The upcoming game Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has sparked controversy by placing its New Game+ mode behind its Deluxe and Ultimate editions, which are more expensive than the base game. New Game+ typically allows players to replay the game with their unlocked items and progress from a previous playthrough and is always included in games for free.
This decision is an easy way to get criticism from players. New Game+ is a basic feature that should be available in all editions of the game (Thanks PC Gamer). Still, checking the website confirms that New Game+ is exclusively available in the more expensive editions. It is just one of the many features and bonus content bundled into the ‘Master Vacation Bundle.’
What is worse is that this is conveniently hidden on the Steam page. Each edition comes with certain packs but never states what they contain, so it’s just listed as the ‘Master Vacation Bundle.’ This will lead to players thinking that New Game+ is included in the base game, only to find out after purchase that it is not.
While there is a chance that this is a misunderstanding on Sega’s part, the company has not yet issued any clarification. Overall, the decision to lock New Game+ behind paywalls is a strange thing to see. It can quickly be seen as a money-grabbing tactic because many players like going through the game without worrying about grinding. However, it’s not a feature that’s very necessary for a game to feel complete.
Something like New Game+ being held in a special edition is unprecedented, so it feels very strange to try and understand. We’ll have to see if and when fans catch on and the reaction, but this does feel very shady. Sega should have some good reasoning soon because this won’t be a hidden detail for long.
