"Give Them Hell": MMO community defeated by microtransaction rebels after "Predatory" Battle Pass pushes them too far

 One of the oldest MMOs in the world faces bombings and protests

"Give Them Hell": MMO community defeated by microtransaction rebels after "Predatory" Battle Pass pushes them too far

In 2022, the RuneScape community found itself embroidered in an MMO drama unlike any other. The introduction of a new battle pass, in a game already rife with microtransactions, triggered a wave of discontent among players. This discontent was compounded by reports of a corporate buyout at the game's parent company, creating the perfect storm of controversy.

Let's clarify that we are discussing RuneScape, not Old School RuneScape (OSRS). OSRS deliberately veers away from the modern gameplay style and monetization of the mainline game, providing a sanctuary for players seeking a different experience. The Old School community has shown solidarity during the battle pass debacle, even lending their support to RuneScape players.

Meanwhile, RuneScape found itself in a difficult situation. On August 29, developer Jagex announced the Hero Pass, promising a "better, more rewarding RuneScape" starting from September 4, with new passes scheduled every three months. While the pass would be available to all players, premium rewards were locked behind a paid version linked to premier membership. Most RuneScape (and OSRS) players hold membership subscriptions because it grants access to the core game, but premier membership stands out as a 12-month package with additional perks. Players could also purchase Hero Pass levels to expedite rewards, further intensifying the controversy.

The Hero Pass, however, did not live up to the hype. The backlash was so severe that the Reddit thread addressing the issue included a plea for civility and understanding. The YouTube reveal suffered a similar fate, with a staggering 2,000 likes compared to only 322 likes.

Critics of the Hero Pass had numerous grievances. They were displeased that it was marketed as a major RuneScape update, especially after the well-received Necromancy combat update. Many players argued that it was merely an extension of the ongoing microtransaction issues, asserting that "MTX is not content."

Essentially, the Hero Pass resembled RuneScape's problematic Yak Track promotion, similar to how the pay-for-XP Treasure Hunt system had replaced the unpopular Squeal of Fortune in the past. Jagex acknowledged their past failures, stating, "With RuneScape's prior attempts in this space, we haven't achieved the bar set by other Battle Pass systems."

The inclusion of gameplay-altering items and buffs fueled pay-to-win accusations. In addition to cosmetic items like pets and outfits, the first Hero Pass, "Underworld," provided significant skill boosts and experience buffs, even affecting boss battles. Some players criticized this as a balance issue for a promotional event.

The revamping of daily challenges further fueled player discontent. Jagex replaced daily challenges with more time-consuming weekly and "special" Hero Pass missions, which many perceived as a downgrade.

The RuneScape Reddit community, now characterized by "very angry, grr" active users, was flooded with Hero Pass feedback, including posts of players canceling their membership subscriptions. Players urged others to "give them hell" and demanded higher standards for the game.

Some players emphasized the contrasting approaches of RuneScape and OSRS, with one Redditor lamenting RuneScape's perceived lack of transparency and communication compared to the Old School team's openness.

Even RuneScape's post-Hero Pass Steam reviews, which had previously been very positive, became predominantly negative due to the backlash against microtransactions. This sentiment extended to the game's App Store and Google Play listings as well.

Former Jagex developer John Pi expressed disappointment with the direction the game had taken, particularly the inclusion of gameplay-altering elements in the Hero Pass.

Jagex did not remain silent during this uproar. The company released a blog post addressing Hero Pass feedback, promising shorter and more rewarding daily missions and a revamped interface. Jagex also acknowledged concerns about gameplay-altering Hero Pass buffs and expressed a willingness to adjust their placement based on player feedback.

Jagex cited data indicating that "moderately active players" could reach rank 99 on the Hero Pass through normal playtime, but only about "30%" of the player base would reach rank 120. They pledged to use player feedback to balance the Hero Pass progression .

In conclusion, Jagex acknowledged the need for improvements to the Hero Pass and emphasized their commitment to addressing player concerns. The protests appeared to have influenced the developer, as they promised further details in response to the community's feedback.