TMNT Crossover Toys: High Prices Disappoint Fans

Activision's latest Black Ops 6 crossover event with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) has sparked significant backlash from fans due to its high prices. The exorbitant cost of the in-game cosmetics has ignited a firestorm of criticism, highlighting concerns about Activision's monetization strategy.

Black Ops 6 Faces Fan Backlash Over Pricing

Exorbitantly Priced TMNT Skins in BO6

The Season 2 Reloaded event's TMNT crossover features Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello skins, each priced at $20. Master Splinter's skin is available via the premium Battle Pass track for $10. This brings the total cost to $90, excluding a separate $10 TMNT-themed weapon blueprint.

This pricing has drawn sharp criticism, particularly considering Black Ops 6 is a full-priced game ($69.99). Comparisons to free-to-play games like Fortnite, where similar bundles are significantly cheaper, fuel the outrage. Reddit user neverclaimsurv commented, "That is INSANE...In Fortnite I think I paid $25.00 for all 4 turtles, and that’s a free game."

Adding to the frustration, these skins are likely not transferable to future Black Ops installments. This one-time purchase further intensifies the perceived value proposition. Reddit user SellMeYourSirin noted, "It has everything to do with the fact a full price game (that’s likely gonna be replaced within the next year) has THREE tiers of battle passes."

Despite the controversy, Activision's lucrative battle pass system, coupled with the game's status as the highest-grossing video game in the US in 2024, suggests future paid crossover events are likely. However, the intensity of fan backlash could potentially influence Activision's future monetization practices.

Black Ops 6's Mixed Steam Reviews Reflect Player Concerns

Black Ops 6 currently holds a "Mixed" rating on Steam, with 47% of 10,696 user reviews recommending the game. This reflects a broader range of issues beyond pricing. Numerous players report game crashes, impacting gameplay significantly. LemonRain, a Steam user, stated, "this game has had problems with hard crashing since launch, but the latest update has made it so I can’t complete a single match. Reinstalling. Safe mode. Support. Nothing works and I have given up."

Furthermore, widespread reports of hackers disrupting multiplayer matches add to the negative player experience. Some users describe lobbies plagued by cheaters, rendering gameplay frustrating and unfair. One player reported waiting 15 minutes only to be matched with hackers.

Finally, Activision's increased reliance on AI has prompted some users to express their dissent through negative reviews generated by AI chatbots. Steam user Rundur's review exemplifies this protest: "Since Activision can't be bothered hiring real people anymore, I've decided to take advantage of AI myself and ask ChatGPT to write this negative review for me. Enjoy."

Despite the substantial criticism and negative reviews, Black Ops 6 continues to generate substantial revenue through its costly battle pass system, highlighting a complex relationship between player dissatisfaction and financial success.