The controversial pay-to-win business model designed for Star Wars: Battlefront II continues to rage fires in the passionate community. While trying to clarify its stance and calm the masses, Electronic Arts (EA) has only ended up digging a bigger hole for itself.
The so called “free” post-release content support promised for the highly anticipated sequel will still require players to spend Credits (in-game currency) for access. In addition, a recent leak claimed that the prices will be much higher and the system is designed to promote microtransactions in order to skip extensive grinding.
Earlier today, another thread posted on Reddit highlighted how paying the full retail price for the game will still not give players access to core content. Upcoming new heroes, weapons, vehicles, and other elements related to gameplay are potentially locked behind a nasty pay-wall.
Amidst fuming players, the publisher defended itself by stating that the “intent is to provide players with a sense of pride and accomplishment for unlocking different heroes” in the game.
The statement was marked as insulting by majority of the community, and rightfully so. There is a stark difference between locking optional cosmetic upgrades and content meant for the game behind a pay-wall. You cannot expect players to be content with grinding nearly fifty hours for a hero that they have already paid for. It is even more concerning that the publisher feels it normal for them to simply throw more money for access.
EA further added that it is “looking at average per-player credit earn rates on a daily basis” and will make adjustments if needed. However, the promise was less than assuring.
As the situation stands, there will be many who take advantage of the pay-to-win model by paying more on top of the retail cost of the game in order to play with new characters that others do not have access to.
Star Wars: Battlefront II is scheduled to release on November 17 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
