In Destiny 2, the XP disaster is taking on larger forms. Bungie is now accused of fraud due to a promotional campaign.
We reported on this in August: Bungie and Activision entered into a partnership with “Rockstar Energy Drinks” and “Pop-Tarts” (Kelloggs) for Destiny 2 to promote their MMO shooter.
This promotional campaign involved Rockstar and Kelloggs launching products in Destiny 2 design, and customers received certain in-game benefits like engrams and XP boosts with their purchases.
The Pop-Tarts promotional campaign, which only ran in the USA, is now causing a lot of discussion. Those who bought this sweet pastry received a code for an XP boost in Destiny 2. However, it has now been revealed – and Bungie recently admitted – that the XP system does not function as intended.
What is it actually about?
For every redeemed Pop-Tarts code, players received (and can still receive, as the campaign runs until early 2018) a boost of +25% on experience points gains. It is explicitly advertised that this code can be used for quick leveling up.
However, it has become known in recent days and weeks that XP in Destiny 2 does not work as the game suggests. For example, when quickly farming public events, a high XP gain appears on the screen each time, but the actual XP gain is significantly lower. Players are reportedly receiving up to 90% less experience points than indicated.
This XP mechanic has been well hidden for a long time – after all, one assumes that +5000 XP is received when +5000 XP is shown, and not just a fraction of that. Only detailed tests by community members uncovered this deception.
Bungie has now admitted that such a system indeed exists to regulate XP gains. In long-term activities like PvP matches and raids, the XP gains would increase, while in quick activities that can be repeated rapidly, such as public events, they would decrease.
They analyzed the data and are “not happy” with the results, which is why Bungie has now decided to deactivate the system with immediate effect. From now on, the correct XP gain numbers should be displayed on the screen.
“I pay for something I do not receive”
A Guardian is now complaining on Reddit – where he is receiving much support – that this admission from Bungie is proof that the community was deceived with the Pop-Tarts promotional campaign.
Before the release of Destiny 2, he eagerly bought the sweets to receive the XP boosts. Although he does not actually like Pop-Tarts, he was willing to spend some money for faster level progression. He bought the snack just to receive the +25% XP.
The hidden XP mechanic has been in the game since the launch of Destiny 2, which is why he now complains: “I paid for something I did not receive as advertised.” This is not only unscrupulous, it is also fraud.
He is not concerned about the few dollars he invested in Pop-Tarts. He does not even want to request a refund. Instead, he wants to make it clear how bitterly disappointed he is that Bungie is lying to the players like this.
Many users in the comments agree with him and emphasize that it is not about the money, but about the fraud and dishonesty.
However, other users point out that one “actually” never paid for the XP boost. Therefore, it cannot be called fraud. The promotional campaign always advertised that the XP boost comes free with the pack of Pop-Tarts.
Whether the responsible parties will comment on this remains to be seen.
What is your opinion on this?
By the way: According to some users, the displayed experience point gain is still not 100% accurate.
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