The developers of the popular online combat simulator, War Thunder, Gaijin Entertainment, have recently drawn criticism over perceived pay-to-win mechanisms in their game. The game’s economy system, wherein players earn Silver Lions and Golden Eagles through gameplay and real-world purchases, respectively, has come under scrutiny. Critics argue that Gaijin has deliberately augmented the effort, or “grind,” required for free-to-play players to earn these currencies, thus disproportionately favoring players who spend real money.
Heightening players’ dissatisfaction, Gaijin’s recent decision to increase vehicle repair costs has further burdened players, compelling them to earn more Silver Lions. Many see this move as an attempt to pressure them into spending real-world money to expedite their game progression. This discontent has resulted in a surge of negative reviews on Steam, with long-term players decrying what they see as Gaijin’s profit-driven practices, such as the introduction of overpowered vehicles and high-priced premium assets. These players argue that the game’s profitability has shifted to center on the use of premium vehicles or content, creating a significant imbalance in gameplay.
While Gaijin Entertainment had responded previously, they have now issued an official apology, acknowledging their mistakes and expressing regret for not adequately addressing player concerns. The apology reads in part, “We deeply regret the fact that our actions have let you down, and that we have failed to adequately address the concerns you have voiced over time.”
The developers assured players that they had been carefully analyzing the feedback received and agreed with player concerns about the game’s economic balance and modification research. Gaijin further revealed that they were formulating a plan to resolve these issues and expected to provide a more detailed roadmap by June 14th.
In the apology, Gaijin acknowledged the complexity of implementing changes in a large-scale project like War Thunder but reassured players that any changes made would aim to be effective and beneficial for the player experience. They stated, “We are truly sorry for the disappointment and frustration that we have caused. We commit to you that we are doing everything we can to improve the game, and regain your trust.”
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