Skin Prices Plummet Post-Spectre Divide Backlash

Spectre Divide has announced its adjustments on the steep pricing of skins and bundles in the newly launched online FPS, just hours after its release. Read on to learn more about the announcement by devs Mountaintop Studios.

Spectre Divide Reduces Skin Prices Hours After Launch and Player Backlash30% SP Refund for Select Players

Spectre Divide developer Mountaintop Studios announced a store price reduction and responded to players' concerns over the excessive prices of skins and bundles in the game. The costs of in-game weapons and character skins are lowered by 17-25%, depending on the item, as announced by game director Lee Horn. The decision came just hours after the game's release, following widespread backlash over the pricing.

"We've heard your feedback and we're making adjustments," the studio said in a statement. "Weapons & Outfits will be permanently reduced in price by 17-25%. Players who purchased store items before the change will get a 30% SP [in-game currency] refund." The move came after players voiced their frustrations with the game's pricing structure for skins and bundles. For instance the popular Cryo Kinesis Masterpiece bundle initially cost around $85 (9,000 SP), which many players felt were too high for a free-to-play title.

Mountaintop Studios pledged that it is offering a 30% SP refund to players who made purchases before the price reduction, rounded up to the nearest 100 SP. However, prices for the Starter pack, Sponsors, and Endorsement upgrades will remain unchanged. These packs "will not have any adjustments. Anyone who purchased the Founder's pack / Supporter pack, and purchased the items above will get the extra SP added to their account as well," the studio said.

While some players were appreciative of the momentous decision, reactions remained mixed, just like its rating on Steam sitting at 49% Adverse at the time of writing. The backlash entailed destructive review bombings on Steam, with the game receiving "Mixed" reviews due to the exorbitant costs of in-game items. One player on Twitter (X) said, "Def not enough but it’s a commendable start! And it’s great that you’re at least listening to players feedback." Another player suggested further improvements: "I wish we could buy individual items from packs like hairstyles or accessories! You’d probably get more money from me tbh!"

Others, however, remained skeptical. One fan expressed disgruntlement over the timing of the change, saying, "You needed to do that beforehand, not when people are upset about it and then you change it. If you keep on going in this direction then I don’t think this game will last any longer. Cause in future you will get heavy competition from other f2p games too."