Summary
Escape from Tarkovdirector Nikita Buyanov apologized to fans displeased by the release of the controversial The Unheard edition, an expensive bundle that included exclusive access to a highly anticipated PvE mode. Developer Battlestate Games' popular extraction shooter was hit with widespread player outrage when it was revealed the long-awaited PvE mode was locked behind a $250 paywall. The studio and Buyanov have since attempted to placate its community, though large groups of fans remain distrustful ofEscape from Tarkov’s monetization system.
TheEscape from Tarkovplayer base has been up in arms since The Unheard edition was revealed earlier this week, with much of the community criticizing Battlestate Games for its extravagantly priced package. The widespread outcry was centered on several topics. Most notably, players who previously bought the discontinued Edge of Darkness edition for $150 were promised access to all current and upcoming DLC without additional payment, only to be disappointed when it was revealed they would not be able to playEscape from Tarkov’s PvE mode without purchasing The Unheard edition. While Buyanov later granted EoD ownerstemporary access toEscape from Tarkov’s PvE mode, the fan base was far from satisfied.
Now, Buyanov released another statement to the unofficial Reddit page forEscape from Tarkov, with the Battlestate COO apologizing and claiming he did not expect such a negative reception. In response to criticisms, Buyanov additionally revealed that EoD owners would receive free and permanent access toEscape from Tarkov’s PvE mode, though they would receive invites in waves to avoid overloading the servers. The director also promised additional changes for future updates, including balance adjustments for several EoD perks and official mod support forthe game’s cooperative PvE modeafter its official launch.
Some Escape from Tarkov Fans Still Outraged
While some fans were happy with the changes, a sizable subset were still left dissatisfied, with several users even posting new forums to the subreddit accusing Buyanov of releasing a backhanded apology. They additionally expressed theirdisappointment withEscape from Tarkovand the developers behind the extraction shooter, with fans questioning how its creators could justify releasing a $250 package for a title still in its closed beta.
The video game community is familiar with controversial microtransactions and DLCs in the modern industry, but even then, it seems a $250 bundle is still too much for most to accept. Though the game retains a hardcore following, only time will tell ifEscape from Tarkovwill earn back its player base’s trust, especially when several popularalternatives exist for the extraction shooter genre.
Escape from Tarkov
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore and realistic online first-person action RPG/Simulator with MMO features and a story-driven walkthrough. With each passing day the situation in the Norvinsk region grows more and more complicated. Incessant warfare in Tarkov has sparked massive panic; the local population has fled the city, but those who stayed are looking to improve their fortunes at the expense of others. Having accepted the new reality, savage Tarkov locals - “Scavs” flocked into well-armed gangs and started the redivision of the city. Nowadays, Tarkov is separated by unseen borders, controlled by different groups. Gain-greedy gunmen would go to any length to have their way, including the murder of civilians and direct confrontation with the two private military companies. The players will have to experience living in the skin of one of the mercenaries who survived the initial stage of the Tarkov conflict. After choosing one of the sides – USEC or BEAR – the player’s character starts to make his way out of the city. Tarkov is sealed off by UN and Russian military, supply chains are cut, communication with operational command is lost, and in these conditions everyone has to make his own choices of what to do and how to get out of the chaos-ridden metropolis.
