The loot box fiasco in Star Wars: Battle for the Galaxy 2, which was released in late 2017, caused serious backlash from players and fans. The virtual reward box system that was implemented in the game caused huge problems.
Players vs loot boxes
The essence of the problem is that players were offered to purchase virtual boxes with random items. However, opening these boxes required investing real money. This caused outrage among players, as they believed that it greatly upset the balance of the game and created unfair conditions for the gameplay.
Objectively speaking, loot boxes are not a new phenomenon in the gaming industry. Companies use them to generate additional profits. However, in this case, the loot box system was implemented incorrectly, which caused a lot of negativity from the players.
In response to this situation, Electronic Arts (EA) executive director Patrick Soderlund spoke out about the mistake made by the company. He admits that EA made a “mistake” with Star Wars Battlefront 2 and promises that the company will learn from its mistakes in the future.
It should be noted that EA has already lost legal cases related to the virtual reward box system. In fact, the reputation of the company itself and its authority in the eyes of the gaming community suffered. Many players believe that loot boxes differ little from the mechanics used in casinos. According to twinspinCA, real money casinos also provide players with the opportunity to place a bet and get an unexpected result. You can win a fortune or nothing at all. Loot boxes work the same way.
After this episode, EA revised the game’s loot box system. Changes have been made to allow players to receive reward types more fairly without the need to invest additional funds. This was a step in the right direction on the company’s part. However, it came too late, and some fans had already given up on the game.
In conclusion, the loot box episode in Star Wars Battlefront 2 was a real lesson for EA. The company’s reputation has suffered. However, Patrick Soderlund promises that EA will strive to become “better” and learn from this situation. The only way out is for EA to learn from the mistakes of the past and offer players adequate conditions and a fair gaming experience.
Star Wars Battlefront 2: Center of Controversy
Star Wars Battlefront 2 has become the center of controversy surrounding the controversial concept of loot boxes. In-game item boxes allowed players to purchase upgrades and main characters using real money, which angered many users. The specifics of this pay-to-win concept are controversial because it essentially violates the challenge and mastery principles associated with gameplay.
The core concept of the loot box system was that players could purchase virtual boxes of items at random. However, some of these items could significantly affect the success and outcome of the game. Thus, players who paid more money for crates with in-game items had an advantage over those who preferred to participate in the game without additional investment. As a result of this system, players without financial means required significantly more time and effort to achieve the same level of development as players who paid for in-game reward boxes.
This concept has caused a lot of dissatisfaction among the gaming community, which believes that it distorts fairness and equal conditions for all players. Rather than relying on skill and mastery of the game, the loot box system offered players a way to pay to win, which took away some of the challenge and competitiveness from the game.
As a result of mass protests and negative feedback from the gaming community, EA has decided to remove the loot box system from Star Wars Battlefront 2. Putting the concept of paid reward crates behind them, EA chief executive Patrick Soderlund said the company’s upcoming big games like “Anthem” and “Battlefield” won’t repeat these mistakes.