The Resistance to Lockboxes in the Gaming World Is Constantly Rising

Oh yeah, so here we go again. Lockboxes, sigh. It seems like the topic hits the gaming world in waves and this week apparently a tsunami was heading for the studio’s dikes. As more and more games have figured that lockboxes or similar systems are easy money, the opposition is equally rising. Several major Youtubers, bloggers and gaming-related websites have come out against lockboxes, and their message was clear. Stop buying this shit! MassivelyOP has compiled all the links and videos in their post, so give them a click!

Neverwinter Is One of the Worst

It’s not the first time we’ve talked about the topic, and it probably won’t be the last. And that has a reason. Neverwinter might be run with exactly the monetization strategy guys are ranting about. It does not only heavily rely on lockboxes, it is essentially completely based on lockboxes.

Now if you’re PWE or a player liking the game, there’s no need to panic. The lights won’t go out anytime soon because of that. Tackling lockboxes legally is tricky and apparently the ESRB doesn’t care either although the troubling psychology of pay-to-loot system can’t be completely ignored.

The rising resistance against lockboxes however is still something to monitor cautiously as we’ve already pointed out in May. If lockboxes at some point become so disdained that nobody plays or buys into games involved with pay-to-loot any longer, tough luck. And it might not even require law. Propaganda and the internet is a strong combination. All it needs is a tipping point and then suddenly opinion becomes your enemy.

Until October 22nd Neverwinter Uncensored will be hosting a social giveaway for a chance to win one of five Wizkids Promo Codes. Neverwinter and Wizkids have teamed up and included special promo codes in their exciting new figurine line, D&D Icons of the Realms: Tomb of Annihilation. If you’re not feeling like buying into the figurines, here’s your chance to get a code anyway!

Stop Buying Lockboxes?

Neverwinter right now has no back-up plan, at least no apparent one. Let’s say you agree with MassivelyOP and others and want to stop buying lockboxes, but still support the game. Even aside from the fact that you lose out on major gameplay related enhancements, what else can you even buy? Completely overpriced packs, useless companions and way too many mount skins? VIP definitely, but hey, includes lockbox keys again… The interesting field of character customization is also largely tied to the Trade Bar Store, a currency that only drops in lockboxes.

If you think about it, it’s pretty messed up. Neverwinter really needs to find more ways than lockboxes to get into player’s wallets.

What’s your take on the gaming world and lockboxes. And what would you like to see more of in the ZEN store that you would be willing to spend money for? Share your thoughts in the comments below and visit the corresponding thread on our message board!

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