After some intense backlash following Mortal Kombat 1‘s horrifyingly costly Halloween microtransactions, which embrace a pumpkin-headed, maggot-filled finisher often known as a Fatality, developer NetherRealm Studios has introduced that people who purchased the expensive execution will get two different ones free of charge.
Read More: Mortal Kombat 1‘s New Microtransactions Are Scarier Than Its Fatalities [Update]
The studio posted to Twitter/X on November 9, saying that someday subsequent week, the Seasonal Fatalities bundle might be out there for buy. This consists of three grotesque executions themed across the holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Winter—with the Halloween fatality drawing ire for its exorbitant price ticket. Now, it’s being packaged along with two different last assaults. Mortal Kombat has had microtransactions prior to now for issues like character skins, most of it earnable in-game. While Mortal Kombat 1 does one thing comparable, it seems to dole out its premium in-game foreign money too slowly, prompting gamers to fork over more money on high of the $70 recreation.
Fans have been livid about the price of the Halloween fatality (amongst others), and expressed their frustrations throughout social media for what many referred to as “greedy business practices.” Now, after listening to the criticism, NetherRealm Studios is attempting to make up for the alleged worth gouging.
“Next week, you can access the Seasonal Fatalities bundle, which includes the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and upcoming Winter fatality.,” NetherRealm Studios stated. “Those who purchased the Halloween fatality will have access to the bundle at no extra cost. We appreciate your feedback on everything MK1.”
While IGN speculated that the bundle may run you $30, a NetherRealm Studios spokesperson stated in an e mail to Kotaku that the Seasonal Fatalities bundle will really price 1,200 Dragon Krystals (or about $10) and might be out there on November 17. Getting two further gory last assaults free of charge, assuming the opposite two price $10 just like the Halloween finisher does, appears like a fairly candy deal because you get three for the worth of 1. However, as soon as once more, followers of the 2D fighter aren’t proud of the sport’s monetization efforts.
“How about making more ways for us to get dragon krystals more easily just by playing the game?” tweeted person RainyJady, referring to the premium in-game foreign money you may solely purchase with IRL cash. “That way y’all won’t be getting backlash for those micro transactions.”
“$36 for fatalities is crazy,” stated Twitter person _UltraLuminary.
“[NetherRealm Studios] has finally responded to the complaints.” stated Redditor frostmkxcomics. “Now instead of paying 12$ for one fatality, you’re paying 12$ for three fatalities… Pathetic.”
“Still highway robbery —$12 should get you 1 new unique fatality for every character,” commented Reddit person Lil-Lui-. “[NetherRealm Studios] are professional hustlers.”
Kotaku reached out to Warner Bros. Games for remark.
Read More: How The Hell Did We Let $20 Skins Become A Thing?
While Mortal Kombat 1 could also be the latest offender, costly monetization like this in each free and paid video games has been a factor for a number of years now. Call of Duty, Diablo IV, Fortnite, and Overwatch all embrace cosmetics that, whereas don’t usually give gameplay benefits, are nonetheless locked behind costly paywalls you may solely climb with real-world cash. It’s a bummer, however except we refuse to take part, it’s unlikely issues will change.
Update, 11/15/23 1:40 p.m. ET: Added clarification from a NetherRealm Studios spokesperson about the price of MK1‘s Seasonal Fatalities DLC bundle.
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