Destiny 2's Game-Changing Move to Fix Eververse: Will it Save the Day?
Destiny 2 finally addresses its controversial microtransaction problem by making paid Eververse shaders available for free However, this positive change might have come too late to rectify the damage caused by the ongoing debate
Highlights
Destiny 2's popularity has declined due to issues with Lightfall's delivery and a lack of focus on PvP modes, along with excessive microtransactions.
Players are voicing their discontent over the Eververse Shop due to its inclusion of time-limited cosmetic items that require real money and a noticeable absence of free ritual armor sets.
Although the introduction of the Ego Malign Shader for Bright Dust is a positive move, it may not sufficiently resolve the issue surrounding microtransactions.
Destiny 2's popularity has been declining over the past six months due to issues with Lightfall's delivery and a decrease in community morale. Players have expressed frustration over the lack of focus on PvP modes and the abundance of microtransactions. The problem with microtransactions in Destiny 2 has been exacerbated by Bungie's decision to raise the price of season passes and introduce real-money-exclusive items in the Eververse Store. Certain items, such as Event Cards and crossover armor sets, can only be purchased with Silver instead of the in-game currency Bright Dust. While Destiny 2 has made some attempts to address these concerns, it may be too little, too late. Event Cards have faced backlash because they often offer little incentive for players to participate, yet are tied to time-limited cosmetic items that can only be obtained through real money. This is just one issue with the Eververse shop, as Bungie has also announced a reduction in free ritual armor sets in favor of paid cosmetics. However, the community's dissatisfaction has slightly improved with the recent addition of the Ego Malign Shader to the Bright Dust store.
Destiny 2's Paid Eververse Shaders Going Free is a Good But Late Change
One reason why Event Cards in Destiny 2 lack popularity is because they offer exclusive Shaders that require completing in-game challenges and purchasing with real money through Silver. Bungie introduced Shader bundles in the Eververse store, priced at around $10, which include a unique Shader, an Exotic weapon ornament, and a Ghost Projection all with a specific theme.
The first bundle, called the Bad Ahamkara Bundle, featured a bone-texture Shader named Ego Malign that garnered initial player enthusiasm. However, excitement quickly diminished when players realized the Shader was only available for purchase with Silver in the Eververse store. This established a concerning trend for Bungie, which was exacerbated when Destiny 2's Season of the Deep introduced three additional Silver-exclusive bundles, offering new Shaders, Exotic ornaments, and Ghost Projections.
Following Destiny 2's Solstice event, Ego Malign Shader has become available in the Eververse's Bright Dust store through the weekly reset. Players who have earned some of the in-game currency can now obtain this Shader, which was previously exclusive to Silver purchases. However, the lack of advertisement has caused a brewing storm since Lightfall that cannot be abruptly calmed. Additionally, it is expected that the three Silver bundle Shaders from Season of the Deep will also be available for purchase with Bright Dust in the future. Although this does not fully resolve Destiny 2's microtransaction issue, it is a positive step forward for Bungie and demonstrates their commitment to restoring players' confidence in the game. The impact of this development on The Final Shape's conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga remains uncertain, but the studio may be able to recapture some players' interest with the upcoming showcase scheduled for the end of August. Currently, the availability of the Ego Malign Shader in the Bright Dust store brings much-needed good news to players.
Destiny 2 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
