EA CFO Blake Jorgensen made a sweeping declaration that, moving forward, all EA games will feature some form of microtransactions.
Speaking at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference, Jorgensen says the publisher plans to explore new ways to monetize games: "We're building into all of our games the ability to pay for things along the way, either to get to a higher level to buy a new character, to buy a truck, a gun, whatever it might be, and consumers are enjoying and embracing that way of the business." Jorgensen adds that microtransactions will likely be the "next and much bigger piece" of EA's revenue.
EA was criticized by fans and critics earlier this month over the aggressive use of in-game micro-transactions in "Dead Space 3." Though the purchases, which allow players to buy in-game currency and items, are not necessary to complete the game, they are prominantly highlighted. Fans responded to the practice by publicizing in-game "glitches" to show players ways to avoid buying micro-transactions: Though EA says the exploits were left in intentionally for players who'd prefer to spend time farming resources.
Though making bold, company-wide policy statements seems like an unusual way of conducting business, EA executives made good on plans to include some sort of multiplayer in every one of their games. Last September, EA Games president Frank Gibeau said he he's never approved a game proposal for a single player-only game since taking control of the company in 2008.
Jorgensen's statement was part of a larger presentation from EA executives, where he also talks about future pre-E3 reveals, and teases "Battlefield 4" on PS4. Check out full transcript here.
