Gran Turismo 7's in-game economy has been a source of controversy for the newly released racing title, and the latest update has complicated the matter even more.
The latest release in the massively successful and influential Gran Turismo series has been met with mostly positive reviews, which praise GT7 gorgeous graphics, improvements to the sounds and driving physics, and a return to the car customization options that helped popularize the series.
One thing that has been met with far less praise is the in-game economy of GT7. For those not familiar with the title, Gran Turismo 7 rewards players for winning races or challenges with credits. These credits can be used toward buying new cars or parts upgrades. But this edition of Gran Turismo makes earning these credits a slower process than recent installments of title, which has frustrated many owners of the game.
The slower economy has also raised concern from some, as it could indicate that the game intends to steer players toward purchasing in game credits with real money. This system is known to most as micro-transactions.
The payout rate for credits earned through achievements in game isn't the lowest in the series history, nor is this the first Gran Turismo title to offer micro-transactions, but GT7's credit system remains one of the most discussed features. A common counter argument to those criticizing the payout rates is that this release is one of the rare racing titles that encourages you to earn your content, rather than giving players too much too soon.
The most recent update as of the time of this writing brought GT7 to version 1.07. Among the changes were adjustments to the payouts for several events, including a one lap race at the fictional Fisherman's Ranch course. This race stood out to those trying to earn credits, since its payout relative to time invested made it the leading choice to "grind". Grinding involves running the same race again and again to earn a repeating payout. The Fisherman's Ranch payout has now been reduced to less than half of its previous amount, which has effectively eliminated the fastest way to earn credits for free in the game.
What are your thoughts on the Gran Turismo 7 payout system? Is this game designed to encourage micro-transactions? Does the credit system encourage earning rewards rather than being given everything too soon? Let us know in the comments below.
The latest release in the massively successful and influential Gran Turismo series has been met with mostly positive reviews, which praise GT7 gorgeous graphics, improvements to the sounds and driving physics, and a return to the car customization options that helped popularize the series.
One thing that has been met with far less praise is the in-game economy of GT7. For those not familiar with the title, Gran Turismo 7 rewards players for winning races or challenges with credits. These credits can be used toward buying new cars or parts upgrades. But this edition of Gran Turismo makes earning these credits a slower process than recent installments of title, which has frustrated many owners of the game.
The slower economy has also raised concern from some, as it could indicate that the game intends to steer players toward purchasing in game credits with real money. This system is known to most as micro-transactions.
The payout rate for credits earned through achievements in game isn't the lowest in the series history, nor is this the first Gran Turismo title to offer micro-transactions, but GT7's credit system remains one of the most discussed features. A common counter argument to those criticizing the payout rates is that this release is one of the rare racing titles that encourages you to earn your content, rather than giving players too much too soon.
The most recent update as of the time of this writing brought GT7 to version 1.07. Among the changes were adjustments to the payouts for several events, including a one lap race at the fictional Fisherman's Ranch course. This race stood out to those trying to earn credits, since its payout relative to time invested made it the leading choice to "grind". Grinding involves running the same race again and again to earn a repeating payout. The Fisherman's Ranch payout has now been reduced to less than half of its previous amount, which has effectively eliminated the fastest way to earn credits for free in the game.
What are your thoughts on the Gran Turismo 7 payout system? Is this game designed to encourage micro-transactions? Does the credit system encourage earning rewards rather than being given everything too soon? Let us know in the comments below.
