The Division won’t have microtransactions, but DLC definitely coming

Update:

Ubisoft further clarified the inclusion of in-game purchases with an even more confusing statement to EuroGamer, "Magnus's statement is correct, there will be no microtransactions at all. Not even for vanity items. Vanity items will be sold as DLC, through the regular first-party stores.​"

So, they won't be using the word 'microtransactions' to describe the vanity items that purchasable in-game. Basically, there are microtransactions, but they don't want to use that dirty word.

Original:

Fine print in The Division's store page in the European PlayStation Store suggested that the upcoming game could feature microtransations, saying "In-game purchases optional." Recent reports from Ubisoft have clarified that the game will not feature microtransations "as it's defined."

According to Ubisoft developers, there will be no option to "fast-track" through microtransactions, but players will be able to purchase DLC for the game. The type of content that will be available has not been clarified; however, Ubisoft did say that they will be "creating more content" after the game releases.

So, the facts are this — Ubisoft will not be releasing the game with in-game purchases as an option, but after the game launches, the developers will begin working on downloadable content for the game.

Creative director Magnus Jansen briefly talked about microtransactions in an interview with VG24/7, saying:

"It’s one of the things that we looked at because if people like the game and want to purchase extra things I don’t mind that. But microtransactions, as it’s defined, we do not have them. You cannot spend a little bit of money and fast-track to get better gear or pay to win or vanity items. We do not have that. The short answer is no, we don’t have microtransactions, period.

We will have DLC. We don’t have it yet because we’re just barely finishing the game. I just don’t want anyone to say that when we announce the DLC, “you said [no microtransactions]”."

Jansen also addressed the subject with GameSpot:

"I think the issue people have is when they feel like some content has been held back. They feel as though in previous years they would have got all the content for free. Even worse, some people find that certain microtransactions allow people to pay to compete. Pay-to-win, essentially. So I understand the hesitation.

I don't see an issue with people paying for content, and there will of course be DLC, because there's nothing bad about creating more content after we release this huge game."

From what it sounds like, it seems The Division will have DLC, likely in the form of a Season Pass with content packs adding more areas, weapons, gear, etc.; but, it doesn't look like we'll have microtransactions that allow you to pay-to-win.

We recently went hands-on with Tom Clancy's The Division. Check out our full preview (with gameplay videos) here.