The players of the MMORPG Star Trek Online (STO) are currently upset about a new item shop. The prices in Mudd’s Market are so high that they could come from Ferengis.
Why is there currently trouble in STO? The Cryptic Studios, who are currently working on the new MMORPG for Magic: The Gathering, have introduced a new item shop in Star Trek Online.
This offers older items that have not been regularly available for purchase in the MMORPG for some time.
However, according to the opinion of the STO fans, the prices are far too high. A small backlash has now brewed, with players complaining about these exorbitant prices.
High but Serious Prices
Do the developers mean it seriously? The store is named Mudd’s Market, after the shady Harry Mudd, who appears in Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: Discovery and continually annoys both the crew of the Enterprise and that of the Discovery.
Therefore, many players first believed it to be a joke. Harry Mudd is known as a con artist and trickster, and the STO fans initially thought the prices were meant to be a nod to Harry Mudd. But Cryptic Studios is actually serious.
This gives the Mudd Market a completely different meaning, as some in the community feel ripped off.
What do the prices look like? The combat companion Furiadon costs about 2,000 Zen. A ship of the Vizier class costs 3,500 Zen. The Beacon of Kahless and an Ultimate Tech Upgrade are available for 2,000 Zen.
1,000 Zen regularly costs around 10 Euros. So, one has to pay quite a bit to acquire the items. And it should be considered that the items are currently offered at a reduced price.
The actual prices would be much higher: One would have to pay around €80 for one item.
Is this even legal?
What is the second problem? Mudd’s Market starts with a sale. The items are 75 percent off.
Now there have been accusations that according to laws in some countries, a sale can only start if the products have been offered at regular prices for a period of time first. The question now arises whether the sale is even legal.
How are players currently reacting? The prices are facing heavy criticism. Players are even threatening lawsuits.
- FuturePastNow says on Reddit: “It’s amazing that they apparently thought they could do this in a reasonable, player-friendly way and gain a lot of goodwill.”
- classifiedspam writes: “Okay, who came up with these prices at Mudd’s Market? Give him a big slap from me. This is a joke. I won’t buy anything and won’t play over the weekend. Yes, I’m angry.”
- MustrumRidcully0 sees it a bit differently: “These are luxury items. None of it is really necessary. They are just luxury items.”
What do you think? Are the prices too high?
