When Escape from Tarkov was first released to a select group of players back in 2016, no one knew it would become a cultural phenomenon in the FPS space. Known for its unforgiving and realistic world design, it’s not a title the casual gamer would instantly pick up.
Battlestate Games is banking on this fact or is trying to, at the very least. The developer has added a fifth game edition, the Unheard Edition, and included a game mode that has left many fans feeling betrayed and annoyed. Especially those who have already purchased the previous editions!
Escape from Tarkov Unheard Edition Has Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
The higher editions of games enable players to get more from the title. Every higher level offers more stuff, such as in-game bonuses or physical merchandise. Battlestate Games’ title had four editions until yesterday when the Unheard Edition was announced.
PvE mode is a unique feature which is available only for the owners of The Unheard Edition.
— Escape from Tarkov (@tarkov) April 25, 2024
We will keep you updated on new features exclusive for EOD owners#EscapefromTarkov
However, the exclusive content for the edition didn’t go down well with the community. A tweet from the game’s X/Twitter page stated only Unheard Edition buyers would get the PvE mode. The tweet also said future updates would inform the community of the Edge of Darkness Edition exclusives.
While the announcement of exclusive stuff for new game editions gets people excited, this announcement has annoyed the community. Typically, new game modes, such as PvE or arenas, are offered as DLC.
One tweet quoted a message they had received when purchasing the Edge of Darkness edition, where it stated the person would have free access to all subsequent downloadable content.
When I purchased EOD, it said "free access to all subsequent downloadable content" – it's part of the reason I bought it, so I wouldn't have to pay more in the future.
— Anne Munition (@AnneMunition) April 25, 2024
This is just a bait and switch and you're trying to hide behind sneaky language. I hope no one buys this.
Others are saying Battlestate Games is out of touch for doubling down on its pricing and exclusive offering for the Unheard Edition.
Out of touch… it is a DLC. If Arena is a DLC so is PvE.
— Demonic_Bob (@DemonicTwiter) April 25, 2024
Priced at a whopping $250, the Unheard Edition is the most expensive variation of the game. Those who have purchased the Edge of Darkness edition can upgrade by spending an extra $100, but given the sentiments in the community, we don’t see many takers for this option.
Battlestate Games Is Not Winning Any Goodwill From the Community
While the game has built a strong community, this move might not work out as the studio intended. People were drawn to the title for its harsh survival experience; it’s a title that even the legendary Hidetaka Miyazaki has on his radar.
It would have been fine if the exclusive content was just gear, but locking a co-op PvE behind such a paywall feels wrong. This isn’t the first time Escape from Tarkov has faced controversy. The game gained massive appeal via Twitch but was subsequently banned from the platform.
Compared to that this is one of the more tame controversies, but one that will draw far more bad press than pure attention. People have already spent a lot of time and money on the game, and we doubt the core fan base will continue to play it.
However, this may turn away those who are new to the game or are considering trying it out. They may be fans of games being harsh, but not exacting on their wallets!
What do you think of Battlestate Games’ decision? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
