Pachter: “Game Sales Aren’t Suffering Because of Micro-transactions”

As the industry continues to debate the legitimacy of the micro-transactions versus their cost benefit, several designers like former Epic Games designer and Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski have offered their own take on the phenomenon.

Now, it’s the turn of Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, who stated to NowGamer that “I don’t really understand all of the angst about micro-transactions.

“Nobody has to buy anything, and most of the items for sale don’t make a difference in overall game play, just allow people to dress up their characters and the like.

“Yes, it’s nickel and dime, but since nobody has to spend money to enjoy the game, I don’t see why anyone cares. Yes, they are a necessary evil. Games cost a lot to make, and publishers are trying to hold the line at $60 retail pricing, so they must look for ways to increase monetization.

“I don’t think game sales are suffering because of microtransactions.”