Dying Light 2 bombarded with negative reviews following controversial update

Words by Dan Lipscombe

It seems Dying Light 2 is the latest game to receive widespread review bombing from fans. Initially, the game launched to a warm reception and, over the months, it began to improve via patches and content updates. Players were starting to see the true vision of the developer, Techland.

These updates garnered praise throughout the community, seeing the game’s Steam rating increase and positive word of mouth begin to spread with some saying it is one of the best zombie games ever made.

Take a look at the game in action below.

However, the recent ‘Summer Time update’ managed to stir up disgust with fans by bringing microtransactions to the game. Among popular updates, such as further mod support on PC and Steam Deck and the ability to skip the prologue, Techland announced players would be able to purchase Dying Light Points using real cash money from your pocket.

Previously, in the original Dying Light, DLC and add-ons were purchased as transactions per item for local currency. This new change to Dying Light Points means players will have to buy bundles of the new currency, rather than use dollars or pounds. For example, you can buy points in packs of 500, 1100, 2300, 3600 and 6500.

As with so many live service games, DLC costs will vary but many bundles are available for 550 points, which means having to buy two bundles of 500, rather than pay a standard monetary cost.

The community, quite rightly, are up in arms and have begun a mass review bombing campaign to show their upset. On Steam, the game’s previously ‘Mostly Positive’ rating has since dropped to ‘Mixed’ with the chance it will drop further. Techland have stated in a FAQ that the new system leads to “more beneficial pricing” while players believe this system is a way to push players into paying for a currency that will be left sitting in their account.

Techland has since responded to the community concerns by announcing that items will also be available individually, meaning that those spare points could be used on smaller pieces of content and they will “keep on gathering feedback” regarding these changes.