A recent update for the MMORPG game Guild Wars 2 has introduced a new lootbox system for mount skins. Mounts were introduced in the game's second expansion pack Path of Fire.

The update that launched last Tuesday introduced a new lootbox mechanic that encourages players to gamble on a set of 30 different skins, most of which are average at best.

Players can purchase the lootboxes from the game's in-game gemstore for 400 gems per box, roughly $5.00 US. In total it costs 9600 gems to unlock all new skins, roughly $120.00 US, if players buy boxes in bulk.

In Path of Fire players are able to unlock five mounts that each offer unique movement abilities: the Raptor, the Springer, the Skimmer, the Jackal and the Griffon.

All of the mounts feature traditional skins that work well in the new expansion pack, but despite that, the game's development studio ArenaNet is quickly moving to monetize the new feature by releasing mount skins that slightly change their appearance.

All of the new mount skins are not obtainable through normal gameplay and can only be purchased via the game's in-game gemstore, which adds to the community's frustration. Items sold via the gemstore are only available by purchasing gem cards or by converting gold to gems.

The first mount skins were introduced with the game's Halloween event which ends later today. The Spooky mount skins are only available in a pack and currently costs 1,600 gems while it is on sale. The default price of the skin pack is 2,000 gems.

In our review of Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire we gave it an 8 out of 10 score, praising the introduction of mounts, its soundtrack and storytelling, but also noted that the expansion pack lacks worthwhile repeatable content.

If the 30 new mount skins were added as rewards obtained through normal gameplay the new expansion pack would have been able to offer more content. This could have kept players interested for a longer period of time.