Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth NG+ Paywall Causes Controversy
Excitement for the upcoming Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has reached a fever pitch, but Sega’s recent decision regarding New Game Plus (NG+) has thrown a wrench into the celebrations. Fans and critics alike are voicing concerns about the controversial move, which locks this popular feature behind paywalled upgraded editions.
NG+ Held Hostage
Imagine finishing Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, reveling in the epic finale, but wanting to dive back into Yakuza-infused mayhem with your maxed-out character and hard-earned gear.
That’s where NG+ shines, letting players replay the story with their existing progress, exploring hidden depths, and pursuing completionist goals. However, in Infinite Wealth, this beloved feature isn’t freely available.
To experience NG+, you need to shell out extra cash for the Deluxe or Ultimate editions, making it a paywalled privilege.
- NG+ isn’t just a bonus; it’s become an integral part of the RPG experience. It rewards dedicated players, extends replayability, and allows for experimentation with different builds and strategies.
- Locking it behind a paywall feels like Sega is holding something fundamental hostage, forcing players to choose between a complete experience and financial limitations.
I love @RGGStudio and the Yakuza/Like A Dragon games but I have to say
1) locking NG+ behind paid DLC is a dogshit decision and it should stop being a thing.
2) YouTuber marketing is a hit/miss. Please get to know your community and reach out to people who actually like RGG.— Kab || Infinite Wealthed (@misterkfishy) January 20, 2024
A Controversial Choice
- Fans feel betrayed by this monetization strategy, potentially damaging the reputation of both Infinite Wealth and the Like a Dragon series.
- Locking a core feature behind higher tiers could discourage budget-conscious fans from purchasing the base edition, reducing the game’s overall player base.
- If this tactic proves successful, it could pave the way for more features to become paywalled in future games, setting a worrying precedent for the industry.
Yeah this is killing some of the hype for infinite wealth for me now https://t.co/a9B2pnrwqE
— G U N M E T A L 💀 D R A G O N (@milaVtuber_) January 20, 2024
Sega had several options at their disposal, all more player-friendly than the current paywall:
- Include NG+ in all editions: Make it a standard feature and incentivize higher tiers with exclusive content or cosmetic customization options.
- Free NG+ DLC: Offer NG+ as free DLC after a set period, rewarding early adopters while eventually letting everyone enjoy the additional content.
- Unique NG+ Experiences: Implement tiered NG+ experiences, with the base edition offering a familiar replay, and higher tiers adding unique challenges, storylines, or rewards.
Like a Dragon Fans React
Fans have a powerful voice. By expressing our concerns through social media, reviews, and constructive dialogue with Sega, they can push for a more equitable approach.
Consumer pressure can make a difference, and collectively, we can urge developers to prioritize engaging gameplay over predatory monetization tactics.
Just a FYI: Yakuza Infinite Wealth is having you pay for new game plus.
Anyone else considering a new hobby other than gaming lol? Their has been a lot of shitty practices as of late. I also believe we are headed towards video game subscription services. This is gonna suck. pic.twitter.com/TzkORDEfWa— DougyFreshArt (@DigDougArt) January 20, 2024
Bro what the fuck is Sega doing with the publishing of Infinite Wealth lmao
The bizarre ass NG+ in Deluxe only, weird ass marketing, what the fuck
— Captain Salty Paris (@SaltyParis) January 20, 2024
https://twitter.com/redshift_fm/status/1748658079711801667
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth holds immense potential, but Sega’s NG+ paywall casts a dark shadow over the release. Fans and critics must remain vocal, highlighting the negative implications of this decision and advocating for a player-centric approach.
Ultimately, ensuring a rewarding and inclusive experience for all should be the true focus of any game, and Infinite Wealth deserves no less.
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JC Paredes
Since March 2021, I've worn two hats at Spiel Times: a writer and a Managing Editor. In my writing role, I've earned recognition from Wikipedia and Nev Schulman (Catfish TV Show host) for my insightful analysis and engaging narrative style. I'm passionate about all things gaming, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for uncovering hidden secrets within games. My gaming journey began at a young age, captivated by titles like Resident Evil and Tomb Raider. Today, I enjoy exploring open-world RPGs and MMORPGs, consumed by their lore and crafting theories about their narratives. I'm also drawn to the suspenseful atmosphere of horror games and the intricate narratives of crime-themed titles, bringing a unique perspective to my writing. Beyond gaming, I have a fascination with anything unexplained and chilling, a passion that often spills over into my exploration of horror games. When I'm not engrossed in a virtual world, you can find me curled up and spending time with my adorable doggy sidekick, Teemo. As Managing Editor, I'm committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our writing team. I communicate openly with my team members, addressing any content-related issues and providing guidance to help them excel.
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If your a completionist then this is ridiculous, more less forcing the fanbase to purchase paid dlc for a feature that could have been implemented in the game before release.
Most will probably purchase the dlc, because they want to not because they feel obligated in doing so.