Destiny 2 Retracts Controversial Starter Pack, Failing to Deliver Joy to Players
Destiny 2's $15 Starter Pack sparks backlash and disappointment among players, leading to its prompt removal The controversial pack fails to deliver on expectations, leaving the community unimpressed
The launch of Destiny 2's Season of the Wish this week introduced new activities, rewards, and game changes. However, the addition of a premium-priced starter pack for PC players sparked controversy and was quickly removed. This move comes amid ongoing criticism of the game's onboarding process for new players. Notable figures in the Destiny 2 community, such as Datto and Aztecross, expressed concerns that the $15 bundle of underwhelming Exotics and limited resources was ill-timed, given recent layoffs at the studio.
The Destiny 2 Starter Pack was a disappointment. It included outdated Exotic weapons like Sleeper Simulant, Ruinous Effigy, and Traveler's Chosen, along with uninspiring Exotic vehicles and a lackluster selection of resources. The initial marketing touted it as a way to "supercharge" player arsenals, but Bungie has now acknowledged that it fails to bring joy to its players.
"We've listened to your feedback and recognize that there are other aspects of Destiny 2 that new players should prioritize before pursuing these Exotic weapons, cosmetics, and upgrade materials," Bungie stated in a tweet.
In the past, Bungie provided players with an impressive array of armor and weapons that effectively prepared new and returning players for the challenges ahead. The Gift of the Thunder Gods, introduced in Season of Plunder, included a full set of high-stat armor, weapons with powerful predetermined perks, a unique Exotic armor piece, and the Exotic weapon Thunderlord. These items complemented the season's themes and were available to all players at no cost.
On the other hand, the new Starter Pack's Exotic weapons are outdated in the current game meta, the resources provided are insufficient to fully masterwork a piece of armor, and the entire collection costs more than premium content for a new season of Destiny 2. Meanwhile, Destiny 2's Season of the Wish is underway, featuring the new Coil activity, collectible star-cats, and a Witcher 3 bathtub emoji. This season marks the final, and the longest, one for Destiny 2, as The Final Shape expansion has been postponed to June 2024.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Destiny 2 Starter Pack debacle. On the one hand, I understand Bungie's desire to monetize the game and make it more accessible to new players. On the other hand, I feel like the company is taking advantage of its loyal fanbase by selling them overpriced and underwhelming content.
The fact that the Starter Pack was removed so quickly after its release shows that Bungie is aware of the backlash and is willing to listen to its players. However, I'm concerned that this is just a PR stunt and that Bungie will continue to release overpriced and underwhelming content in the future.
I think it's important for game companies to listen to their players and give them what they want. If Bungie wants to keep its players happy, it needs to start releasing more content that is actually worth the money.
