The 9th anniversary of *Fate/Grand Order* was marred by controversy, sparked by a significant update introducing powerful new skills requiring an increased number of "servant coins" to unlock. This means players now need more duplicate characters than ever before, a considerable challenge given the game's notoriously low summoning rates. Previously, maxing out a five-star character required six copies; the update raised this to eight, or even nine to avoid an extensive grind. This change ignited widespread player outrage, particularly among those who have invested significant time and money.
The backlash was intense, with angry fans flooding official social media channels with criticism, including unacceptable graphic death threats and violent language directed at the developers. While frustration is understandable, such extreme reactions are never justifiable and severely damage the reputation of the fanbase.
In response to the intense negative feedback, Yoshiki Kano, the development director for *FGO* Part 2, issued a public apology. He acknowledged the player concerns and announced several measures to address the issues caused by the new append skills. Key changes include the ability to switch between unlocked append skills, preserving the original skill's level, and the restoration of servant coins spent on Holy Grail summons with appropriate compensation.
However, while these steps offer some relief, they don't fully resolve the underlying problem: the scarcity of servant coins and the increased demand for duplicate characters. The developer's response, including providing 40 free pulls, feels more like a temporary fix than a long-term solution. The significant increase in the number of duplicate characters needed to fully maximize a five-star servant remains a major point of contention.
The *Fate/Grand Order* anniversary drama highlights the precarious balance game developers must strike between monetization and player satisfaction. Although the immediate outrage may lessen with the recent compensation, the trust between developers and the community has been damaged. Rebuilding this trust requires open communication and a genuine commitment to addressing player concerns. The continued engagement and enthusiasm of the community is, ultimately, what keeps the game alive.
Interested in joining this passionate community? Download *Fate/Grand Order* on Google Play. Also, check out our latest news on *Identity V*'s return of the Phantom Thieves!
