A new GameSpot report confirms Metal Gear Survive requires a network connection, even when playing alone, months after rumors to that effect first appeared online. The gaming news site also confirmed an array of microtransactions when Metal Gear Survive hits PC and consoles next month, including resource boosters and support units.
Most avid gamers probably assumed we were done with aggressive microtransactions for a little while, after the Star Wars Battlefront II loot box controversy cost Electronic Arts more than three billion dollars in market value. But then there’s Konami: a 39-year-old developer/publisher that (in recent years) hasn’t met a bad decision it wouldn’t make. You might also remember it as the company that (allegedly) fired Hideo Kojima for being batshit crazy before transforming a Cold War spy story into a survival game featuring crystal-headed zombies. You know, normal stuff.
Against all odds, it looks like Metal Gear Survive might actually be good. There were plenty of positive reviews after last week’s open beta and the strange blend of survival mechanics, stealth-action, resource collection and crafting feels unique even for a series with a spin-off about the President of the United States’ cyborg ninja bodyguard. But now comes word that Metal Gear Survive requires an internet connection at all times. According to GameSpot Konami says the network requirement will make it easier to provide a “seamless” transition from singleplayer to multiplayer. But it’s not going to be a popular decision among gamers without stable connections and/or those uninterested in playing Survive with others. Konami also claims the network requirement will make it easier to patch Metal Gear after launch.
Konami also provided some basic information on the microtransactions we’ll see in Metal Gear Survive when it releases in Feb.. Players will spend Coins purchased with real currency -- the company isn’t discussing prices yet -- which they can spend on an assortment of items in the in-game store. Coins can also be earned by playing the game. Players will be able to buy one, seven, 30 and 90-day resource boosters, along with supporting units to help out when hordes attack the Wormhole Digger. It’s not clear what else (if anything) will be sold by Konami.
Metal Gear Survive is in development for PS4, Xbox One and PC. The game debuts Feb. 20.
Be sure to check back with Player.One and follow Scott on Twitter for additional Metal Gear Survive news in 2018 and however long Konami supports MGS after launch.
