Halo 4 could add microtransactions

Halo 4 could become the latest AAA title to introduce microtransactions. 343 Industries executive producer Dan Ayoub told Digital Spy that the studio is currently "looking at" offering cosmetic items for a small fee, similar to those available for Gears of War: Judgment.

"I think Halo certainly has the potential for those kinds of things," Ayoub said. "We don't have too much to talk about in terms of our plans down that line, but it's certainly something… we've seen the fans of Gears are enjoying, and if it's something we think our community is going to enjoy, it's something we'll seriously talk about."

Gears of War: Judgment currently offers various armor and weapon skins, ranging in price from 240 Microsoft Points ($3) to 400 Microsoft Points ($5), as well as bundle packs.

If Halo 4 does add microtransactions in the future, it will follow not only Gears of War: Judgment, but also Tomb Raider, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and Dead Space 3, among others.

Microtransactions will be a staple of future games, if recent comments from Electronic Arts and Ubisoft are any indication. EA chief financial officer Blake Jorgensen said in February that consumers are "enjoying and embracing" microtransactions, while Ubisoft Toronto manager Jade Raymond said last month that microtransactions are essential to the future of AAA games.

Halo 4 today introduced the Castle Map Pack, the game's third and final map pack. Developed by Certain Affinity, the expansion adds new maps Daybreak, Outcast, and Perdition. The content is available as a free download for those who hold a $25 Halo 4 War Games Map Pass or as an individual download for $10.