Once in a while we have developers and publishers who can’t handle negative feedback for their game. Some take it to heart as a learning experience while others just turn around and sue them (Digital Foundry). The newest case seems to involve The Sixth Axis and major game developer 2K Games over their recently released 2K Games.
We noted yesterday that the Steam page for NBA 2K Games has been bombarded with negative reviews over its overuse of virtual currency (microtransactions), but it appears that someone at 2K Games has taken it to far.
According to NeoGAF, The Sixth Axis gave the game a 3 out of 10 in their review and 2K Games have targeted them. Shortly after their review was published, 2K Games got involved and the review score was moved to pending.
Originally Posted by benzopil
So according to Opencritic, TheSixthAxis game this game 3/10 because of microtransactions
But later the score disappeared
Update: In discussion with 2K Games, we’ve temporarily removed the score pending a statement with regard to our criticisms, at which point it will be reinstated. Additionally, a draft conclusion was posted that incorrectly characterised our score as a protest vote, and has been reworded to reflect that our criticisms are rooted in the effect that VC and microtransactions have on the gameplay.
2K Games reportedly did not reach out to any other outlets (at least none that have gone public), and made them remove their scores if they were deemed positive scores despite complaints of virtual currency.
Plus we have the reviewer from The Sixth Axis posting here on GAF:
Originally Posted by OriginalJonty
So in regards to the review 2K got in touch thus we at TSA have posted the following statement.
Update: In discussion with 2K Games, we’ve temporarily removed the score pending a statement with regard to our criticisms, at which point it will be reinstated. Additionally, a draft conclusion was posted that incorrectly characterised our score as a protest vote, and has been reworded to reflect that our criticisms are rooted in the effect that VC and microtransactions have on the gameplay.
Originally Posted by OriginalJonty
Hello. Reviewer here. After review went live I’ve had no direct contact with 2K, instead their PR is chatting with my editor. All I know is that 2K are to issue a statement of some sort regarding issues raised in the review. Of course the real issue is what updates the 2K18’s VC system gets.
Just think of this as a review now in progress. If things remain unchanged so will my opinion.
Originally Posted by OriginalJonty
I’m not in direct contact with their PR department. Going through the site editor instead. Obviously ruffled quite a few feathers.
The Sixth Axis later restored their original score of 3 out of 10 and have added the following message…
Update 2 1PM BST 22/09: Our 3/10 score has now been restored to this review, with all but the wording that suggested this was a protest vote also kept intact. You can read our explanation of what happened and why here.
