Criticism Causes Cancellation of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Pre-order System

In response to intense consumer pressure, Square Enix and Eidos-Montreal have decided to cancel Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’s Augmented pre-order system.

The pre-order strategy had planned to involve a tiered system with increased rewards depending on the number of customers who pre-order the game. As the pre-order count increased various rewards would be unlocked, from which purchases would have to choose one.

For example, the first tier of rewards included a choice of in-game equipment load-outs. Tier 2 included either an art book or soundtrack. The third tier offered a unique mission, while the fourth gave customers the choice between a graphic novel or a novella. The fifth and final tier would have brought Mankind Divided’s release date forward by four days.

A Collector’s Edition was also planned, which would have provided buyers with all of the above, as well as a figurine and art book.

This fairly convoluted system drew a significant amount of criticism for preventing customers from being able to access all of the features on offer. Polygon called the system “cringe-inducing” and “consumer-hostile,” describing it as a series of decisions which make buyers turn down potential rewards.

Eidos-Montreal’s statement on their website said that they had planned to provide customers with a greater level of choice of pre-order incentives, rather than deciding on the content in the reward packages themselves.

However, they quickly noted that this system generated a large amount of controversy and frustration, and with “much thought and reflection” Eidos-Montreal decided to close down the pre-order programme.

All of this incentive content will now be available to all pre-order purchasers. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided will be released on 23 February 2016 on PS4, Xbox One and PC.

Related Topics: Square Enix

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