Mech customization hints at microtransactions for MechWarrior Online

Piranha Games has posted a new developer blog which focuses on the MechLab in MechWarrior Online, where players can completely customize their mech. The blog also discusses cosmetic customization, which hints at microtransactions.

For starters, the parts of the mech that can be swapped out include Weapons, Armor, Engines, Heat Sinks, Jump Jets, ECM equipment and Modules. Furthermore, MechWarrior Online incorporates a “Hardpoint” system where weapons can only be swapped out with weapons of the same weapon type. Energy weapon hardpoints can only take energy weapons, and won’t allow, say, ballistic weapons.

As for equipment, Piranha states, ”Equipment swaps are performed exactly the same as weapons. As long as there is space and tonnage available, things like AMS, ECM, TAG etc. can be put into any appropriate spot on a BattleMech.”

The blog goes on to discuss armor and heatsinks, but some interesting information comes from cosmetic customization.

While the customization is fairly basic in concept, the blog post reveals, ”The available colours will vary based on default colours provided by the game and possibly purchased ones which are more exotic.” This seems to indicate that at the very least, players will be able to pay to make their mech more unique and personalized.

Microtransactions may be the subject of the next blog, as Piranha concludes the post, ”There is still more information to share but that’s going to have to come at a later date when we start talking about the Store.”

Stay tuned.