Techland recently released a new update for Dying Light 2, introducing a premium currency to the sequel known as DL Points. While microtransactions aren’t new to the Dying Light series, the addition of DL Points is a departure from the traditional system where players purchased bundles with real currency. Techland’s stated rationale for this new system is that it offers a streamlined way for players to buy in-game bundles without needing to leave the game interface. This change also simplifies the process for the developer by eliminating the need to set up the bundles on multiple external platforms.
Unfortunately for the Polish studio, this change has been met with considerable backlash. Players who logged in after the update were greeted with a gift of 500 DL Points, which must be claimed by October 7. The issue? Most in-game bundles cost 550 points. In real money terms, while a player could previously purchase a bundle for around $6, they now have to spend $10 to get 1,100 DL Points. The result is that players are forced to invest more money upfront, with many left with an excess of unusable points.
It’s a situation that mirrors that of its contemporaries, implying that Techland has learned the wrong lessons from taking a look at what other games are offering at the moment.
Pilgrims!
As always, we are gathering your feedback and hear your concerns. As far as we understand, a big part of the frustration stems from the pricing of the bundles and the resulting leftover DL Points.To figure out this issue, we’ve already started working on a couple of…
— Dying Light (@DyingLightGame) September 8, 2023
Some are pinning the blame on Techland’s recent acquisition by Tencent, which the developers have since denied. But, the dissatisfaction doesn’t end there. Not long ago, the game’s community manager, known as Uncy, left the company, and his replacement made a controversial remark on the game’s Discord channel, suggesting that players unhappy with the DL Points system should “play something else.” The former community manager, Uncy, has expressed his disagreement with the new system publicly.
The consequence of this fan unrest is evident on platforms like Steam, where the overwhelmingly negative reaction has translated into a review bombing campaign.
While Dying Light 2 still holds a “mostly positive” rating, the recent reviews are increasingly mixed. The primary concern is the DL Point system’s perceived manipulative nature, as well as the sentiment that Techland has lost its integrity.
In an attempt to address the situation, Techland acknowledged the frustrations, particularly surrounding the pricing of bundles and leftover DL Points. The developer is reportedly working on solutions, which include offering the individual items for purchase and revamping the bundle system. But these changes won’t be immediate. It has also announced an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit with the Dying Light 2 franchise director, Tymon Smektala, to provide more clarity.
Despite the outcry over microtransactions, the update has some positive aspects. It introduces in-game integration of mod.io, granting players easier access to community maps. A crossover event with “Payday 2” will run until September 21, bringing infected robbers that players can hunt down for special loot. Additionally, for players concerned about gore, the new update offers different brutality settings, and several game bugs have been addressed.
Dying Light 2, which has had its share of ups and downs, had initially received mixed reviews. Concerns about its parkour system were prominent, with players feeling it was a downgrade from its predecessor. Thankfully, Techland had addressed these issues with quality-of-life improvements, elevating the game’s status. But with the introduction of DL Points and the leaked document detailing the game’s cut content, it remains to be seen how Techland will navigate this new challenge and whether the community’s trust can be restored.
