Star Citizen players are up in arms about the recent introduction of “pay to win” flight blades in the game. Cloud Imperium Games admitted they “missed a step” with this decision. The community, known for financially supporting the game during its 12-year-long early access period, was particularly upset that these blades provided a significant in-game advantage but could only be obtained as a premium item, not through regular gameplay.
In response to the backlash, CIG released a statement assuring players that they would be able to acquire flight blades using in-game currency aUEC in the upcoming patch scheduled for June. They also promised that future gameplay items would be made available in-game from day one of their release. Tyler “Zyloh-CIG” Witkin acknowledged the misstep, emphasizing that player choice is paramount and that early support is optional but appreciated.
Despite these reassurances, some players remain unsatisfied. They believe that the real issue lies in the continuous introduction of items with a significant impact on gameplay that are only accessible through the pledge store, disrupting the natural progression of the game. The controversy surrounding the handling of flight blades has led to concerns about the direction of the game’s development and the potential for more pay-to-win features in the future. As one player expressed, “Vote with your wallet, citizens!” The community’s passion and feedback have always played a crucial role in shaping Star Citizen, and their voices continue to be heard as the game evolves.