Fans need not worry about in-game purchases in Eidos Montréal’s Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy game; the upcoming action title will include neither microtransactions nor DLC, according to a developer. News about the project itself leaked a few years ago, with additional premature details making the rounds in the lead up to E3 2021. Thus, Square Enix’s announcement of the Guardians of the Galaxy title hardly came as a surprise.
What did manage to engender a bit of shock was the October 2021 release date, a launch window that few could’ve predicted. The crew at the Montréal-based studio has been working on the adventure for several years, though, and had plenty to show for it during the Square Enix Presents conference. Guardians of the Galaxy spent well over 10 minutes in the spotlight throughout the presentation’s earlier portion, thanks to a developer deep dive and full-on gameplay reveal. The unveiling also included details about a special Cosmic Deluxe Edition and pre-order bonuses, the latter of which include classic Marvel skins for all of the spacefaring heroes.
Speaking with Stevivor, the game’s Executive Narrative Director Mary DeMarle instantly alleviated concerns about in-game purchases. The developer revealed Guardians of the Galaxy will not feature microtransactions; DLC isn’t on the docket either, she added. DeMarle explained,
“That’s because, for us, it’s very important that on day one, when players get this game, they can have access to everything there is about this game and to experience it. Right off the bat, they can get all of the costumes or outfits that are available, they can find all the abilities as they progress through the game. It’s all there.”
This line of thinking applies to the costumes featured in the aforementioned pre-order bonuses and Cosmic Deluxe Edition, as well. According to another Eidos Montréal representative, the bonus outfits simply constitute “early unlocks” that players can earn in-game through progression.
Such a stance is a far cry from Square Enix’s approach to microtransactions in Marvel’s Avengers. The beleaguered live-service title features an in-game marketplace that charges real money for items such as character costumes and emotes. Reason suggests the backlash that once plagued Marvel’s Avengers may have inspired the shift in gear for Guardians of the Galaxy, though that much cannot be confirmed at present.
Eidos Montréal’s latest project will cast players in the role of Star-Lord. Akin to Mass Effect, the player character will have control over how the other Guardians behave in combat by activating a command wheel that assigns various tactical options to the non-playable heroes.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy hits PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on October 26.
