Touted as a quasi-interactive series, Silent Hill: Ascension encompasses a series of microtransactions that could jeopardize the integrity of the gaming experience. Despite the players’ decisions and the direct influence through Influence Points, there’s a looming fear that the system could evolve into a pay-to-win model. Despite the series being free-to-play, the paid packages like the Founder’s Pack, offering extra content and benefits, raise questions about fair competition. Konami’s decision to introduce microtransactions has drawn both disappointment and criticism from the player community.

Although Silent Hill: Ascension appears to function as an interactive series, it contains microtransactions that could favor those willing to pay for advantages. The game, directed by players’ choices, is now confronted with the shadow of a pay-to-win model. The Founder’s Pack, valued at $19.99 and available until November 14, which is supplemented by a Season Pass, offers exclusive content, thereby heightening concerns that the story can be influenced by money. The audience has expressed dissatisfaction with Konami’s steps on forums and social media, which they believe threaten the integrity of the game.

Since the release of Silent Hill: Ascension, there have been concerns about microtransactions, suggesting the game might be leaning towards a pay-to-win direction. The interactive series, offering the story in episodic form, gives the audience the opportunity to decide the fate of the characters using Influence Points, thus raising the question of the possibility of purchasing advantages. The Founder’s Pack, available until November 14 for $19.99, which includes a Season Pass and provides additional IP, allows paying players to have a greater influence on shaping the story. The gaming community has voiced its dissatisfaction with Konami’s decision, which they see as contrary to the spirit of fair play.

Konami seems to have undermined an innovative idea by turning the microtransaction system of Silent Hill: Ascension into a source of revenue. Jacob Navok, CEO of Genvid Interactive, told Polygon that this does not automatically mean that with enough money, control over the game can be taken, but fans have not welcomed this news. Many have voiced their dissatisfaction on Reddit and other online platforms.

Some players have pointed out that the series’ fundamental element of voting on outcomes is devalued by the introduction of digital currency. Others, who previously thought EA was the master of microtransactions, have been proven wrong. Third parties have suggested alternatives to Konami’s simple money solicitation strategies. There are also disappointed fans who now have little hope for the upcoming Silent Hill 2 remake, which is set to be a proper game, although this seems exaggerated since the game is being developed by the Polish Bloober Team, which has previously proven its expertise in horror.

The mood on Reddit is also pessimistic. Reports indicate that players were expecting a lot, but Konami only released an episode riddled with multiple flaws. The QTEs were glitchy, the story was weak, and the animations were ugly, suggesting that the great return of Silent Hill is still limping along.

The suffering for Silent Hill fans continues:
SILENT HILL: Ascensionhttps://t.co/EgyyxeRnw6
An interactive movie with microtransactions and season pass. 🥴
As a Silent Hill fan I have almost zero hope for SH2 remake. Konami doesn't care … pic.twitter.com/mSI89pp1AR

— Wobbling Pixels (@WobblingP) November 1, 2023

In the meantime, Navok sent a more detailed statement to IGN, emphasizing that the pay-to-win allegations are unfounded. He stated that all content and decision-making options are free, no video content is locked behind a paywall, and as the days go by, the number of puzzles and videos available increases, so on the tenth day, there will be ten different tasks available. The CEO believes that they are creating a community-based product, where IP packages are intentionally small to highlight cosmetic items and prevent individuals from diverting the entire storyline.

Navok thinks this free, gradually expanding content model is much better than fixed-price products that tie every in-game element to payment, thereby not reaching the large audience they already have. It is uncertain whether this will reassure the discontented players, but with many episodes ahead for Silent Hill: Ascension, it will be interesting to see how the continuation unfolds.