Battleborn is getting microtransactions this week

Gearbox has spoken previously about its plans to add microtransactions to Battleborn, and those plans come into fruition (well, partly) tomorrow, with an update that introduces the game's premium currency, Platinum.

From June 16, platinum can be used to purchase premium skins and taunts, though Gearbox is considering expanding this down the line to let you buy bank spaces, loadouts, or to boost your XP and credit earnings in ways that "do not affect actual gameplay". In comparison to Overwatch's mystery crate purchases, this doesn't seem too bad, given that you can buy these cosmetic items directly—although you will have to purchase Gearbox's Itchy-and-Scratchy-money in fixed 'Platinum Packs' to be able to pay for stuff.

Here's the exchange rate:

$1.99 for 230 Platinum

$4.99 for 700 Platinum

$9.99 for 1625 Platinum

$19.99 for 3500 Platinum

$49.99 for 9300 Platinum

A taunt will set you back 230 platinum, while a skin will cost 430. You can use the Steam wallet to fork out for Platinum Packs.

Gearbox includes a reminder at the end of the update post, that I think is worth reiterating.

"And remember: as we’ve said all along, we’re stuffing Battleborn with lots of free content across the board – five new, free heroes, competitive multiplayer maps, modes, and updates. Keep an eye out over the next several months as we have lots more content coming down the pipeline for those who own Battleborn."

Tom loves exploring in games, whether it’s going the wrong way in a platformer or burgling an apartment in Deus Ex. His favourite game worlds—Stalker, Dark Souls, Thief—have an atmosphere you could wallop with a blackjack. He enjoys horror, adventure, puzzle games and RPGs, and played the Japanese version of Final Fantasy VIII with a translated script he printed off from the internet. Tom has been writing about free games for PC Gamer since 2012. If he were packing for a desert island, he’d take his giant Columbo boxset and a laptop stuffed with PuzzleScript games.