What Do Crystals Do In Battlefront 2
The original 2017 release of Star Wars Battlefront II featured a progression system deeply intertwined with a virtual currency known as "Crystals." These Crystals, purchasable with real-world money, played a significant role in how players advanced their characters and acquired in-game advantages. Although the system has undergone substantial revisions since launch, understanding the initial function of Crystals is crucial for grasping the game's history and the controversies surrounding it.
The Original Progression System: A Crystal-Fueled Lottery
At launch, Battlefront II's progression was heavily reliant on loot crates, formally known as "Crates." These Crates contained a random assortment of items, including Star Cards, crafting parts, credits (the in-game currency earned through gameplay), and cosmetic items. Star Cards were the primary means of enhancing a character's abilities and stats, effectively providing a competitive edge on the battlefield. The core problem stemmed from the fact that Crystals could be used to purchase these Crates, creating a direct pathway to potentially obtaining powerful Star Cards much faster than players who relied solely on gameplay.
Acquiring Crystals
Crystals were primarily obtained through microtransactions. Players could purchase bundles of Crystals using real money, ranging in price depending on the quantity. While it was technically possible to earn a small number of Crystals through very limited in-game events, the amount was insignificant compared to the cost of purchasing Crates. This imbalance incentivized players to spend real money to accelerate their progression.
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Crates and Their Contents
The Crates themselves were categorized into different types, each offering a different mix of potential rewards. Hero Crates, for example, were more likely to contain Star Cards for Hero characters, while Trooper Crates focused on Star Cards for the various trooper classes. Regardless of the type, the fundamental issue remained: the contents of the Crates were entirely random. This meant that players could spend significant amounts of Crystals without necessarily obtaining the specific Star Cards they desired.
"The reliance on loot boxes, obtainable with real-world currency, sparked significant controversy due to their potential to create a 'pay-to-win' environment."
Star Cards: The Path to Power
Star Cards granted various passive bonuses and active abilities to characters. These enhancements could drastically improve a character's effectiveness in combat. For instance, a Star Card might increase a trooper's health regeneration rate, reduce the cooldown on a special ability, or improve the damage output of a weapon. The rarity of a Star Card directly correlated with the magnitude of its effect, with rarer Star Cards providing more substantial advantages.
The combination of random Crates and powerful Star Cards created a system where players who spent more money had a higher probability of acquiring powerful upgrades, leading to a perceived imbalance in gameplay. Players who didn't spend money, while still able to progress, faced a significant disadvantage against those who did.
The Controversy and Removal of Crystal-Based Progression
The Crystal-based progression system in Battlefront II faced widespread criticism from players and media outlets alike. The random nature of the Crates, coupled with the competitive advantages offered by Star Cards, drew comparisons to gambling and raised concerns about the game's fairness. The phrase "pay-to-win" became a common descriptor of the game's progression system.
Public Outcry and EA's Response
The intense backlash ultimately led Electronic Arts (EA), the game's publisher, to temporarily remove Crystals from the game shortly before its official launch. This decision was a direct response to the negative publicity and pressure from the gaming community. The removal was initially presented as a temporary measure, with EA promising to re-evaluate the progression system and address the concerns raised by players.
The Reworked Progression System
Following the initial removal, Battlefront II underwent significant changes to its progression system. Loot Crates were effectively eliminated as a primary source of character progression. Instead, players earned Star Cards and other upgrades primarily through gameplay milestones and direct purchases using credits earned in-game.
While Crystals eventually returned to Battlefront II, their function was significantly altered. They were now exclusively used for purchasing cosmetic items, such as character skins and emotes, and no longer provided any gameplay advantages. This change effectively separated the game's progression system from the microtransaction system, addressing the core concern of "pay-to-win."
The Lasting Impact
The controversy surrounding the Crystal-based progression system in Battlefront II had a lasting impact on the gaming industry. It highlighted the potential pitfalls of integrating microtransactions into games, particularly those with competitive multiplayer modes. The situation served as a cautionary tale for other developers, prompting a re-evaluation of how microtransactions are implemented and balanced in games.
Even though the Crystal-based progression system is no longer present in Battlefront II, its legacy remains. The initial implementation and subsequent removal serve as a crucial case study in the evolving landscape of game monetization and the power of player feedback. The game's journey from a "pay-to-win" model to a more balanced and fair experience underscores the importance of considering the potential impact of microtransactions on gameplay and the overall player experience.
Why This Matters
Understanding the role of Crystals in the original Battlefront II is crucial for several reasons. First, it provides historical context for the game's initial reception and the controversies surrounding it. Second, it illustrates the potential dangers of poorly implemented microtransaction systems and their impact on gameplay balance. Finally, it serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of listening to player feedback and adapting game design to address concerns about fairness and accessibility. The story of Battlefront II's Crystals highlights the ongoing dialogue between developers and players regarding the ethical and practical considerations of game monetization.
