nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Child Item

EA messed up - the huge backlash about SW : BF2

SeantheMan

So over on Reddit...yes I know...reddit....the EA Community Managed posted a response to the complaints and arguments about PAY2WIN and how long it takes (40hours average - saving up all your credits) to unlock an extra main characters such as Vader etc.
-Some guy did really good research and made a spreadsheet and all detailing how long it takes etc
Original post : https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsBattlefront/comments/7c6bjm/it_takes_40_hours_to_unlock_a_hero_spreadsheet/

The EA Community Manager response was

The intent is to provide players with a sense of pride and accomplishment for unlocking different heroes.
As for cost, we selected initial values based upon data from the Open Beta and other adjustments made to milestone rewards before launch. Among other things, we're looking at average per-player credit earn rates on a daily basis, and we'll be making constant adjustments to ensure that players have challenges that are compelling, rewarding, and of course attainable via gameplay.
We appreciate the candid feedback, and the passion the community has put forth around the current topics here on Reddit, our forums and across numerous social media outlets.
Our team will continue to make changes and monitor community feedback and update everyone as soon and as often as we can

Well this didn't go down well.

Previously the most DOWNVOTED comment EVER on all of Reddit...was 24,333...and that was a guy asking to set the record.
This currently has 94,600 downvotes and counting in 12 hours.

Thread is here
https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsBattlefront/comments/7cff0b/seriously_i_paid_80_to_have_vader_locked/dppum98/

Hopefully this teaches EA a lesson somewhat and they remove, curb or at least somewhat stop these ****ty practices.

Edit : In the time it took me to write this it's not at 98k lol

Find more posts tagged with

Quick Links

Comments

Penn

Kiith wrote: »

Good to see that they have removed them, but it'll be interesting to see what happens when they bring them back. I actually don't think they'll bring them back in their current form, and I suspect we'll see mostly cosmetic microtransactions, along with some XP/credit booster type ones after Christmas.

Glad that there has been something positive (so far) from this whole ****show anyway.

Still probably won't buy it (though i was on the fence before this anyway)

EA have said in an interview that when they return they'll still be tied to progression, for people who want an "accelerated experience"

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/ea-star-wars-battlefront-2-changes-will-balance-those-who-want-gameplay-progression-and-those-who-want-an-accelerated-experience?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

In a telephone conversation, an EA representative confirmed that the developers are going "back to the drawing board" in attempting to balance out Battlefront 2's microtransactions. Their ultimate goal is to find a way to balance the needs of their large playerbase, they said.

In saying that they will try and strike a balance for those seeking an "accelerated experience," EA appears to be suggesting that Battlefront 2 will eventually return to offering the opportunity for players to spend money on accelerators—industry jargon for gameplay boosts that can be purchased with real money. Aside from Battlefront 2, Need for Speed Payback is a recent example of EA's attempt to introduce balanced "accelerators" through loot boxes.

Overall I'm glad that the line in the sand has now been drawn and EA and hopefully other companies will see that there is only so far they can push things before consumers push back. Maybe it needed to happen with a game the brand recognition that Star Wars has to help break it into mainstream news, but I think most games implementing lootboxes and microtransactions going forward will hopefully see that they will be called out on it if they push it too far.

Kiith

Good to see that they have removed them, but it'll be interesting to see what happens when they bring them back. I actually don't think they'll bring them back in their current form, and I suspect we'll see mostly cosmetic microtransactions, along with some XP/credit booster type ones after Christmas.

Glad that there has been something positive (so far) from this whole ****show anyway.

Still probably won't buy it (though i was on the fence before this anyway)

Jelle1880

M!Ck^ wrote: »

Yes they will, it's confirmed it will return. But I'd suspect not in the manner of which it was in the game during implementation.

It's still a win IMO

You don't know that though. As for calling it a win: They deliberately kept it vague. None of this is by accident, they know what they are doing and no doubt Disney told them to try and get rid of the bad PR. So they make it sound like they've listened to the community, and will simply implement the same system later. I'd be more than happy to come back in here and apologise if I'm wrong.

