Square Enix is currently facing significant backlash over its publishing decision for the upcoming game, Life is Strange: Double Exposure. This sequel continues the story of Maxine Caulfield, who now has the ability to walk between parallel universes to solve yet another mystery involving a dead best friend. Despite the intriguing premise, the game's release strategy has left many fans disillusioned.
Controversial Editions and Pricing
The game will be available in three editions: a base edition, a Deluxe Edition, and an Ultimate Edition. The base edition is priced at approximately $60, the Deluxe Edition at $80, and the Ultimate Edition at a hefty $100. For UK gamers, the prices are £50, £60, and £95 respectively, which has raised eyebrows given the discrepancies in conversion rates.
While additional outfits and minor extras in the Deluxe and Ultimate editions might be seen as standard fare, the real issue lies in the early access feature exclusive to the Ultimate Edition. This edition offers players early access to the game's first episodes a full two weeks before the official release date, a move that has been met with widespread criticism.
Early Access Sparks Outrage
The decision to offer early access for a narrative-driven game like Life is Strange: Double Exposure is particularly contentious. Fans argue that this will lead to major spoilers circulating online well before most players have had a chance to experience the story for themselves. As one Reddit user, 68ideal, pointed out, "There’s pretty much 0 moderation [on YouTube] and people will ruthlessly put the exact spoiler in the title and thumbnail, so you are screwed simply by the algorithm."
Another fan expressed frustration over the potential precedent this sets: "The problem is there’s also people who are willing to cave and buy it anyway which shows companies like Square Enix they can get away with using early access as an upgrade incentive."
Community Sentiment
Despite the backlash, not all reactions have been negative. On social media platforms like Twitter, there's still a palpable sense of excitement and nostalgia surrounding the game's release. Some fans are eagerly discussing potential plot points and character returns, with many hoping for the reappearance of Chloe Price.
However, it's clear that Square Enix's decision has struck a nerve with a significant portion of its fanbase. As the release date approaches—October 29 for most, or October 15 for those willing to pay extra—the company may need to address these concerns more directly to avoid further alienating its audience.
For now, it remains to be seen whether this backlash will grow into a larger controversy or if fans' excitement for Life is Strange: Double Exposure will ultimately overshadow their frustrations.