Following significant player backlash, Mountaintop Studios, the developers of Spectre Divide, swiftly adjusted the pricing of in-game skins and bundles just hours after the online FPS title's launch. This article details the studio's response to the controversy.
Spectre Divide Addresses High Skin Prices with Price Cuts and Refunds
Mountaintop Studios announced a substantial price reduction for in-game weapons and character skins, ranging from 17% to 25% depending on the item. This decision, spearheaded by game director Lee Horn, followed immediate criticism from players regarding the initial, exorbitant costs. The studio acknowledged player feedback, stating they were implementing these permanent price decreases. Furthermore, players who purchased items prior to the price adjustment will receive a 30% SP (in-game currency) refund, rounded up to the nearest 100 SP.
However, the price reductions do not extend to Starter packs, Sponsorships, or Endorsement upgrades. The studio clarified that players who purchased the Founder's or Supporter packs and these additional items will receive the corresponding SP refund added to their accounts.
Mixed Reactions to Price Adjustment
While some players welcomed the price adjustments, the response has been far from universally positive. Steam reviews remain overwhelmingly negative (49% negative at the time of writing), highlighting the ongoing discontent. Players on platforms like Twitter (X) expressed a range of opinions, from cautious optimism ("Def not enough but it’s a start!") to suggestions for further improvements (e.g., allowing individual item purchases from bundles).
Other players voiced continued skepticism, criticizing the reactive nature of the price change and expressing concerns about the game's long-term viability given the initial pricing misstep and the potential for future competition. The situation underscores the importance of pre-launch price testing and community feedback in the free-to-play gaming market.
