The Rocket League community is no stranger to drama, but a recent contentious decision by the game’s publisher, Epic Games, and developer, Psyonix, has sent shockwaves throughout the player base. On December 5, the announcement came out of nowhere, revealing that item trading would be eliminated from the popular car soccer video game.
The decision to align Rocket League with Epic Games’ overarching policy on in-game cosmetics and item shops has stirred controversy and left players frustrated.
This thrilling game lets players participate in soccer matches with cars powered by rockets, attracting a fan base. Active Player data reveals that Rocket League has amassed 91.5 million players across platforms within the month.
Rocket League Players Protest the Removal of Item Trading
Although it may not reach the same level of popularity as Fortnite or Roblox, this group of players forms a community that has dedicated both time and money to the game.
The recent choice to get rid of item trading has upset this community. Players have been expressing their worries on platforms. A lot of them have turned to Reddit to share their frustration and letdown.
Also Read: Minecraft Players Unionise to Stop Mob Vote
The decision to end item trading was justified by Psyonix as a move to align Rocket League with Epic Games’ approach to in-game cosmetics and item shops. The official statement from the ‘Psyonix Team‘ emphasized that items would no longer be tradable, transferable, or sellable. This decision was seen as a crucial step in facilitating cross-game ownership, allowing Rocket League vehicles to appear in other Epic Games titles.
The developers may have thought their explanation made sense, but didn’t go over well with the Rocket League community. A lot of players have become really invested in the game economy, and trading has become an aspect of their experience. Taking away this feature felt like a betrayal to them, considering the amount of time and money they’ve put into it.
A significant worry revolves around the impact on item availability. Certain players have expressed concerns that rare or elusive items could become significantly more difficult to acquire. They may find themselves relying solely on the store, which may not always have the items they desire. This limitation has the potential to diminish the variety and uniqueness of game inventories.
Moreover, players have raised their concerns regarding the pricing of items. In the absence of trading, numerous players are concerned that the item store could substantially increase prices, posing a challenge for players to acquire items without resorting to spending money on in-game credits. This perceived alteration in the game’s economy raises concerns about fairness and equal access.
The decision faced backlash, leading to the creation of a petition on Change, which aims to collect 10,000 signatures. Its purpose is to urge the Rocket League team to reconsider its decision and reintroduce trading, emphasizing its significance within the game’s community.
Beyond petitions, some players have gone a step further by calling for a boycott of the Rocket League item shop and Rocket Pass. These players are willing to take a stand against the decision by withholding their participation and financial support for in-game purchases.
In a more extreme response, some players have declared their intention to quit the game altogether. These individuals express deep disappointment with the direction the game has taken since Epic Games acquired Psyonix in 2019. The removal of item trading is viewed as the latest in a series of changes that have altered the game’s essence, and they believe that the game is no longer the one they fell in love with.
Despite assurances of improvements based on player feedback, gamers perceive a shift in the game. They view the removal of trading as another example of profit-driven choices that overlook the desires and experiences of players.
The decision, although made to align with Epic Games overall policies, has had an unfavourable effect on the community’s enjoyment of the game.
The Rocket League team faces the challenging task of addressing these concerns and rebuilding player trust. The future of the game may depend on how effectively it can respond to the growing discontent among its dedicated player base.
What are your thoughts on this? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Follow us for more entertainment coverage on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
