Saturday, February 2nd 2019
Metro Exodus Developer Discusses Boycott of the PC Platform for Sequels over Steam Review Bombing
Update 2: February 5th, 2019: A post on TwitLonger from the official @MetroVideoGame handle has looked to bring a more positive outlook to this whole scenario, in an attempt to bridge the gap between a lone developer's sentiment and the entire 4A Games studio. The post follows:
The entire handling of this issue has seen wrong turns of hand on all parts involved, the way this particular editor sees it (my, Ravenlord's, sole opinion and not TPU's, so as to avoid a Metro-style situation here), whether it be Valve, 4A Games, the lone developer who made the initial comments, and yes, the particular users in the Metro community that reacted too passionately, inflamming what was already a sticky situation. I, for one, will never see the justice in extrapolating one "wrong" move as a reason for bringing down either the trust or confidence in a whole team of people working hard to bring their creative vision to life. But I suppose gaming is like a relationship, in a way. You can read the original story below.
The whole Metro Exodus saga has been getting uglier as we get closer to launch date. We had reported earlier this very week how Metro Exodus had jumped over to the Epic Games Store for a timed exclusive through February 2020, with Valve and THQ Nordic putting out statements on this move. The move was clearly an unpopular one, and arguably for valid reasons too, but this then led to the mob turning against Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light by leaving an extreme number of negative reviews on the respective Steam store pages.
We do not agree with this behavior, but neither do we condone what happened next. A user by the handle scynet on the Russian Gameinator forums claimed to be one of the developers on the Metro game franchise, and expressed disappointment, and even anger at the review bombing ongoing. Perhaps emotions took over, when he then effectively threatened that the Metro series would not come to the PC platform again, and be a console exclusive, should this behavior continue and also if PC gamers in turn decide to not buy Metro Exodus as a result of the move from Steam to the Epic Games Store. We will note here that (a) the identity of said person has not been confirmed to be an actual developer for the game, and (b) such decisions are usually in the publisher hands. Regardless, both parties are not showing their best here, and hopefully cooler heads will prevail soon.
[Update: Feb 3, 2019: TechPowerUp user birdie has provided what appears to be the most accurate translation at this time, which can be seen past the break.]
An English translation by a native Russian (TechPowerUp user birdie) is seen below.
Sources:
User 'scynet' on Gameinator Forums, TwitLonger
The recent decision to move Metro Exodus from Steam to the Epic Game Store was made by Koch Media / Deep Silver alone.
The recent comments made by a member of the 4A Games development team do not reflect Deep Silver's or 4A Games' view on the future of the franchise. They do reflect the hurt and disappointment of a passionate individual who has seen what was previously nothing but positive goodwill towards his work turn to controversy due to a business decision he had no control over. We respectfully ask that any and all valid feedback over this decision is directed at Koch Media / Deep Silver, and not the developers at 4A Games.
The future release strategy of the Metro series lies with Koch Media / Deep Silver. Our decision to partner with Epic Games was based on the goal of investing in the future of the series and our development partner at 4A Games. We have every intention of continuing this franchise, and a PC version will always be at the heart of our plans.
The entire handling of this issue has seen wrong turns of hand on all parts involved, the way this particular editor sees it (my, Ravenlord's, sole opinion and not TPU's, so as to avoid a Metro-style situation here), whether it be Valve, 4A Games, the lone developer who made the initial comments, and yes, the particular users in the Metro community that reacted too passionately, inflamming what was already a sticky situation. I, for one, will never see the justice in extrapolating one "wrong" move as a reason for bringing down either the trust or confidence in a whole team of people working hard to bring their creative vision to life. But I suppose gaming is like a relationship, in a way. You can read the original story below.
The whole Metro Exodus saga has been getting uglier as we get closer to launch date. We had reported earlier this very week how Metro Exodus had jumped over to the Epic Games Store for a timed exclusive through February 2020, with Valve and THQ Nordic putting out statements on this move. The move was clearly an unpopular one, and arguably for valid reasons too, but this then led to the mob turning against Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light by leaving an extreme number of negative reviews on the respective Steam store pages.
