The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition upgrade problems
Intelligence Summary
- Discover the issues with the free upgrade for The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition and player reactions.
Introduction
The launch of The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition in early 2023 was already plagued by several issues. Three years later, it seems players are once again running into obstacles, as Obsidian Entertainment’s promised free upgrade path still isn’t going smoothly.
Problem with the free upgrade
In May 2023, Obsidian announced that the original version of The Outer Worlds would be delisted on May 27, making the Spacer's Choice Edition the only available version. They offered a free upgrade path for anyone who owned the base game on any platform, initially an appealing deal since the upgrade had originally been paid.
Issues with the upgrade on consoles
However, despite the good intentions, there appear to be significant problems with the upgrade process on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Players who own the base version on these consoles are reporting trouble claiming their upgrade. This has led to frustration within the community, with players raising concerns about the transparency of the process.
Timeline
May 27, 2023: The original version of The Outer Worlds is delisted and the Spacer's Choice Edition becomes the only available version.
May 28, 2023: Obsidian acknowledges that mistakes were made during the rollout of the free upgrade path.
June 1, 2026: The upgrade issues are still ongoing, with players continuing to complain about the confusion and frustration.
Reasons for concern
The lack of clarity over who is eligible for the free upgrade is creating further complications. The upgrade process was never explicitly confirmed for owners of the physical PS4 and Xbox One versions. As a result, players with physical copies now also have to buy the expansion pass, undermining the free nature of the upgrade.
The situation has sparked a wave of negative feedback on social media. Many players have voiced their frustration over the miscommunication and the feeling of being misled. This is especially notable given that the game is known for its criticism of capitalism.
Obsidian's response
In response to the issues, Obsidian is offering alternative solutions for those who cannot benefit from the upgrade. Players who bought the base game on Xbox One or PS4 between April 30 and May 27 are being urged to contact the company’s support team to find a solution. Obsidian has apologized for the confusion and frustration surrounding these issues.
Conclusion
The messy rollout of the free upgrade for The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition has led to growing dissatisfaction among players. The problems on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are a direct result of shortcomings in Obsidian’s communication. Clearer guidelines and better handling of upgrade-related questions could help improve the situation and rebuild trust with the community.
