Players looking forward to the EA Originals’ Immortals of Aveum, will be glad to know that the magic-based action game won’t require that players always be online, nor will it launch with any microtransactions.
One of the biggest and perhaps most annoying gaming trends that have surfaced over the last decade is the requirement of an always-online connection, specifically for titles that have been crafted as single-player games, or at least titles that have the option to play entirely by yourself. To be at the mercy of a game’s server when all you want to do is jump in and continue the story has never been one that made sense.
Luckily, the upcoming EA title, Immortals of Aveum, won’t require an internet connection to play it. Not only that, but surprisingly at this day and age, Immortals of Aveum won’t feature in-game microtransactions, either! The bits of info was revealed during our group Q&A session with Ascendant Studios, where CEO and game director Bret Robbins confirmed that the title could be played entirely offline, and yes, not feature any in-game monetization of any kind.
You’re not required to be online to play. It is single player and there is no in-game monetization. – Bret Robbins, CEO and game director at Ascendant Studios.
Given that Immortals of Aveum is a single-player focused experience, that should be a no-brainer; however, as noted, there hasbeen trends in some games requiring an always-online connection, even when playing alone. Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a prime example that even though it features co-op, it has been marketed as a game that can be played by yourself, but you still need to be online to do so.
Crystal Dynamics also recently released a patch for Marvel’s Avengers to make it playable offline, but prior, its single-player could not be played without a connection. Other examples of games requiring an online connection to play that doesn’t make sense include Deathloop, which requires an always-online for its main campaign, and there’s the soon-to-be-released Redfall following it as well (but is getting rectified).
It may not seem like a big thing to many, especially since a good chunk of players are always connected, but nonetheless, when those moments the servers are down, it can be frustrating when you just want to continue with a game’s story. So the news of Immortals of Aveum not needing an internet connection is a much-welcomed one.
As for in-game microtransactions, while Immortals of Aveum won’t feature it at launch, that, of course could change down the road; especially if the game gets a multiplayer mode — something the studio themselves have teased to us in the invite-only presentation.
Immortals of Aveum will be casting its way onto the PS5, Xbox Series, and PC on July 20. Check out our first look at gameplay right here.