Developer Eleventh Hour Games is facing significant backlash from the Last Epoch community after announcing a new class will be released as paid downloadable content (DLC). This decision has led to a wave of negative reviews on Steam, with players expressing disappointment and suggesting alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Last Epoch players are unhappy with the announcement of a paid DLC class.
- The game’s Steam reviews have been significantly impacted, leading to a “Mixed” rating.
- Players are comparing the situation unfavorably to other action RPGs like Path of Exile and Grim Dawn.
- The developer has stated the class will be a one-time purchase, not part of a battle pass or subscription.
Community Uproar Over Monetization
The announcement of a paid class for an action RPG that was initially sold as a complete experience has ignited player frustration. Many fans feel this move deviates from the game’s perceived value proposition and sets a concerning precedent for future monetization.
The influx of negative reviews has caused Last Epoch’s Steam rating to drop considerably. Players are vocalizing their discontent in review comments, with many explicitly recommending other titles in the genre that offer a different monetization model.
Alternatives Recommended by Players
In the wake of the controversy, players have frequently pointed towards established action RPGs as alternatives. Path of Exile, known for its extensive free-to-play model with cosmetic and stash tab microtransactions, is a common suggestion. Another title frequently mentioned is Grim Dawn, which has historically offered its additional content through traditional expansion packs rather than smaller DLCs.
Developer Response and Stance
Eleventh Hour Games has attempted to address the community’s concerns, clarifying that the new class will be a standalone, one-time purchase. They emphasize that this is not a move towards a battle pass system or ongoing subscription fees, aiming to reassure players about the game’s long-term monetization strategy.
Editor’s Take
The controversy surrounding Last Epoch’s paid DLC class highlights a delicate balance developers must strike in the live-service game market. While monetization is necessary for ongoing development and support, introducing paid content that feels like a core component, especially after an initial purchase, can alienate a dedicated player base.
The community’s reaction, while harsh, is understandable. Players invest time and money into these games with the expectation of a certain value. When that perceived value shifts due to new monetization strategies, particularly for content that could arguably be seen as part of the base game’s progression, it breeds distrust. The developers’ challenge now is to navigate this feedback and demonstrate that their monetization approach will ultimately benefit the game and its players in the long run, without sacrificing the goodwill they’ve built.
This article was based on reporting from PC Gamer. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage.
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