And this might seem spiteful, but I actually hope they bring it back in the exact same way or even worse. I've had a read on /r/battlefrontTWO and those guys are lapping this **** up and calling out people who still complain, as if somehow EA have turned around and done the right thing.
Some people simply deserve to be ****ed over.

edit: https://twitter.com/The_Katbot/status/931367497831366657

So they're not changing it, it still links to progression in the game.

Andrew76

M!Ck^ wrote: »

Me waiting for Jim Sterlings video like.....

Here you go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiwRIkRTvms

[Deleted User]

Jelle1880 wrote: »

Seems a lot of people are lapping this up as proof that EA have caved.

They'll just introduce it back after Christmas or so.

Yes they will, it's confirmed it will return. But I'd suspect not in the manner of which it was in the game during implementation.

It's still a win IMO

Jelle1880

Seems a lot of people are lapping this up as proof that EA have caved.

They'll just introduce it back after Christmas or so.

Vicxas

M!Ck^ wrote: »

Me waiting for Jim Sterlings video like.....

Jim Sterling is gonna have a field day with this, seeing how much he despises Loot boxes and Microtransactions.

[Deleted User]

Once it hit CNN then the **** hit the fan IMO

http://money.cnn.com/2017/11/16/technology/battlefront-ii-star-wars-game-gambling/index.html?sr=twCNN111617battlefront-ii-star-wars-game-gambling0129PMStory

[Deleted User]

Me waiting for Jim Sterlings video like.....

quad_red

Stone Deaf 4evr wrote: »

If you think the house of mouse is a benevolent entity, not focused solely on generating money, well I'd say you're off the mark. It's a PR exercise now.

But they’re pretty obsessive about protecting the brand as well. Battlefront is nothing if not massively high quality fan service - it’s what generates the best return. Having the brand become intimately associated with blatant ****ty money grabbing and potentially the centre of introducing gambling (gasp!) components into a wholesome game about space war is not something Disney Corps wants probably.

[Deleted User]

Stone Deaf 4evr wrote: »

If you think the house of mouse is a benevolent entity, not focused solely on generating money, well I'd say you're off the mark. It's a PR exercise now.

I agree, but it made the difference all the same.
I'd say it was brown pants day at that meeting EA, Disney & the Shareholders.

Stone Deaf 4evr

gizmo wrote: »

According to this piece on Venturebeat it looks like Disney did indeed get involved...

Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.

If you think the house of mouse is a benevolent entity, not focused solely on generating money, well I'd say you're off the mark. It's a PR exercise now.

[Deleted User]

SeantheMan wrote: »

I know noone really expected anything to happen, I at least hoped.
But it's funny going back to the comments on the 1st 2 pages of people who said there was no chance anything of the sort would happen.

Hate to toot own horn but yea, I was right

This is massive news for going in general IMO

gizmo

According to this piece on Venturebeat it looks like Disney did indeed get involved...

Earlier today, Electronic Arts chief executive officer Andrew Wilson had a phone call with The Walt Disney Company chief executive Bob Iger about Star Wars: Battlefront II, according to sources familiar with the situation. A few hours after that call, and players are finding that the option to purchase the premium crystals currency is no longer working. EA has now confirmed that it is taking this feature down to address fan concerns just as the game is about to launch worldwide tomorrow. All of this comes after multiple days of outrage from fans who are upset that EA and developer DICE have implemented an online multiplayer system that gives an advantage to people who pay money.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.

SeantheMan

I know noone really expected anything to happen, I at least hoped.
But it's funny going back to the comments on the 1st 2 pages of people who said there was no chance anything of the sort would happen.

wes

I doubt anyone trusts them at this point.

gizmo

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

And the microtransactions are gone... for now:

https://kotaku.com/ea-temporarily-removes-microtransactions-from-star-wars-1820528445

Remember when EA said 'oh boy the Star Wars licence, what could possibly go wrong?'*

*actual quote from actual press release

CNNMoney contacting Disney for comment?!

EDIT: Ugh, and yet another DICE representative sent out to take the flak on this...

J. Marston

https://twitter.com/eastarwars/status/931332890717143040

"Will become available at a later date."

