In 2019, Phoenix Labs launched Dauntless, an action RPG that received favorable reviews. Since then, its developers have worked hard to update the game to keep it fresh. However, the latest patch has quickly attracted criticism from longtime fans, as it gives in to many controversial trends in modern games. Immediately, longtime fans and newcomers jumped on the game to bombard its page with negative reviews after it made such detrimental changes. Here is a breakdown of why this update upset so many.

Dauntless Update Draws Ire

According to GameRant, Phoenix Labs’ free-to-play RPG Dauntless received a major update, Awakening, on December 5. This update coincided with the game’s long-awaited release on Steam five years after its launch. The update introduced the infamous “loot box” mechanic and brought back time-sensitive game passes offering cosmetics. However, not all of these changes were additions to the base game, and many took away from it. For example, many players complained about how the update “reset” their progress on weapons that weren’t “exotic” grade. Furthermore, “Cells,” items used to improve weapons, could no longer be fused, reducing the tools at players’ disposal.

While the game’s Steam launch should have been a victory, these changes swiftly cost the game its goodwill. Veteran players whose progress was taken away were the most vocal critics, many of whom shared their opinions across the web. The game’s recent reviews quickly descended into “overwhelmingly negative,” with all of them citing the update. Given how awful a start this is to the game’s run on Steam, this could be a bad omen for the game’s future.

The Original Game

For those unaware, Dauntless is a free-to-play action RPG created by Phoenix Labs, founded by Riot, Capcom, and Blizzard alumni. Like Capcom’s iconic Monster Hunter series, players track down imposing behemoths to slay for loot, and the game significantly influenced the final product. Players are transported to a post-apocalyptic fantasy world ravaged by these beasts, where they must join up with one another to fight them.

The game received positive reviews, and many players saw it as a worthy spiritual successor to its inspiration. Several players also enjoyed its unique, colorful art direction. Furthermore, the game was available on all consoles, giving it a well-connected player base. However, as many recent reviews highlighted, many of its updates proved detrimental to the game’s quality. Given how quickly fans attacked the game for giving in to these trends, it shows that even longtime players of beloved games will not excuse their use.

A Changing Landscape

While many were probably shocked to see such a sudden display of anger toward the game over a single patch, those familiar with the update’s content will quickly understand. Loot boxes have become a highly criticized business tactic for over a decade. Many consider them an unofficial form of “gambling” that subsequently turns games into “pay-to-win.” Furthermore, the game’s updated Battle Pass system resorts to equally controversial, limited-time incentives to drive player purchases.

Outside of Dauntless, many other companies, especially EA, have become controversial for this—entire genres, such as live service and Gacha games, have formed around these mechanics. Despite their immense backlash, massive studios continue to convert even established games to this format. Hopefully, enough gamers will say “no” to this takeover and create more consumer-friendly products. The damage to the game’s reputation on Steam is a powerful example.

Conclusion

Gamers have rebelled against loot boxes and predatory business practices for nearly a decade. Therefore, to see a once-respected game like Dauntless give in to these trends shows how much of an uphill battle this has become. Beyond that, these updates were deeply faulty because they erased many players’ progress and limited their abilities. However, Phoenix Labs can still redeem Dauntless if it listens to this feedback. While many of these issues are more systemic, they should try to make the best game with their talent.