your own urine, by chance?

Kxmode wrote on Jun 19, 2020, 20:58:
This game has a harmful micro-transaction system.

I don't mind when a free game has a micro-transaction component. But I do mind when the publisher employs psychologically manipulative tactics to get people to keep buying stuff.

Oh no, a business is advertising a product for sale!! "Buy our product, it'll make your life better/more enjoyable! Catch our current special SALE! Limited Time Offer!" .... What is the world coming to? I've never seen such dastardly & nefarious acts from a business selling a product!

PoE has one of the least harmful micro-transaction systems out there. Some convenience purchases (tabs) which are permanently added to your account, then everything else is cosmetic. End game content is possible without spending money.

So can you actually harvest sprouts in the game?

J wrote on Jun 20, 2020, 06:45:
So can you actually harvest sprouts in the game?

Nope, just buy overpriced shit.

Kxmode wrote on Jun 19, 2020, 20:58:
This game has a harmful micro-transaction system. Cosmetics that should cost a few bucks end up costing $180. The stash tabs are $5-15 bucks apiece. Their announcements typically announce a new micro-transaction item. For example, this one on 6/18 includes this snippet:

"If you're looking for some extra character slots for your account for launch weekend, we're running a sale on these right now! Additionally, this is your last chance to get Thaumaturgy Mystery Boxes! It will leave the store when our next mystery box enters the store! Keep in mind that if you haven't taken advantage of it yet, it's still possible to get a free Thaumaturgy Mystery Box when you spend any amount of points in the store. NOTE: this is only possible once per account. Additional purchases do not grant additional mystery boxes. If you need some extra points, we recommend checking out the Harvest supporter packs."

I don't mind when a free game has a micro-transaction component. But I do mind when the publisher employs psychologically manipulative tactics to get people to keep buying stuff.

And yet I've never bought anything from their store...weird how that worked for me...

I don't like the mystery boxes -- they feel very exploitative. I've never bought one.

I'll spend 5 (2 this time as they were on sale) coins on a weta pet or somethig else cheap to get a free mystery box each time they offer it. I won't buy a mystery box, but a "free" one is cool.

Fleche wrote on Jun 20, 2020, 13:42:

I don't like the mystery boxes -- they feel very exploitative. I've never bought one.

I'll spend 5 (2 this time as they were on sale) coins on a weta pet or somethig else cheap to get a free mystery box each time they offer it. I won't buy a mystery box, but a "free" one is cool.

Yeah, I'm not a "pet in games" guy, so that wasn't a temptation for me.

Yeah, I'm not a "pet in games" guy, so that wasn't a temptation for me

They just roam about my hideout. Weapon skins are usually on sale too