Russia-based independent strategy video game developer Nival has decided to change the business model for the upcoming Blitzkrieg 3 RTS war game. The decision has been made following the CEO's observation that "the market is shifting back towards a cleaner, simpler and more transparent model of one-time payments". Therefore all the previously planned microtransactions, in game currency and other 'premium account' subscription payments have been cancelled.
Sergey Orlovsky, CEO and founder of Nival said that "The pendulum is swinging once again when it comes to how consumers want to pay for their games." He added that "This trend inspired us to return to the classic distribution model of the series, thus honouring the series' traditions."
Despite shunning microtransactions Nival isn't totally rejecting modern games industry revenue generating trends. Currently the game is up for pre-order ($29.95) and you can buy it and get immediate access to the Closed Alpha Test (demonstrated in the embedded video below). DLC is also promised, expanding upon the three single player campaigns included in the initial one-off single payment, with future campaigns. No exact date has been set for the launch of the finished Blitzkrieg 3 game.
Blitzkrieg 3 is, as mentioned above, an RTS warfare game. It offers "tactical multiplayer combat, player's base development and historical battles merged with each other to create a unique gameplay experience". Players can choose between the Allies, the USSR, the Axis powers and there is an interesting "unique asynchronous multiplayer mode," where you can fight against others even when some of your fellow players go offline. The Blitzkrieg series of games has won numerous games industry accolades.
Is the games industry pendulum really swinging against F2P and microtransactions?
