Gaming news outlet Hard Drive has sadly announced they intend to transition into a cheap, pay-to-win, microtransaction-ridden website in a press release today. The company press release explains the subscription model, which Hard Drive refers to as a “battle pass,” and will be available at three different tiers.
“We’re thrilled to announce the Hard Drive battle pass. For only five dollars a month, you’ll get exclusive daily quests, early access to all future DLC, and much more! You can also upgrade to the premium tier for ten dollars a month, which offers a 20% xp boost and the satisfaction of giving us more money,” the press release reads. “Every tier will give you the opportunity to play games via a Discord with our greedy, micro-transaction-hungry writers.”
The press release continues by outlining the details of the in-game store, which battle pass subscribers will get a discount to.
“The store includes cosmetics and other items that you’ve all been clamoring for. Extra durable torso armor with sleek designs such as the Hard Drive logo. Music discs from your favorite bands. A mousepad with the cast of Cheers on it. Everything you could ever ask for, all available in one convenient location!”
Some readers have argued that Hard Drive is becoming pay to win.
“Oh so now the people who pay are always going to be favored?,” one loyal Hard Drive reader said in the comments. “All I want is gaming news and now they want me to buy a cosmetic to turn all the text camo. This all used to be free and now they’re asking readers to pay? How hard can it be to run a website when social media algorithms and advertisers are so friendly to independent content?”
Hard Drive followed the release by announcing that more details on the microtransactions and battle pass can be found at their new Patreon.
