Star Citizen draws a lot of negativity due to its high prices for in-game items and the delays in its development. The perception is influenced by comparisons to other games, the traditional low-cost model of gaming, and a lack of comprehensive information in mainstream coverage.
The main reason why Star Citizen draws so much negativity is primarily due to the exorbitant prices of in-game items and the numerous delays in the game’s development. The high prices of these items, which are available for purchase, are not commonly seen in other games, leading to criticism and backlash from the gaming community. In contrast, most games follow a traditional model where players pay a fixed price for the game itself and any additional content is typically offered at a lower cost. The community-funded nature of Star Citizen also plays a role in the negative perception, as delays in development are seen as a poor reflection on the game’s management.
The perception of Star Citizen is heavily influenced by articles and videos produced by individuals who are not actively involved in the game’s community. These sources often focus on the delays and high prices without providing a comprehensive understanding of the game’s funding model or the availability of in-game items through gameplay. This lack of context further contributes to the negative reactions towards the game.
Gaming has traditionally been a low-cost hobby, where players pay a one-time fee for a game and receive hours of entertainment in return. The introduction of microtransactions and DLC has already caused some controversy within the gaming industry, as players are hesitant to spend additional money after already purchasing a game. Therefore, the high prices of items in Star Citizen, which deviate from the traditional low-cost model, are seen as a shock to the system and challenge the perceived value of gaming as an affordable hobby.
The gaming industry itself also plays a role in shaping negative perceptions of Star Citizen. Companies like Bethesda, CD Projekt Red, and Bungie are often held to high standards, yet criticized when they release incomplete games. There is an expectation that games should be made cheaply and released within a certain timeframe. In contrast, Star Citizen’s development approach, which includes selling assets to fund the game’s development, is seen as unusual and prompts questions about the high prices of these assets.
Overall, the negativity surrounding Star Citizen is fueled by a combination of factors, including the high prices of in-game items, the numerous delays in development, the lack of comprehensive information in mainstream coverage, and the deviation from the traditional low-cost model of gaming. The perception of the game is influenced by comparisons to other games and the expectations set by the gaming industry. However, it is important to note that there are positive aspects of the game, such as the ability to earn most ships through gameplay and the improvements made to server capacity, that are often overlooked in the prevailing negative discourse.