Cloud Imperium Games, the developer behind Star Citizen, has reversed its policy on flight blades, a new in-game item that was met with intense backlash from players. The blades were initially made available for purchase with real-world cash before their release, but after vocal player distaste, the studio now plans to make them obtainable through gameplay.
The decision comes as part of Cloud Imperium’s revised approach to adding new items and upgrades to the game. As stated by the company, “everything you pledge to support our development will eventually be attainable through gameplay.” The studio aims to ensure that all future gameplay kit introductions will be available in-game on day one.
The flight blades were initially priced between $9.60 and $42, sparking concerns among players about the game’s monetization model. Cloud Imperium has now delayed their inclusion in the game altogether, instead planning to make them available through in-game currency in a future update.
The developer acknowledges that its decision may be seen as a “band-aid” solution, but emphasizes its commitment to listening to community feedback and making changes to improve the overall gaming experience. With over $816 million raised from 5.6 million backers, Star Citizen continues to move forward with new updates and content, including the revised flight blade policy.
Source: https://www.pcgamesn.com/star-citizen/flight-blades-pushed-back