Translation; "We didn't expect this shítstorm, we'll wait until things quiet down and then make a few extra quid from you saps."

johnny_ultimate

And the microtransactions are gone... for now:

https://kotaku.com/ea-temporarily-removes-microtransactions-from-star-wars-1820528445

Remember when EA said 'oh boy the Star Wars licence, what could possibly go wrong?'*

*actual quote from actual press release

Venom

Some gameplay footage of Darth Vader

https://imgur.com/5lKYfh6

Adyx

Well how many game developers have been murdered because of unpopular game features? None, I'd guess. Unfortunately a large subset of gamers are dicks, not just to developers but to other gamers too. I don't even play online anymore despite being fairly active in UT99 & BF2142. That said, taking these threats seriously is just playing into the hands of theses losers. As with all Internet trolls, ignoring them is the best option.

Of course I won't be buying BF2 either way. It just sounds boring to me regardless of my love SW. KOTOR 3 or nothing ðŸ˜€

Moist Bread

This is a seperate issue to what EA are doing. It's a great deflection to the criticism they are getting over this.

I do think death threats are different from calling someone a ****wad, one is just being a dick and mostly letting off steam, while the other is harassment. It does affect people, even if you know that most of it is total bull****. I don't think condoning death threats is a good stance.

K.O.Kiki

super_furry wrote: »

Yeah but lets be honest, while this particular incident may be a hoax, there are hundreds of examples when it's genuine - http://www.gamesradar.com/7-instances-where-gamers-threatened-kill-their-favorite-game-developers/

It's not even seen as unusual anymore.

And?

Games sell in the millions.
Fanbases can be larger than sales even (think pirates, or kids who play on their sibling's / friend's accounts).

Now add in the G.I.F.T.

Probably 1 threat in a million is genuine.

gizmo

super_furry wrote: »

Yeah but lets be honest, while this particular incident may be a hoax, there are hundreds of examples when it's genuine - http://www.gamesradar.com/7-instances-where-gamers-threatened-kill-their-favorite-game-developers/

It's not even seen as unusual anymore.

Not to mention on this particular project with the actual Community Manager getting them. Even with this more accurate example though, Boogie's assertions in that tweet and its follow ups are still almost entirely off base imo.

super_furry

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

Except no one gave this guy death threats, he's some internet nobody who wanted his 15 minutes of fame.

Yeah but lets be honest, while this particular incident may be a hoax, there are hundreds of examples when it's genuine - http://www.gamesradar.com/7-instances-where-gamers-threatened-kill-their-favorite-game-developers/

It's not even seen as unusual anymore.

Moist Bread

This **** is a bit of a circus really.

[Deleted User]

https://kotaku.com/the-curious-case-of-the-ea-game-dev-who-said-he-receive-1820474458
Yeah, seems your man is a bit of a spoofer

K.O.Kiki

Moist Bread wrote: »

Honestly the death threat stuff has become normalized for some people online. I get told to kill myself pretty much everyday I play mobas, every week or so I will get someone directly threating my life, saying they they are going to track my IP and murder my family ect, no joke, this has happened countless times over the past few years.

I remember when doing that stuff was an insta ban in most games. Not so much anymore. So it's not surprising it's spilling over to game devs.

I view it as a completely seperate issue to EA's ****ty practices however. Recieving death threats doesn't absolve you of double billing people for your ****ty pay to win game.

Except no one gave this guy death threats, he's some internet nobody who wanted his 15 minutes of fame.

Moist Bread

Honestly the death threat stuff has become normalized for some people online. I get told to kill myself pretty much everyday I play mobas, every week or so I will get someone directly threating my life, saying they they are going to track my IP and murder my family ect, no joke, this has happened countless times over the past few years.

I remember when doing that stuff was an insta ban in most games. Not so much anymore. So it's not surprising it's spilling over to game devs.

I view it as a completely seperate issue to EA's ****ty practices however. Recieving death threats doesn't absolve you of double billing people for your ****ty pay to win game.

[Deleted User]

Venom wrote: »

https://twitter.com/Boogie2988/status/930191981057372163

He pretty much sticks to his argument of all gamers being responsible for the actions of a few in later tweets as well.

I think that reads exactly what I stated earlier. He's not directly blaming everyone. He's indicating that when someone is being a pyscho rabbid fanboy it paints a picture on everyone else