When it comes to massively multiplayer online games, better known as MMOs, the line between love and hate is as thin as the edge of a sword. Every day, like clockwork, there’s always news about a game ruffling gamers’ feathers, and in the current cycle, RuneScape has found itself in the crosshairs.
The popular MMORPG that has been around since some of us were in diapers is now the talk of the town because of the bane of all that is good in gaming: microtransactions. Earlier this week, the game introduced a Hero Pass, essentially the game’s version of a battle pass system. Less than a week later, RuneScape was hit with a barrage of negative reviews on Steam, with the game’s rating plummeting to ‘Mostly Negative’.
Now, let’s put this into perspective. This isn’t just a bunch of newbies throwing a tantrum. Most negative reviewers have logged hundreds of hours into the game. When your most loyal players are this upset, you know you’ve stepped on a landmine.
The main bone of contention has been the perception that developer Jagex is prioritizing profit over player experience. Players argue that Jagex is destroying the game with its relentless push for microtransactions, and honestly, who can blame them? The game’s already filled to the brim with microtransactions, and the introduction of the Hero Pass feels like the straw that broke the camel’s back.
To make matters worse, there are murmurs circulating that Jagex is on the brink of another acquisition. If these rumors are true, it will mark the fifth occasion in a decade that the game developer has changed hands within its parent company.
This unusual trade began in 2012 when Insight Venture Partners took the reins, followed by a handover to Hongtou four years later. Then, Macarthur Fortune Holding entered the picture for a brief spell before handing off the reins to the current parent company, The Carlyle Group.
What makes the Hero Pass so controversial is that while it is free for all players, the juicier rewards are locked behind a paywall. This has left many players feeling like they’re being nickel-and-dimed, especially when they’re already paying for membership subscriptions.
Criticism for this decision isn’t just coming from the player community. Even former Jagex developer John Pi has taken to Twitter to voice his disappointment with the game’s current trajectory, stating:
It’s very disappointing to see this go through.
End-game combat was deliberately ringfenced away from MTX during my time at Jagex, including DTD’s not working.
Seeing it added to a battle pass (which should be cosmetic only IMO) makes me a very sad Pi 😞
Acknowledging the widespread criticism it faced, Jagex has taken note of this feedback and pledged changes to the Hero Pass. The UK-based developer also expressed gratitude towards players for their valuable input, emphasizing the importance of community contributions in shaping the game’s future.
As a proud member of the gaming community, I’m genuinely pleased with how fans have reacted to the absurd Hero Pass. The RuneScape community has made it clear that it won’t stand for predatory monetization practices. This should serve as a lesson for all game developers: listen to your players, or face the consequences.
