What Are Your Thoughts On Black Desert Online's Latest Pay-To-Win Controversy?

Black Desert Online's short Western history has been riddled with controversy. When the game was originally published in the West it released to trumpets proclaiming "no pay-to-win advantages here." While cash shop items were controversial, and reviews polarized, the game held its own. Though many players left BDO due to the tedious grind that was end-game—yes, more repetitive than some other MMORPGs.

And that was fine. Many players still enjoyed the game even though content updates were lacking, often delayed. But now, Kakao Games is stirring a boiling pot of controversy once again: allowing pearl items to be sold on the in-game marketplace (something that wasn't included in the Western release to prevent players from making money by flipping cash shop items).

Our own Matt Chelen summed up the change nicely:

 The game may very well trend towards a pay-to-win future, but at least you can be sure that Kakao is working tirelessly to ensure that, should you be mercilessly slaughtered by another player repeatedly, it will be through means that they approve of.

And previously Black Desert Online introduced a monthly subscription Value Pack, which has fanned the flames of rage across the MMORPG community-at-large. Rightfully so, considering the initial promises made when the game was announced for the Western market.

The problem is that the culmination of changes results in a game that is pretty much inarguabley pay-to-win, as far the community consensus is concerned. Why is that? Well, the opportunity for an endless stream of zeny circumvents the need to grind and allows the player with the biggest wallet to out-gear themselves with ease, putting themselves at a significant advantage in a game that emphasizes PvP as its selling point.

Is this a sign that I'm about to lose a bet and Black Desert Online will go free-to-play?

TheLazyPeon does a wonderful job covering the controversy.

It does feel like a betrayal. And many concerned players who voiced their opinions are claiming they were banned on the official forums, though Kakao denies the accusation. Never censor your community.

Why is this happening? What was Kakao Games thinking? Also, why does the West seem to resist pay-to-win practices so much more than their Eastern counterpart? Though Tree of Savior may prove that question wrong.

We will undoubtedly discuss this in tomorrow's podcast so we want to hear you thoughts.

What are your thoughts on Black Desert Online's latest pay-to-win controversy?