Title: Destiny 2: Community Highlights Disappointing Losses in Long-awaited State of the Game Update
Introduction:
In a recent State of the Game update, Bungie, the developer behind Destiny 2, explained why they have not been focusing their resources on popular game modes like Gambit or Crucible. However, this update has sparked a flurry of discussions within the Destiny community, with many members doing their own calculations. These calculations reveal a concerning decline in both free-to-play and paid content over the years, as well as a growing proportion of paid content over free offerings.
Content Comparison:
According to u/Crusader3456, a prominent Destiny 2 community member, the game has suffered significant losses in terms of content. Here is a summary of the grand totals he provided:
– 4 Campaigns (base game, DLC, and expansions)
– 9 Strikes
– 5 Raids (including Lairs)
– 8 Crucible Maps
– 2 Gambit Maps
– 6 Destinations
– 15 Seasonal Storylines
– 2 Events
– 17 Seasonal Activities
– 3 Exotic Missions
– 27 Unique Exotic Questlines
– 1 Tribute Hall
Furthermore, an infographic documenting the original “free-to-play” content has resurfaced, underscoring the loss of content over time. Notably, the following elements have been crossed out:
– 3 campaigns (Red War, Curse of Osiris, Warmind)
– 3 seasons (Forge, Drifter, Opulence)
– Year 1 Raids and Gear (Leviathan and Lairs)
– Trials (now requires the latest expansion)
– Crimson Days (less significant loss)
The additions made to compensate for these losses are few, such as reprised raids and the recent Prophecy dungeon. However, the overall content erosion seems to outweigh the new additions.
Microtransactions Concerns:
In addition to the declining content, the community is voicing specific concerns about microtransactions. Each season introduces a paid Eververse set from the start, followed by another paid set during seasonal holidays. Furthermore, ornaments are only accessible through completing the $10 battle pass, which has 100 ranks.
While paid options continue to increase, the number of free items has drastically diminished over time. Previously, players had access to free raid sets, Solstice sets (non elemental-glow version), and occasional Iron Banner sets per year. However, these free options have become increasingly limited, leaving fans disgruntled.
Conclusion:
The community’s discontent with Destiny 2 is attributable to both the deletion of paid content and the removal of free-to-play offerings, alongside the disproportionate rise of paid content. This situation has led to an overwhelming dominance of microtransactions, raising concerns about the game’s overall value and the balance between paid and free experiences.
As Destiny 2 moves forward, Bungie must consider the community’s concerns and find ways to address the diminishing content and microtransaction imbalances. Failure to do so risks alienating the very player base that has supported the game for years.
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About the Author:
Paul Tassi has been writing about video games, television, and movies for Forbes for over a decade. With reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, Tassi covers everything from console to PC games, specializing in looting and shooting genres. Additionally, he is a regular on IGN’s Fireteam Chat podcast and a published author of five sci-fi novels.