Halo Master Chief Collection’s developer is ‘exploring’ adding microtransactions

343 Industries says it’s “internally exploring” the idea of adding microtransactions to Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

In a new blog on the official Halo Waypoint website, community writer Alex Wakeford explains that the game would be ending its Season-based model in favour of a ‘Series’ model, due to roll out in the next update.

Part of this new update will involve renaming Season Points, which can be earned through gameplay, to Spartan Points.

Despite the name change, Spartan Points will still be earned by completing challenges and levelling up to unlock items in the game. But 343 is now looking into charging real money for them too.

“For players who are new to the MCC, or who may not have dedicated much time specifically to unlocking items during the seasonal updates, or are simply completionists looking to catch the last outstanding items they need, we are internally exploring a potential new feature for the future in the form of purchasable Spartan Points,” Wakeford says.

“It is prudent to note here that we are happy with the current system of how players earn Spartan Points, by completing challenges and levelling up through play.

“This would be an optional, additive alternative for players who might find the vast scope of content to be an intimidating amount of playtime and want to get ahead on (or skip) the grind, or maybe want to grab specific items they want (we all have our favourites!)

“In the interest of transparency with our dedicated and passionate community, we wanted to inform you of this exploration in advance and provide assurance that purchasable Spartan Points would be an additive feature. We will have more information to share about this in the future.”

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Although the statement makes it clear that buying Spartan points will be optional, such microtransactions traditionally raise eyebrows among those who believe some games are balanced to encourage players to pay real money to get a certain item before it’s no longer available (the ‘FOMO’ effect).

Wakeford’s reference to “skipping the grind” may reinforce these beliefs, but it remains to be seen how the introduction of microtransactions will affect the progression system, if they’re ultimately introduced at all.