Dragon's Dogma 2 Bit The Bullet That May Still Hit Future Capcom Games (2024)

Dragon's Dogma 2 delivers overall as an action RPG, but its reputation has also been dragged down by decisions made regarding aspects of the title outside its core gameplay loop. Like several other high-profile single-player releases in recent years, microtransactions have been incorporated into it for the sake of offering convenience to players. While these in-game purchases may not be the most aggressive, their presence has sparked notable backlash among the general praise for Dragon's Dogma 2. Given Capcom's history of similar practices in previous releases, however, it's almost certain that this trend isn't going way anytime soon.

The controversy surrounding Dragon's Dogma 2's monetization stems from the inclusion of important in-game items being made available for purchasing completely externally rather than earning them traditionally. This aspect of the game has become one of its most infamous features since launch, even overshadowing many of its redeeming qualities to many prospective players. Despite this backlash, Capcom has already been implementing similar models in even bigger titles without attracting as much negative attention.

In-Game Purchases like Portcrystals Haven't Resonated with RPG Fans

Players have the option to purchase the otherwise obtainable Rift Crystals of Dragon's Dogma 2, and this resource offers various enhancements when traded as currency. RC can be used to buy a Portcrystal, which serves as a warp point once placed in the world. This warping still requires the use of a consumable Keystone, however, and that item cannot be obtained outside of gameplay. Other purchasable items, like the Art of Metamorphosis character editor unlock or the reviving Wakestones, are relatively easy to access through in-game progression, but these have led some players to express concerns over what is perceived as unnecessary monetization.

Resident Evil Set the Precedent for Premium Singleplayer Items

Capcom experimenting with microtransactions is nothing new, as RE has laid the groundwork for years now. Resident Evil 4 Remake's Exclusive Weapon Upgrade Tickets allowed players to fast-track upgrade progression, while RE2 Remake allowed all of its in-game rewards to be bought directly. Even Village features the option to purchase access to its Extra Content Shop and DMC5 sells revival orbs, setting the tone as the most recent entries in flagship franchises. These practices are often defended by emphasizing how these rewards can still be earned with in-game effort. The concept of paying for convenience seems to be a tactic that Capcom is committed to.

Capcom's Future Seems Potentially Marked by More Monetization Strategies

The Overall Success of Recent Releases is Unlikely to Dissuade Continued Microtransactions

Despite critcisms aimed at its in-game purchases and initial performance issues, Dragon's Dogma 2 has reportedly sold over 2.5 million copies. With the recent Resident Evil releases having continued to perform even better, it seems clear that the core gameplay experiences of these titles have still managed to avoid being labeled as pay-to-win. Negative fan reactions to these business practices have ranged from apathy to outrage, but this pushback has hardly compromised Capcom's major releases.

While post-launch support can make or break multiplayer-centric titles under the company's umbrella, like Street Fighter 6, the introduction of microtransactions in upcoming titles will require careful handling. With the likes of Monster Hunter Wilds on the horizon, fans of action RPG are likely to be more sensitive to the inclusion of in-game purchases, as shown by the backlash Dragon's Dogma 2 received. Capcom may continue to capitalize on the profits it gains from microtransactions now that this practice has become the norm for the company, but it will need to implement this monetization thoughtfully to avoid any further negative reception on the same scale.

Dragon's Dogma 2

The long-awaited sequel to 2012's action RPG, Capcom's Dragon's Dogma 2 follows the Arisen, a hero whose heart is stolen by a powerful and massive dragon. Featuring a world 4x the size of its predecessor, Dragon's Dogma 2 emphasizes customization and player control through its character creator, vocations system, and AI-controlled Pawns.

Action RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:87/100 Critics Recommend:93%

Franchise

Dragon's Dogma

Platform(s)

PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

March 22, 2024

Developer(s)

Capcom

Publisher(s)

Capcom

Engine

RE Engine

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence

How Long To Beat

30 Hours

PS Plus Availability

N/A

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