IN-GAME REWARDS

Having an in-game rewards system with unlockable bonus content for meta feats is almost guaranteed to be regarded positively among players. This may not be feasible for certain types of games or for studios with budget constraints.

This is not the same as a 'battlepass' which uses negative psychology to coerce players to grind and spend money on inconsequential time-limited unlockables which ultimately leave a bitter taste. Rather these in-game reward systems were common (almost standard) in traditional games from the 360 / PS3 era and prior until getting shoehorned into paid DLC.

For a brief period in time there was a perfect crossover where Trophies synchronized with in-game rewards and unlocked content including alternative outfits, weapons and custom avatar pictures.

EXAMPLES TO FOLLOW

Halo 3 - Too Close to the Sun

Too Close to the Sun was an Achievement for Halo 3 that unlocked a piece of Scout armor for use in online combat. Not only was the Scout armor set highly regarded by players, the Achievements to unlock them were fun and set the gold standard for how Trophies should be integrated with in-game rewards.

Assassin's Creed II - Show your Colors

Show your Colors for Assassin's Creed II took things a step further by first requiring the player to unlock the Auditore Cape via the "In Memory of Petruccio" Trophy, and from there the cape must be worn in all provinces. A fascinating way of not only unlocking a great in-game reward but also intertwining two Trophies together in a unique way.

Dead Rising - Zombie Genocider

Dead Rising - Zombie Genocider was an Achievement granting the player one of the best in-game rewards in the form of the Real Mega Buster - the most powerful ranged weapon in the entire game. Dead Rising was full of in-game rewards tied to Achievements, giving real satisfaction to players who chose to invest time towards them.