Gacha game The Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden introduced a new event in its latest update, which caused some controversy among fans when they found out that it had its own premium store. Many fans are upset by this, as the store forces you to buy microtransactions to unlock the items.
On a YouTube video of FG3000, the gacha YouTuber discussed the controversy of the event. This opened up the comment section to explore the moral behind the new store.
Most of the comments were from users expressing distaste for the premium shop.
One commenter, @paulovictor3244, wrote: “I just started laughing when I saw that premium store. I just can’t believe people actually think that’s okay. The more you accept, the more those companies will dry out your wallet.”
Another commenter, @KonaSaint504, saw another side of the store and provided a counter argument, writing, “Just look at the event store as a ‘battle pass’. One side is always free and the other is premium. The question is how expensive it is.”
What is an event store?
Event shops are common in gacha games. When a new event takes place, if you participate and succeed in the event, you are usually rewarded with a certain amount of event-exclusive currency.
You can then spend this coin on the event shop, which sells items that are in the theme of the event.
Why is it controversial?
Many of the fanbase for The Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden find the addition of a premium event store offensive because, as mentioned earlier, it forces you to reach into the pockets if you want to experience the full event.
Not only does this divide the fanbase between those willing to pay and those who aren’t, but it also promotes pay-to-win.
The fact that there is a ticking clock in the premium store also puts pressure on you to purchase items from the store, knowing that they won’t be available for purchase after the event ends.
It also doesn’t help that this is the first time a premium shop has been added, as gacha gamers are used to enjoying an event without having to pay. So why should they now?
The future of event stores
The future of event stores is now unclear. Will more companies pick up on this trend and include premium shops in their next event? Or will the trend die out with the latest Eminence in Shadow update?
It all comes down to the profit the companies can make from it. But if the fans walk away, how will the companies make their profit?
With the backlash the game has received, chances are it’s the last we’ve seen from premium stores.
