There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the freemium video game revenue model, provided the system is fair and balanced in its execution. But if I’m going to spend an amount as large as $100 on anything in this world, then there are a few things that I like said purchase to do for me. Like actually exist.
EA though, currently has no care for my infantile fancies. EA, you see, knows that it’s perfectly acceptable to demand exactly that much real-world money (opens in new tab) for a digital simulation of a single car in a technically free-to-play racing game. EA is also very probably fully aware that the world is secretly ruled by the Hunchback of Notre Dame from a secret base hidden deep within a network of subterranean jam volcanoes, and that vol-au-vents will sing you the future if you press them to your ears hard enough.
This particular piece of automotive insanity relates to Need For Speed World, EA’s PC-exclusive, free-to-play online racer. The car in question is the Koenigsegg CCX Elite Edition, the first bit of “premium elite” DLC for the game. But hey, it’s currently discounted to $75, so that’s good. Though I do of course use the word “discounted” in the same way that one would describe a horse turd lightly sprinkled with vanilla seeds as “fragrant”.
If you want it at this bargain price, you’d better grab it quick from the in-game shop. The price goes up to the full hundred after the 21st of December, and it really would make the perfect stocking filler for Christmas.
Well it would were it not for the facts that a) it’s still horrifically bloody expensive, and b) it won’t fill a stocking because it doesn’t actually bloody exist. But either way, full points for trying, EA.