Battlefield Heroes Celebrates 3 Million Players with New Map as Community Protests Changes

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To celebrate the "three million registered players" milestone for its free-to-play web-based multiplayer shooter Battlefield Heroes, developer DICE has released a new map (Sunset Showdown) for the ad and microtransaction-supported online game.

But while Battlefield Heroes general manager Ben Counsins boasts that there are "over 50,000 new players joining us every week" and "the vast majority of our players play for free," some are protesting a recent shift they claim goes against the game's initial promise of not favoring those who buy new items with cash and/or play all day.

That change brought about higher prices for items purchased with the Valor Point currency earned in-game and lower prices for items bought using real-world money

"No one but the most hardcore players will be able to use high-end weapons without paying for them," claims player Eburoon, as pointed out by Ars Technica. Going by Eburoo's calculations, roughly five hours of daily play is now needed to earn enough in-game funds to keep a "super" weapon without resorting to a real-world funds.

To many, that goes against the ideology promised when the game was first revealed. "We also sell microtransaction items to our players--items like new hats, mustaches, and weapon upgrades--which enhance the game and make your character look cool without completely breaking things by letting some rich kid kill you with a special nuclear missile he bought but you can't afford," DICE claimed in the game's initial trailer, adding that it "focuses on fun, accessibility and not getting shot in the face repeatedly by a swearing, ultra-skilled 15 year old boy who plays the game every day for 8 hours."

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    December 16, 2009 1:11 PM

    This is a Shack related question, don't know where else to ask. What are "Shacker Points" and what are they used for?

    • reply
      December 16, 2009 1:20 PM

      "Shacker Points" are used to confuse and disorient newcomers who are then humiliated in internet public if they have the temerity to ask what the points are for.

      • reply
        December 16, 2009 1:48 PM

        Haha! Look at this guy! "Shacker Points!" Ha! oh man... there's always one.

        • reply
          December 16, 2009 2:06 PM

          whatever you do, dont ask about shacktags. and certainly dont ask if theyre documented anywhere on the site.

      • reply
        December 16, 2009 2:42 PM

        True. Also, they have something to do with use of the game library/rating/wantlist system.

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