If you’ve been paying attention to the gaming world at large over the last two years, you’ve already heard of a kerfuffle or two surrounding in-game loot boxes. Well, we can add another to the list with Path of Exile but this one has a unique slant and some players feel an internet mob may have stole a useful new feature out from under them.
Earlier this week, Grinding Gear Games introduced the Salvage Box. After spending 30 credits to buy a salvage box, duplicate microtransactions could be destroyed to increase your odds of receiving a higher end piece of loot, while also guaranteeing a rare or combined microtransaction before the box expires. Not quite a roll of the dice, since you were given a guarantee, but still subject to the RNG no less.
In a rapid turn, Grinding Gear Games quickly pulled this item from the store following intensely negative feedback.
Earlier today we released the Salvage Box, a mystery box that ramps up the value of its rewards if you destroy duplicate microtransactions. Community feedback about this feature was intensely negative. We have removed this box from sale. Salvage Boxes that have already been purchased will continue to function until consumed.
Interestingly, a number of members of the community are upset that the item was pulled as it allowed them to trade in their duplicate items for new gear, offering some kind of use.
I actually really liked it :( Only because I have been wanting to get rid of duplicates for so long. I was actually willing to pay to get rid of them. Sad I couldn't finish. I got rid of about half my duplicates before it vanished from the store - Snowhammer (16)
Others, like Loltergeister, expressed relief:
Thank god you guys have woke up. It was a scummy practice to put another layer of RNG on top of an existing layer. You have gained some respect back.
We put it to you: was the Salvage Box a good addition to the game killed by internet outrage or too much RNG in a game that already relies on it?
