The 9th anniversary of *Fate/Grand Order* has sparked significant controversy among its player base, largely due to a contentious update that introduced two new powerful skills. These skills require an increased number of 'servant coins,' pushing players to acquire more duplicates of characters than ever before. In the past, maxing out a five-star character necessitated six copies, but the recent update has escalated this to eight, or even nine if players wish to bypass a year-long grind. This change has not been well-received, particularly by those who have already invested heavily in the game, feeling that the new requirements are a setback despite the introduction of a pity system.
Death Threats and Graphic Content
The backlash against the update was intense, with fans flooding the official Twitter account with posts, some of which escalated to graphic death threats directed at the developers. While the frustration is understandable, such extreme reactions have negatively impacted the fan community's reputation, overshadowing legitimate grievances and making it difficult for concerns to be addressed seriously.
Developer’s Response
In response to the uproar, Yoshiki Kano, the development director for *FGO Part 2*, issued an apology, recognizing the community's dissatisfaction and anxiety over the new append skills. The developers have introduced measures to mitigate the issue, including the ability to switch between unlocked append skills while retaining the level of the original skill. They also promised to restore servant coins used for casting the Holy Grail and provide compensation. However, these adjustments do not fully address the underlying issue of the scarcity of servant coins and the increased demand for duplicates.
A Temporary Fix or a Long-Term Solution?
The developers' response, which includes offering 40 free pulls, is seen as a temporary fix rather than a comprehensive solution. For completionists aiming to fully max out a five-star servant, the requirement of eight duplicates remains daunting. The community is left questioning the timeline for a more permanent resolution, especially since promises to make servant coins easier to obtain have been unfulfilled for two years.
The *Fate/Grand Order* anniversary drama underscores the delicate balance game developers must strike between monetization and player satisfaction. While the immediate backlash may be quelled by recent compensations and adjustments, the trust between the developers and the community has been compromised. To restore this trust, ongoing communication and genuine efforts to address player concerns are essential. After all, the spirit of the community is what truly sustains the game.
If you're interested in joining this vibrant community, you can download *Fate/Grand Order* on Google Play. And before you go, don't miss our latest news on *Identity V* bringing back the Phantom Thieves.
