"Give them hell": Beaten down by microtransactions, MMO community revolts after "predatory" battle pass pushes them too far

gamesradar.com:

The RuneScape community is facing the perfect storm of MMO drama, and this is among the maddest I've ever seen this particular bunch. A new battle pass recently hit the already microtransaction-filled MMO, and players have responded with review bombs and protests amid reports of a corporate buyout at the game's parent company.

For the record, we're talking about Runescape, not Old School Runescape (OSRS), which deliberately avoids the more modern play style and monetization of the mainline game. While Runescape pours kerosene on a fire that was honestly lit years ago, OSRS is actually doing quite well and inching toward its first-ever community-voted skill. OSRS is often semi-jokingly regarded as a refuge for Runescape players, and the Old School community's been sympathetic during this battle pass debacle. OSRS players have even loaned the Runescape sub their heavily memed Nan, who once again will not be released until change arrives. 

Runescape, meanwhile, has well and truly stepped in it. On August 29, developer Jagex announced a new Hero Pass which it said would deliver "a better, more rewarding Runescape" beginning September 4, with a new pass coming every three months. 

The pass would be free to all players, but with premium rewards locked behind a paid version tied to premier membership. Most Runescape (and OSRS) players have a membership subscription because it unlocks the bulk of the technically free game, but premier membership is notably distinct in that it's a 12-month package with extra bonuses. After gaining access through a subscription or a la carte membership Bond upgrades, players also have the option of buying hero pass levels to skip the grind and unlock rewards sooner. 

Folks, the pass has not been