Real Racing 3: Why EA’s Interlagos Event Disappoints Players?
EA has done it again. The special Interlagos event is no longer available in Real Racing 3. This event previously allowed players to earn the new F1 Valente car. As of now, the car will only be available for purchase starting November 7, 2024. This decision has sparked frustration among players, as it feels like a slap in the face to those who didn’t spend their life savings during the event. In this article, we’ll dive into the implications of this move, the fairness of paywalls in games, and what this means for Real Racing 3’s player base.
The Paywall Controversy
In the gaming world, paywalls are often a necessary evil. Developers need to make money, and in-app purchases are one way to support ongoing updates and content. I have talked about the Special Interlagos in this article, click here. However, EA’s decision to lock the highly anticipated F1 Valente car behind a paywall has raised eyebrows. After the special Interlagos event ended, the car was no longer available for free, leaving players with one option: spend M$ 2,000,000 to purchase the car.
For many, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a sign of growing discontent with how games like Real Racing 3 are monetized. While skins, accessories, and other cosmetic items make sense as paid content, charging players for essential cars or tracks feels unethical.
Why This Feels Like a Disrespect to Players
I personally don’t have a problem with in-app purchases—game developers deserve to earn money for their hard work. However, when a key component of the game, like a car that impacts gameplay, is paywalled, it feels like a slap in the face to players who simply can’t afford to spend real money or grind excessive in-game currency.
There’s an understanding that premium content exists for those willing to spend. But locking essential items behind a high paywall, especially after a limited-time event, alienates a huge portion of the player base. This creates a sense of exclusion for players who invest time and effort but may not have the means to invest money.
Why This Feels Like a Disrespect to Players
I personally don’t have a problem with in-app purchases—game developers deserve to earn money for their hard work. However, when a key component of the game, like a car that impacts gameplay, is paywalled, it feels like a slap in the face to players who simply can’t afford to spend real money or grind excessive in-game currency.
There’s an understanding that premium content exists for those willing to spend. But locking essential items behind a high paywall, especially after a limited-time event, alienates a huge portion of the player base. This creates a sense of exclusion for players who invest time and effort but may not have the means to invest money.
F1 Valente Car: Why Players Are Upset
The F1 Valente car was highly anticipated, and the Interlagos event gave players hope they could add this gem to their garage. However, the window was brief, and not everyone had the opportunity to unlock the car during the event. Now, players must either wait weeks for the car to become purchasable or pay an exorbitant amount of M$.
This situation speaks to a larger issue: the fine line between keeping a game profitable and making it enjoyable. When players feel they are being forced to pay to access integral aspects of a game, it damages the trust between the developer and the community. This subreddit shows the frustation and anger of players.
The Importance of Transparency and Balance in In-Game Purchases
To be clear, I am not against in-app purchases in games. Developers deserve compensation for the incredible work they put into creating games like Real Racing 3. However, balance and transparency are crucial. Players should have the opportunity to earn key content through skill, time, and dedication—not just by paying for it.
The good news is that EA did add an exciting F1 event for Interlagos. However, there’s still no clarity on when, or if, the track will be added to the F1 2024 championship series. This lack of communication only adds to the frustration, as players feel left in the dark about future updates and events.
Final Thoughts
In a world where gaming is increasingly dominated by in-app purchases, it’s crucial that developers strike the right balance between monetization and player satisfaction. Paywalling essential items like cars or tracks crosses the line, especially when players are locked out after a limited-time event.
Real Racing 3’s F1 Valente car paywall is a wake-up call to developers about the importance of keeping in-game purchases fair and accessible. While the game needs to remain profitable, it should never be at the cost of player trust and enjoyment.
What do you think? Should EA rethink its approach to in-game purchases, or is this just business as usual in today’s gaming industry?
