The Bazaar has finally launched into open beta following a seven-year development phase, but the transition hasn’t been smooth. Many early backers are voicing dissatisfaction over recent monetization shifts that conflict with earlier promises.

A recent video discussing patch 0.1.8 revealed the introduction of a “prize pass” system similar to battle passes, allowing players to earn 10-card expansions for certain heroes, contingent on purchasing the premium version. While some may find this standard for many games, it’s resulted in significant backlash.

Early backers recalled the initial Kickstarter launch in 2018, which promised a fair monetization strategy with a focus on cosmetics and free gameplay. The game’s creator, Reynad, initially assured there wouldn’t be collectible cards necessary to play, which has now changed, leading many to feel betrayed.

As discussed in the game subreddit, one player expressed frustration: “Imagine throwing under the bus all the people that supported your vision for five fcking years,”* highlighting the discontent brewing within the community. Reynad himself seems to recognize the tension, admitting in a Discord message, “Seeing Reddit lose it today lets me breathe a huge sigh of relief,” suggesting a turbulent relationship with feedback from the very supporters who helped launch the game.

The game continues to develop amidst criticism and the challenge of aligning community expectations with evolving business models.