Microtransactions start your engines.
Mario Kart Tour Beta has launched in Japan. Some of the first impression indicates that you’re going to need your wallet for this one.
It looks like Mario Kart Tour beta is pretty hardcore with regards to monetization.
Multi-level gacha for drivers, karts and gliders.
Rare drivers have advantages during races.
Stamina system limits races available on an hourly basis.
(Subject to change, this is a beta.)
— Dr. Serkan Toto 🔜 E3 2019 (@serkantoto) May 22, 2019
While not that surprising, I hoped for better with the game. I know it’s mobile and I know it’s business, but it’s Mario Kart, one of Nintendo’s top brands. Having a stamina system in Mario Kart Tour has the player buying virtual gas to race.
Mario Kart Tour monetization.
Gacha mechanics worked for Fire Emblem, and it has paid off huge for Nintendo. Animal Crossing Pocket Camp left the user frustrated and sadly, Mario Kart Tour looks to be on a similar track. The tweet from above also makes it sound like the game is pay to win with rare drivers having advantages during the race. I am surprised to see this because of Nintendo’s recent stance on mobile monetization.
“Nintendo is not interested in making a large amount of revenue from a single smartphone game. If we managed the game alone, we would have made a lot more,” a rep for Dragalia Lost developer CyberAgent told WSJ’s Takashi Mochizuki.
Mario Kart Tour Gameplay
It took the internet about 30 seconds to post gameplay video of the Mario Kart Tour closed beta. Some people didn’t read the fine print or the large print. I have seen gameplay on YouTube, and it looks like you will be playing with one hand. The track I saw in the video looked like Choco Island 2. The track was very flat similar to the SNES game. Graphically the game looks decent for a mobile game.
Mario Kart Tour Beta
I keep telling myself this is a beta, and it is not the final game. I will hold on to a sliver of hope that it will be an enjoyable game. The monetization strategy feels dated at this point, and I’m worried it will keep some from even trying the game. Once the final game releases I will have a full review.
Leaked photos below
I understand, but it is still beta.
Things change during beta. i.e. Elder scrolls blades. People hated the length of time it took to open a certain chest, silver I think. It was complained about so much that the time frame was lowered.
If enough people that are actually playing takes the survey at the end, this could help against those type of transactions.
I like the idea of racing and unlocking stuff. Maybe that will be the same, buy microtransactions just get you there quicker.
I’m waiting my email for the beta as I have been chosen (I picked the right cup)
Fingers crossed it’s is awesome!!