The *Fate/Grand Order* anniversary drama has erupted into a major uproar, triggered by a controversial update during the game's 9th anniversary. The update introduced two new powerful skills that required an increased number of 'servant coins' to unlock. This change meant players now needed to pull more duplicates than ever before, a daunting prospect given the game's notoriously low pull rates.
Previously, maxing out a five-star character required six copies. The new update, however, increased this requirement to eight copies—or nine if players wanted to bypass a year-long grind. This significant change did not sit well with the player base, particularly those who had already spent their servant coins and now faced the challenge of acquiring additional duplicates to access the new skills.
The backlash has been intense, especially among players who have invested considerable time and money into the game. Many felt the update represented a step backward, overshadowing even positive changes like the introduction of a pity system.
Death Threats and Graphic Content
The reaction was swift and severe. Angry fans overwhelmed the official Twitter account with posts, some of which included graphic death threats directed at the developers. While frustration is understandable, the extreme nature of these threats has cast a negative light on the fan community. Death threats are never acceptable and only serve to undermine legitimate concerns, making it harder for them to be addressed seriously.
Developer’s Response
In response to the intense backlash, Yoshiki Kano, the development director for *FGO Part 2*, issued an apology. He recognized the dissatisfaction and anxiety caused by the new append skills and announced several measures to mitigate the issue. Players can now switch between unlocked append skills, retaining the level of the original skill. Additionally, the developers committed to restoring servant coins used for casting the Holy Grail and providing compensation to affected players. While these changes offer some relief, they do not fully address the underlying issues of servant coin scarcity and the increased demand for duplicates.
A Temporary Fix or a Long-Term Solution?
The developers' response to the *Fate/Grand Order* anniversary drama, including 40 free pulls for everyone, is a move in the right direction. However, it feels more like a temporary fix than a lasting solution. Completionists who aim to fully max out a five-star servant still face the daunting task of obtaining eight duplicates.
The community remains uncertain about when, or if, a real solution will be implemented. One player noted that promises to make servant coins easier to obtain have been made for two years without follow-through.
The *Fate/Grand Order* anniversary drama serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance game developers must strike between monetization and player satisfaction. While immediate outrage may subside with recent compensations and adjustments, the trust between the developers and the community has been shaken.
To rebuild that trust, the developers must maintain open lines of communication and genuinely address player concerns. After all, in a game centered around summoning heroic spirits, it's the community's spirit that truly keeps it alive.
If you're not yet part of this community, you can get the game on Google Play. Before you go, don't miss our news on *Identity V* bringing back the Phantom Thieves.
