Moscow, Russia – The creators of the popular game Escape from Tarkov are facing backlash from their community over the release of a new top-tier edition called the Unheard Edition. This new edition, priced at $250, has been criticized for its high cost, “pay-to-win” features, and for deviating from promises made to buyers of the previous Edge of Darkness bundle.
Previously, the Edge of Darkness edition offered players the game along with extra in-game items and guaranteed free access to all future downloadable content (DLCs) as part of a “season pass”. Many players were enticed by this offer, believing they would receive all future DLCs for free with their purchase.
However, Battlestate Games, the developers behind Escape from Tarkov, removed the Edge of Darkness bundle from sale and introduced the Unheard Edition. This new edition includes exclusive in-game content such as expanded inventory space, a unique weapon, and access to a new PvE co-op mode, which is only available to those who purchase the Unheard Edition.
The community’s frustration grew as players realized that the promised free access to all future DLCs did not include the new mode locked behind the Unheard Edition. The lead community manager defended this decision, stating that the new PvE mode was not considered DLC, sparking further backlash among players who viewed it as a broken promise.
In response to the uproar, Battlestate Games attempted to appease the community by adding bonus items and features to the Edge of Darkness edition, including free offline access to the PvE mode for six months. Despite these efforts, many players remain dissatisfied with what they perceive as a “pay-to-win” model that gives unfair advantages to those who can afford the higher-priced edition.
As tensions continue to rise between the developers and the community, the debate over what constitutes DLC and the implications of exclusive content for different editions of games remains a contentious issue within the gaming industry. The future of Escape from Tarkov and the response from Battlestate Games to the community’s concerns will undoubtedly shape the direction of the game and its relationship with its player base.