DOOM Eternal has added paid skins, despite previous assurances that they wouldn’t make their way into the id Software title [via VGC].
To be fair, id Software has supported DOOM Eternal with loads of free cosmetic content since the game launched in March 2020. I personally have no issue with some paid cosmetics now and again. However, the problem here is that the developer said the game wouldn’t get paid cosmetics and then added them, which is a problem.
The pieces of DLC in question are the DOOMicorn Master Collection Cosmetic Pack (which I believe was a Prime Gaming exclusive) and the Series One Cosmetic Pack (which was free DLC in the first season).
Bethesda had previously slipped the Rip ‘N Tear cosmetic DLC into DOOM Eternal a couple of months ago. As this was previously a pre-order incentive DLC, most people had no issue with it.
However, the issue is that id Software had previously responded to a fan, stating that DOOM Eternal would not have an in-game store where you can buy items for real-world money.
As previously reported by Forbes, creative director of DOOM, Hugo Martin responded to a fan on Facebook claiming: “Eternal is a $60 game, not a free-to-play game or mobile game – we are giving you a complete experience with no store just like you’d expect.
“Unlocking skins with XP is a part of the experience if you care about that stuff or you can completely ignore it and it will have no impact on your experience AT ALL and it’s all free.”
It’s fair enough if you want to add paid cosmetics into a game. We all know that money has to be made and id Software is a business. However, I think a lot of fans might have an issue with the contradiction in statements.
If at any point you plan on putting paid cosmetics into a game, just be honest and upfront with fans, and don’t go back on your word. I think most people would appreciate the honesty at least.
Hopefully, this won’t turn into a slippery slope, and DOOM Eternal won’t be a microtransaction-fest with an in-game store that pushes the FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) strategy.
That said, DOOM Eternal is a fantastic game and you should go play it if you haven’t already.
Do you have issues with paid cosmetic skins sneaking their way into DOOM Eternal? Let us know across our social media channels.
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Featured Image Credit: Bethesda