Recent decisions made by developers of popular games Escape From Tarkov and Helldivers 2 have caused outrage among fans, leading to a significant loss of goodwill. Escape From Tarkov introduced a new $250 Unheard Edition with exclusive access to a PvE game mode and in-game bonuses that gave paying players an advantage. Despite promises made to purchasers of the $150 Edge of Darkness edition, the developers argued that the new mode was not considered DLC but a feature. This led to backlash from players, with many abandoning the game for alternatives such as Gray Zone Warfare, which quickly rose in popularity.
In a similar vein, Helldivers 2 developers Arrowhead Game Studios announced that players would soon be required to have an active PlayStation account on PC to play the game. This decision not only angered players who didn’t want to create a PSN account but also affected gamers in countries where PSN is unavailable, leading to the game being pulled from sale in many regions. Valve even began offering refunds on Helldivers 2, regardless of playtime. The immediate backlash from the community following these announcements suggests that consulting with players beforehand could have prevented these controversial decisions.
The lack of consultation with players before implementing these changes raises questions about the disconnect between developers and the gaming community. While it is hoped that those making decisions about the games would be in tune with player preferences, financial or corporate pressures may influence the final choices. Indie game Manor Lords set an example by asking its community for input on balancing trading mechanics through a simple vote on Discord, resulting in a decision that resonated with most players. Consulting with the community in such cases could prevent backlash and negative consequences.
The rapid rejection of the new features introduced by Escape From Tarkov and Helldivers 2 highlights the importance of involving players in decision-making processes. While developers may typically rely on their experience and expertise for design decisions, issues that extend beyond game mechanics should be subject to community input. Asking for feedback or consulting community representatives could provide valuable insights that could prevent controversial decisions and avoid alienating players. In the case of Tarkov and Helldivers 2, seeking feedback beforehand may have led to a different outcome and saved the developers from the subsequent backlash.
The incidents involving Escape From Tarkov and Helldivers 2 serve as a cautionary tale for game developers regarding the importance of community consultation. While developers may have valid reasons for the decisions they make, failure to consider player feedback can have significant repercussions. Moving forward, it is crucial for developers to engage with their community and seek input on decisions that could impact player experience. By fostering open communication and incorporating player perspectives, developers can build stronger relationships with their audience and avoid potential pitfalls that result from misguided decisions. Consultation with the community has become essential in ensuring the success and longevity of games in an increasingly competitive market.
