Elite Dangerous Dev Frontier Announces Plans to Sell Ships for Real Money, Sparking Backlash

ign.com:

Elite Dangerous developer Frontier has announced a significant change to the near decade-old space sim: the sale of ships for real money.

In a post on the Elite Dangerous website, Frontier said it will sell three months of early access to the Python Mk II ship from May 7 for 16,250 ARX, the game’s premium virtual currency. 16,800 ARX costs $12.99 from the store. Owners of the Odyssey expansion can buy the ship from August 7 for credits, Elite's non-premium virtual currency. Those who do not own Odyssey can only access ship variants from the store for ARX.

Frontier is also selling Pre-Built Ship packages, which include ships that have been upgraded from their base models. “We envision these Pre-built Ships to be a quicker way for newer players to get involved in the areas they have the most interest in, or for our existing players who are considering a new career path in game, but do not have time to devote to a new build from scratch,” Frontier said. A Pre-Built Ship package includes instant-access to a pre-fitted ship, a ship kit, and a paintjob — essentially skipping the grind associated with upgrading ships.

It’s safe to say this announcement has infuriated veteran players of Elite Dangerous, some of whom have accused Frontier of going down the Star Citizen route in its bid to generate revenue from the long-running space game. While players will continue to be able to earn ARX in-game by playing Elite Dangerous daily, or by contributing to events in-game, the fact you can buy the currency with real-world money and spend it on early access to new ships has sparked pay-to-win accusations.

“And with a single article about literal p2w ships you have now officially lost all trust,” said redditor Xay_DE. “It's ridiculous enough that you have to pay IRL money to do any sort of ship customization in a game you have to pay money for, but adding paid-for ships, once again in a game you have to pay for, is unacceptable,” said Endulos.

Some players are now pointing to a 2019