Square Enix responds to Chocobo GP player criticisms
The publisher seeks to make amends with outraged fans.
Square Enix recently took to Twitter to address the harsh criticisms they got regarding Final Fantasy kart racer Chocobo GP.
Since its release last Thursday, Chocobo GP players began warning others about a number of issues with the game. Among the complaints, the reliance of microtransactions and grinding is the central frustration point. Now, Square Enix states they are listening to the feedback and working on making adjustments.
Although the company wrote the response in Japanese, Eurogamer provided an accurate translation. In the post, producer Hironori Okayama apologizes for the online errors players faced upon the game’s release. One specific issue Okayama addressed is a glitch making players unable to join races after buying certain items.
Two notable amends Square Enix will enact include rewarding all players an extra 500 Mithril (in-game currency) and lowering the XP requirements to level up the prize pass. In addition, Okayama announced some major updates players can expect in season two. One significant change coming in the second season is providing Mithril as a reward in the prize pass.
Additionally, Chocobo GP’s balancing will also receive major changes in season two. Square Enix also plans to introduce new courses for all players as well.
Chocobo GP microtransactions are here to stay
Although these changes are certainly welcomed, Square Enix’s response failed to meaningfully address the largest concern: microtransactions and grinding. Currently, fan-favorite characters like Cloud require tedious grinding to unlock. And the only way around the long grinding is through payment. While the publisher states it will continue to monitor feedback regarding microtransactions and DLC, it seems to have no present intentions to make changes to the game’s current model.
As a result, many players cite the similarities and differences between Chocobo GP and Mario Kart Tour. While both games rely on unlocking characters through grinding or microtransactions, however, the mobile Mario Kart title is free-to-play. On the other hand, Chocobo GP sits at a $50 price tag.
Have you played Chocobo GP? Do you agree with the criticisms on microtransactions and grinding? As always, share your thoughts with us in the comments!
via Kotaku