[Update: Feb 3, 2019: TechPowerUp user birdie has provided what appears to be the most accurate translation at this time, which can be seen past the break.]
An English translation by a native Russian (TechPowerUp user birdie) is seen below.
I've watched the shit storm that gave me contradicting impressions. On the one hand, Steam withdrawal was dubious, no one before us has done this so abruptly (as far as I know). This is new and and it could have caused resentment. And also this move makes it necessary to install the Epic launcher, so it could have inconvenienced certain gamers, and caused resentment.This does not seem as feverous as initial translations make it out to be, however the underlying tones are still applicable to the same bottom line. We also are more confident now that the original poster is a verified employee of 4A Games, and likely a developer on Metro Exodus as well. He/she is no doubt passionate about the work put in to the game, and ideally recognizes that the deeds (however undeserving the review bombing of past games may be) of some members of the PC gaming community does not speak for everyone. At the same time, this does not mean that 4A Games/Koch Media/THQ Nordic/Epic Games Store are all blameless in this debacle either, just that here too the work of few is affecting the rest adversely.
On the other hand a reaction of the certain category of players ("torrents" only and likewise [he meant those who pirate games]) is hardly adequate. I've got the impression that people didn't really want to play and they have been waiting for a reason to pour out bile. It turns out that we (the developers) have toiled over for years trying to create something extraordinary but a certain category of players believes that our work isn't worth two minutes of installing a new game launcher. Naturally, it's their life and right, but why do they care about Metro at all? Obviously, they are not interested. I can only say that they've never been our players, they are not interested in our work, and as a result, for example, I'm not interested in their opinion. What's the point of me (and not only me) listening to their opinion?
But! Let's take a deeper look at the situation. Someone says that having shit on Metro Exodus and other games of the series has made the world a better place and put the greedy developers in their place. For that, I can only say that, at the worst scenario if all [PC] players boycott the game, then future games, if they get released at all, certainly won't be for PC. Will it be for the better or worse, is up to you. Personally, I will be sorry for devoted fans. But it won't change my appreciation of the work done by me, my friends and co-workers. I'm absolutely certain that almost everyone who is smearing us on the internet is not capable of the tiniest part of the work already done, and I hope, is yet to be done. Which means they are totally unaware of what they are talking about.
One extra thing. Despite the fact that during development I've finished every level of the game countless times, I still love playing Metro. I've completely finished previous games of the series several times and right now when we are putting the finishing touches to the game I'm going to finish it once more. For me it's already a tradition when I finish the game right before its release. It allows to evaluate the work we've done. What am I talking about? I remember the words of Prof [some nickname presumably - no idea who this person is] which I've heard straight from him several times and also on the Internet: you must create a game for yourself, so that first and most you like it yourself. And only now I'm starting to fully understand that - no smartass will make me doubt the work we've done. And there always will be the dissatisfied.
288 Comments on Metro Exodus Developer Discusses Boycott of the PC Platform for Sequels over Steam Review Bombing
As for me, I own Metro 2033 on Steam (thought I had Last Light too, but I guess I don't). Picked it up on sale because I heard somewhere that it was kinda like Stalker. I'll probably grab Last Light now that it's on sale, and might pick this one up when it's on sale on Steam... because I personally don't want the inconvenience of another launcher.
your argument is 100% backwards.
When in reality because so many consumers shop in Walmart they fight over them selves to sell there, And they do that because that's where the consumers Chose to shop. not because thats where they chose to sell the stuff, or that they get a better return from walmart.
so your argument just went ahead and proved my point.
oh and as for your question, my consumer rights would be not to buy it from walgreans and the mfr would sell at walmart if they wanted my money (100% exactly what happens already)
game designer of STALKER and Metro series
By the way www.4a-games.com.mt/4a-dna/important-update
If you want me to use your stuff so you can make money then you need to give me a reason to do that which isnt black mail.
but I guess the pattern will be the same. Guess what store did I prefer in this case?
www.gog.com/game/darksiders_iii
$60
store.steampowered.com/app/606280/Darksiders_III/
$60(currently on sale for $42)
www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/product/darksiders3/home
$60
GOG and Steam both have the Deluxe version which contains the very excellent OST;
www.gog.com/game/darksiders_iii_deluxe_edition
$80
store.steampowered.com/sub/286843/
$80(currently on sale for $56)
Epic does not have the Deluxe version of the game at all.
