Metal Gear Survive Has an Always-Online Requirement, Microtransactions

The release of Metal Gear Survive is just over the horizon, but a recent announcement by Konami has people feeling uneasy about the future of Metal Gear. It's been confirmed that the game will require a constant internet connection, even for the single-player mode.

The reported reason for this is that constant internet is required in order to offer a seamless experience when players transition from single player to multiplayer.

"Metal Gear Survive's online connectivity requirements were built to support a seamless integration between single player and co-op. This will also enable us to provide ongoing content post-launch."

Less surprisingly, but just as displeasing to hear, is that Metal Gear Survive will also have microtransactions, where players can purchase a premium currency with real-world cash. Some of the items purchasable with premium currency are Boost Passes, which expire after a period of time.

These facts are fairly large red flags in my eyes. Konami has a history of prioritizing monetization over quality, and these are the first steps towards a game falling to bits because it was structured to make money instead of having fun. I am equally distrusting of the always online requirement. Any PR agent could have told them that the west is against such an idea and the excuse that "it's to make gameplay seamless" sounds weak. I would much rather just face a loading screen.

It's too soon to call it a bad game or not, but we will be watching it closely these coming months.