Shocking Decision: Monster Train Developer Removes In-Game Monetization from Inkbound
In a surprising move, Shiny Shoe, the developer behind Monster Train, has announced the removal of all in-game monetization from its popular Steam Early Access game, Inkbound. This decision comes as a response to the changing industry and player sentiment surrounding the controversial practice of monetization in gaming. While many triple-A games heavily rely on in-game currency and battle passes to generate revenue, Shiny Shoe’s bold step sets Inkbound apart from the crowd.
An Industry Shift
Inkbound has decided to remove its two in-game monetization options, namely the battle pass and the in-game currency shop, effectively from Friday, October 27, 2023. Initially, these monetization features were implemented during the game’s early access phase to provide financial support for its ongoing development. However, Shiny Shoe made it clear that these options were purely cosmetic to prevent any negative impact on gameplay or the fear of missing out in this roguelike co-op game.
Shiny Shoe states, “However, it’s clear that industry and player sentiment is trending against the presence of these features. For that reason, we are removing in-game monetization completely.” As a result, content from the existing Leveling Pass (battle pass) will be transformed into “supporter pack” DLCs available for purchase on the Steam store page. Meanwhile, the rest of the cosmetic content will remain accessible in the game and can be earned through gameplay.
No More Purchased Currency
Though the cosmetic shop and its offerings will still exist in Inkbound, the game’s developers have decided to make the in-game currency earnable only through gameplay. Any purchased currency will be converted into the new earnable currency, with players receiving double its value in the new currency, regardless of whether they have spent it in-game. In other words, if you previously bought 1,000 Shinies, the developers will grant you an additional 2,000 Vault Dust.
Leveling Pass Rewards
Players who own the Leveling Pass will automatically unlock all rewards, receive 1,000 Vault Dust, and find themselves on an equal footing with other players. A new free track of rewards will be introduced, offering cosmetics and the Vault Dust currency as rewards for leveling up.
“At the end of each Season, all seasonal free rewards will move into the Cosmetic Vault and can be earned from there. There is no FOMO,” assures Shiny Shoe.
Bucking the Trend
This decision by Shiny Shoe comes at a time when major triple-A games such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Overwatch 2 rely heavily on the battle pass and purchasable in-game cosmetics model. While some games require an initial purchase, others are entirely free. It is worth noting that Inkbound is not a free game, as it carries a price tag of $19.99 / £16.75 on Steam, with a possible “small increase” in the future upon its full launch. Shiny Shoe believes that sacrificing the income gained through in-game monetization is justified by prioritizing the overall satisfaction of its player base.
Positive Reception
The reception to Inkbound from players has been largely positive since its launch in May this year. With a total of 1,000 user reviews, an impressive 86% of them have been positive, indicating widespread appreciation for the game’s unique approach and engaging gameplay.
If you’re looking for more exciting gaming experiences to enjoy with friends, check out our handpicked selection of the best co-op games available on PC right now. Additionally, explore our recommendations for the top multiplayer games that offer endless hours of fun and camaraderie.