While Steam currently has the title on sale, GOG recently had it on sale too and at a slightly better price(I got the Deluxe version for $53).
The sales come and go but this is just one example of how Epic is trailing behind.
Metro Exodus is going to be good, but it's not going to motivate a lot of us to switch over. I'd rather not have the game at all, than have to deal with Epic's crap client and DRM.
Then you look at that, and say: Holy Crap, it's so much easier to just buy it from Epic and be done with it.
genuinely no point explaining it again but i will try.
As a consumer i have a choice, I chose to only use 1 launcher. That happens to be steam. This is not because i am lazy or cannot do something it is a choice i made and i am entitled to make, If you as epic want me to change to your launcher you need to Offer me something to make it worth my time, You want my money then i want something of value in return.
Bribing developers/publishers Does not Gain me anything, it does not gain ANY consumer anything, It only serves Epic and the publishers/devs.
To try and instill false value to your platform by bribing publishers and devs is not adding value.
If publishers have an issue with steam and their pricing structure, then that may be an issue but it is not my issue.
Like i said if others are willing to bend over and do what any publisher/dev/platform wants you to do then thats your call, i wont insult you because of your choice which you are entitled to make.
But it is quite sad that the argument for using epic amounts to the current game publishers meme of"you all have mobile phones dont you whats the problem?"
its quite telling of how the gaming industry has arrived at the situation it is in today.
I’m merely extolling the virtues of GOG. For me there is no question like you ask about, since I have also installed Epic. I prefer GOG, but also have no problem installing another launcher if it means getting a game/games I want.
Listing it for sale on steam and then changing it to a epic exclusive near release date is genuinly a dick move. Still as stated thats not my issue.
As stated before the reason people stopped torrenting music is because itunes made it simple and accessible in one place.
Im pretty sure steam had a similar effect on pc games. And if people decide may as well download games els where rather than have to struggle through multiple launchers that wont be my issue either.
People still download games/music/movies, VPNs sales exploded and there is now X number of VPNs.
Lambda people stopped because of majors prosecutions and the fines to pay after being flashed torrenting "insert labeled famous singer/band".
Pirate gamers can find a game good and decide to buy and be able to use online features or just to support the devs (for real it happens a lot in the world I live).
Denuvo is a joke now, Resident Evil 2 was available in 1 week. Just Cause 4 (what a crap) was available super fast.
I don't know where you came to think iTunes had an effect on pirates. Same for Steam, cracked games are easier than ever to install now (repacks already cracked).
For sure Steam permits to have cheap games. An effect you can actually see is CD keys bounding games to a library make them impossible to resell. Used video games market has been killed by Steam.
it was easier and safer to buy songs on itunes have them in one place and be able to access them easily, compared to downloading them from places like napster where you never knew what you were going to get, or if the songs you wanted were even available.
there is a value in convenience that I tunes and steam provided (steam did not always have that value as it used to suck and so i refused to use it) But as of right now Steam has a convenience value and epic just has a forced exclusive that provides no value to me only for devs/publishers.
And if they don't provide me a value to make me switch from steam (because i wont be using multiple launchers) Then i just wont use their launcher..
for me the only real way epic can get me to move over is to provide 100% exactly what steam provides me Including all my steam games that i already have, AND then they have to offer something extra to make me move over. Trying to strong arm me over by making a game exclusive is going to work as well for epic as it has for play station with the last of us or god of war.. I don't care that i wont play those games, and i guess they don't care that they never get any of my money when they make exclusives.
But its still a dick move to bait and switch, And im pretty sure Paying some one to be exclusive to you after production of the prooduct when its already been advertised as being available is called anti competitive you can ask Intel about that one, Although that example would have been the dev/publisher paying steam to only have there game for sale its still the same basic premise..
Offering publishers a better % rate is one thing, but paying them to be exclusive genuinely is anti competative, however im sure they have clever lawyers who word contracts very specifically so it technically isn't anti competitive