The recent 9th anniversary update of *Fate/Grand Order* has sparked significant controversy within the gaming community, primarily due to the introduction of new powerful skills that require an increased number of 'servant coins' to unlock. This update has escalated the challenge for players, as maxing out a five-star character now demands eight copies—or nine to bypass a year-long grind. This change has been met with widespread discontent among players, especially those who have already invested substantial time and money into the game. The new requirements overshadow the introduction of a pity system, leaving many feeling that the game has taken a step backward.
The backlash to the update was intense, with the official Twitter account of *Fate/Grand Order* being inundated with posts, including graphic death threats directed at the developers. While the frustration is understandable, the extreme nature of these threats has negatively impacted the reputation of the fan community. Such actions are never justified and can overshadow legitimate concerns, making it more challenging for the community's voice to be heard.
In response to the severe backlash, Yoshiki Kano, the development director for *Fate/Grand Order Part 2*, issued an apology, recognizing the dissatisfaction and anxiety caused by the new append skills. The developers have taken steps to mitigate the issue, including allowing players to switch between unlocked append skills while retaining the level of the original skill. They have also promised to restore servant coins used for casting the Holy Grail and provide compensation. However, these measures do not fully address the core issue of the scarcity of servant coins and the increased demand for duplicates.
The developers' response, which includes offering 40 free pulls to all players, is a positive move but feels more like a temporary fix rather than a comprehensive solution. For completionists aiming to fully max out a five-star servant, the requirement of eight duplicates remains daunting. The community is left questioning whether a more permanent solution will be implemented. There have been promises for two years to make servant coins easier to obtain, yet the community is still waiting for tangible results.
The *Fate/Grand Order* anniversary drama serves as a reminder of the delicate balance game developers must strike between monetization and player satisfaction. While the immediate outrage may be quelled by recent compensations and adjustments, the trust between the developers and the community has been compromised. To restore this trust, the developers need to maintain open communication and genuinely address the players' concerns. After all, the spirit of the community is what keeps the game thriving.
If you're interested in joining the *Fate/Grand Order* community, you can download the game from Google Play. Before you go, don't miss our latest news on *Identity V* bringing back the Phantom Thieves.