The Battlefront Saga Continues…

CNBC reports that there was an investor meeting, hosted by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, in which EA CFO Blake Jorgensen was asked specifically about Battlefront II's issues. An analyst at the meeting summed up the response:

Management highlighted game depth and quality, but did not provide an update on unit expectations. As for the Battlefront 2 hero costs controversy, EA indicated the original hero costs were established based on targeted rate of game play progression and balance (not economics)

From that, it seems like EA was downplaying the issue, if not actually avoiding it. Not surprising, but not helpful either. There has been some concern with how profitable the game would be, and some analysts tempered their expectations for EA's profits over the holiday period in recent weeks. Nevertheless, as of today, there has been no sweeping call from analysts to advise investors to run from EA stock.

But while Wall Street may be keeping a close eye on EA's profits and stock price, is there any reason for Disney to be concerned about the whirlwind of negative press that is currently dogging the as-yet officially launched game? In an interesting opinion piece from Forbes, contributor Erik Kain explores this subject. Kain suggests that Disney should be concerned with how the progression system of loot crates works, and the possibility that the randomized of the results of an actual cash purchase are tantamount to gambling.

We know that Disney/LucasFilm are sticklers when it comes to how these games are designed, both in terms of narrative and visuals. But what about the spirit of the game itself? What about how the game is monetized? Is gambling (or quasi-gambling) something Disney wants associated with Star Wars? Is controversy over pay-to-win accusations something Disney wants associated with Star Wars just weeks ahead of the release of The Last Jedi?

Kain goes on:

It strikes me as very odd that a game focused on families would be pay-to-win, one of the least sportsmanlike concepts in the history of gaming.

It's an interesting point for Disney/Lucasfilm to consider. They may be pleased with the game's script, gameplay, immersiveness, etc., but does Disney want the Star Wars IP to be dragged through the mud because of a monetized progression system that encourages unfair play and gambling?

Disney's reaction, if there is any, could be one of the more interesting facets of the developing drama surrounding the Battlefront II.

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