Publisher EA has announced it is removing microtransactions from Star Wars Battlefront 2

In a blog post from the GM of developer DICE Oskar Gabrielson, the exec said that the team has listened to the feedback it has received to the game and is now turning off all in-game purchases. 

However, this is only until DICE figures out a better way of implementing them, with Gabrielson saying that "the ability to purchase crystals in-game will become available at a later date, only afer we've made changes to the game." 

According to VentureBeat, this follows the CEO of Star Wars owner Disney Bob Iger calling up EA chief exec Andrew Wilson to discuss the matter, which should illustrate just how much of a PR disaster this has been for the games publisher.

"Our goal has always been to create the best possible game for all of you – devoted Star Wars fans and game players alike," he said.

"We’ve also had an ongoing commitment to constantly listen, tune and evolve the experience as it grows. You’ve seen this with both the major adjustments, and polish, we have made over the past several weeks.

"But as we approach the worldwide launch, it's clear that many of you feel there are still challenges in the design. We’ve heard the concerns about potentially giving players unfair advantages. And we’ve heard that this is overshadowing an otherwise great game. This was never our intention. Sorry we didn’t get this right.

"We hear you loud and clear, so we’re turning off all in-game purchases. We will now spend more time listening, adjusting, balancing and tuning. This means that the option to purchase crystals in the game is now offline, and all progression will be earned through gameplay. The ability to purchase crystals in-game will become available at a later date, only after we’ve made changes to the game. We’ll share more details as we work through this.

"We have created a game that is built on your input, and it will continue to evolve and grow. Star Wars Battlefront II is three times the size of the previous game, bringing to life a brand new Star Wars story, space battles, epic new multiplayer experiences across all three Star Wars eras, with more free content to come. We want you to enjoy it, so please keep your thoughts coming. And we will keep you updated on our progress."

EA has already made multiple changes to the implementation of microtransactions in Battlefront 2 following fan feedback. The company's explanation as to the thinking behind the entire system is Reddit's most downvoted comment ever.

The whole mess has also caused Belgium's gambling commission to get involved, investigation loot boxes in Battlefront II and Overwatch.