Mountaintop Studios, the developers behind the newly released FPS title Spectre Divide, swiftly addressed player concerns regarding exorbitant skin and bundle pricing. Just hours after launch, the studio announced significant price reductions and refunds.
Price Cuts and Refunds
In response to widespread criticism, Spectre Divide implemented a 17-25% price reduction across in-game weapons and character skins, as confirmed by game director Lee Horn. The studio issued a statement acknowledging player feedback and committing to the permanent price adjustments. Furthermore, players who purchased items before the price change will receive a 30% SP (in-game currency) refund, rounded up to the nearest 100 SP.
This refund extends to those who purchased Founder's or Supporter packs and subsequently bought additional items like Starter packs, Sponsorships, or Endorsements, which remain unaffected by the price reductions.
Mixed Reactions and Future Outlook
While some players welcomed the price adjustments and the refund initiative, the overall reception remains divided, mirroring the game's currently mixed Steam reviews (49% negative at the time of writing). Negative reviews and social media comments highlight the initial backlash, with some players considering the price reduction insufficient, while others suggest improvements such as allowing individual item purchases from bundles.
Concerns remain regarding the timing of the price correction, with some players arguing that proactive price adjustments before launch would have prevented the negative publicity. The long-term success of Spectre Divide hinges on addressing these concerns and adapting to player feedback, particularly given the competitive landscape of free-to-play FPS games.
