Bungie made the controversial decision to remove a $15 “starter pack” microtransaction for Destiny 2 just one day after the launch of Season of the Wish. This move came in response to backlash and criticism over concerns related to pay-to-win elements in the game.
In recent years, Bungie has increasingly relied on DLC and various microtransaction channels to support its live-service shooter. However, the addition of a new “starter pack” to the store sparked concerns among players who felt that this was a step too far.
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This microtransaction was different from previous paid offerings as it included powerful guns and in-game materials that would normally take hours of playtime to earn. This marked a significant departure from Destiny’s previous reliance on cosmetic and time-saving mechanics.
Prominent Destiny content creator Datto was among those who criticized the microtransaction, highlighting the company’s lack of awareness with the move.
Players expressed their discontent through Steam reviews, labeling the item with tags like “Capitalism,” “Crime,” and “Psychological Horror.” The listing has been removed since then.
This controversy comes at a troubling time for Bungie, following an underwhelming expansion and poor player engagement earlier in the year. The company has also faced financial challenges, leading to a recent staff reduction.
In response to the growing concerns, Bungie quietly removed the item from their store, acknowledging that the criticism was valid. They have declined to comment further on the matter despite reaching out by IGN.
Travis Northup is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @TieGuyTravis and read his games coverage here.
