The release of the controversial “The Unheard” edition of Escape from Tarkov has left many fans displeased, prompting an apology from director Nikita Buyanov. The $250 bundle, which included exclusive access to a highly anticipated PvE mode, sparked widespread outrage among the player base. Criticisms were centered on the high price tag and the disappointment of Edge of Darkness (EoD) edition owners who were promised access to all current and future DLC but found themselves excluded from the PvE mode.
In response to the backlash, Buyanov issued a statement on Reddit apologizing for the negative reception and announced that EoD owners would receive free and permanent access to the PvE mode, albeit in waves to prevent server overload. He also promised additional changes for future updates, including balance adjustments for EoD perks and official mod support for the cooperative PvE mode.
While some fans welcomed these changes, others remained dissatisfied and accused Buyanov of delivering a backhanded apology. They expressed disappointment with the game and its developers, questioning the justification for the high price of the bundle, especially for a game still in closed beta.
The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding microtransactions and DLCs in the gaming industry, with many players finding the $250 price tag excessive. Despite retaining a hardcore following, Escape from Tarkov may face challenges in earning back the trust of its player base, particularly with alternative options available in the extraction shooter genre.