Square Enix’s In-App Purchase System: Is It Hurting Their High-Quality iOS Games?

Summary

In this article, we discuss Square Enix’s recent foray into iOS games with their two major releases, Final Fantasy Dimensions and Demon’s Score. Both games are of high quality and utilize in-app purchases for extra content, but Square Enix’s implementation of this system has received criticism. We delve into the issues with their pricing and purchasing model and how it may be hurting otherwise good games.

High-Quality iOS Games from Square Enix
The Issue with Final Fantasy Dimensions’ Pricing Model
Demon’s Score and the Problem with In-App Purchases
Conclusion

High-Quality iOS Games from Square Enix

Square Enix, the well-known game developer, has recently made a move into the world of iOS games with two major releases: Final Fantasy Dimensions and Demon’s Score. Both games are of high quality and have been well-received by gamers. Final Fantasy Dimensions is a fully featured role-playing game with sprite graphics, chiptune music, and a job-changing system from Final Fantasy V. Demon’s Score is a music game with 3D Unreal Engine graphics and a unique storyline where you play as a girl fighting demons.

The Issue with Final Fantasy Dimensions’ Pricing Model

While Final Fantasy Dimensions is a free download, players can only play through the prologue before having to pay for additional content. Players must pay $3 for the game’s first chapter and $10 each for the next three chapters. Additionally, if players want the chiptune soundtrack, they must pay an additional $1. This pricing model has received criticism for being too expensive, especially since players cannot fully experience the game without paying a total of $43.

Demon’s Score and the Problem with In-App Purchases

Demon’s Score has also received criticism for its in-app purchasing system. While the game costs $7 to download, players are quickly hit with requests for additional purchases. For example, players must pay $3 to make a pact with a demon, which allows them to play different pieces of music. Without paying for these pacts, players are stuck playing the same two songs repeatedly. This has led to negative reviews and accusations of being a scam.

Conclusion

Square Enix’s implementation of in-app purchases in their iOS games has received criticism for being too expensive and aggressive. While the games themselves are of high quality, the pricing model may be hurting their potential success. As more and more games utilize in-app purchases, developers must be mindful of how they implement this system to avoid alienating their audience.