With Pinball FX, a free-to-play game of the same name is starting soon in the Epic Store. However, before the early access phase begins, the community is quite upset due to the pricing structure of the in-game shop. MeinMMO summarizes why.
What is Pinball FX and what is the problem?
- This is a free pinball game and the latest installment of the series of the same name.
- There are several wacky tables with different themes and designs.
- Pinball FX launches on March 31 in the Epic Store as an early access title.
- Before the launch, developer Zen Studios presented the pricing model.
This revelation caused some frustrated and angry reactions in the community. The blame is on the prices, the chaotic model, and moreover a subscription model.
Players of earlier titles also have to swallow a really bitter pill. We summarize why this issue is causing so much anger.
Here you can watch the video on the pricing model:
The Pricing Model of Pinball FX Explained – It’s Complicated
Why is the pricing model causing trouble? A big issue here are the tables.
- For players who don’t spend money, 2 tables are available for free on a rotating basis. Those who want to unlock tables and modes must pay money.
- While you could buy tables in earlier versions, those previous installments were released on Steam and tables could be carried over with the account.
- However, Pinball FX is now launching in the Epic Store and according to Zen, account linking is not possible. Therefore, players cannot simply carry over their tables.
A new pricing system is now being introduced. Previously, tables could be bought in cheaper bundles. This is now done through a ticket system. Tickets can be purchased in-game for real money. There are packages of 100 tickets for $9.99, up to 1200 tickets for $100.
If that weren’t confusing enough, the tables also have different prices.
- These depend on whether they are “legacy” tables that already exist, or if you buy one of the new tables.
- There are also differences depending on whether these tables were designed by Zen themselves, or come into play as licensed tables through crossover events.
- Original tables cost 40 tickets (about $4) in the legacy version, while new original tables cost 55 tickets (about $5.50).
- Licensed legacy tables cost 45 tickets (about $4.50), while new licensed tables cost 60 tickets (about $6).
There will likely be exceptions as well, since the latest pack is an Indiana Jones table, which is referred to as a premium table and is expected to cost $15.
What the prices will be for us is currently unknown. However, it is quite possible that they will be adopted 1:1.
Additionally, there is also a subscription model. This gives players access to “most” of the tables, but the Indiana Jones table is not included, for example. For this, $14.99 per month, or $99.99 per year is required.
If you have already exited, you do not need to feel bad about it. Many players feel the same way.
“I don’t feel comfortable giving Zen my money.”
This is what players are saying about the pricing model: They are not enthusiastic at all. Long-time players have to buy their tables anew.
Others calculate how much the fun would actually cost if you had to buy all the tables. The result: You would have to spend about $150. And this only applies to the tables that have been released so far.
So more will likely be added. In the Pinball FX subreddit, this is currently the main topic. A user writes: “The new details are so full of consumer-unfriendly nonsense that it’s hard for me to understand them.” The new ticket system is especially criticized.
This would make it impossible to simply spend as much money as one would actually like. Players have also calculated that you currently have to spend $150 to buy all 38 available tables. These cost, according to a player, 1685 tickets.
But to buy 1685 tickets, players would need to purchase a $100 package with 1200 tickets, and additionally would need a $49.99 package with 575 tickets.
You would have 90 tickets left over, thus paying an extra $9. Players suspect that this is intended to encourage you to spend more money than necessary.
The subscription model is also getting its share of criticism. It is said to be “more expensive than a Netflix subscription” and is simply too expensive with 36 tables.
This is underscored by numerous annoyed or angry comments:
- “The prices are a damn chaos.” – Own_Boysenberry_0
- “The pricing is ridiculous and shabby. The fact that there is no universal account, so everything has to be bought anew on Steam, is ridiculous.” – Cardone19
- “They have lost all respect and interest in their franchise… which is a shame because it is a great way to play old tables that you can’t find in some arcades… but they won’t get any money from me until they come to their senses.” – Shuoinked
- “I wanted to download it on Thursday just to see how it is… but now I think I prefer not to contribute to their download numbers. I didn’t plan to buy tickets, but just wanted to try the game, but even that would be a win for them.” – DocBullseye
And such comments are read there on a regular basis. Many wish for the table bundles to return. Zen has already tried to calm the situation and explained the removal of the bundles. However, this has not been able to appease the players.
Bundles have been removed because players can buy the tables individually anyway in the future.
Players criticize that bundles were often cheaper, and that the ticket packages, due to their prices, prevent you from actually benefiting from the selection.
Whether the 33%-discount action at the early access launch will help remains to be seen. But what do you think about the debate? Do you understand the criticism? Feel free to share your opinions with us.
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