Lightforge Loot Crate: Why Re-Release an 'Exclusive' Item?

[Ellisia]

I’m deeply concerned about the re-release of the Lightforge Loot Crate, including the Pyro Glide (returns January 27, 10:00 AM server time). When this crate was first released, it was marketed as exclusive and available for 30 days only, leading many of us to believe that the crate—and its items—would not return in the future.

Because of this, my husband and I spent $700 to purchase the entire set, thinking it would serve as a unique symbol of being early supporters of the game. We believed this exclusivity made the investment worthwhile. If we had known that the crate would return in just six months—and with higher drop rates—we would never have made that purchase.

Why This Feels Misleading

Marketing as "Exclusive": The crate was explicitly described as "exclusive" and limited to a 30-day window, strongly implying that it would never return. Players made purchases based on this assumption.
Devalued Purchases: Not only is the crate returning, but it’s being re-released with a 20% increased drop rate for items. This means players now have an easier chance of obtaining what was supposed to be a rare and exclusive reward. For those of us who spent significant money during the initial release, this is incredibly unfair.
Significance to Early Players: Many of us purchased the set to represent our dedication and support as first players. Re-releasing the crate with better odds erases the special meaning behind owning these items.

Questions for the Developers

Why was the crate marketed as "exclusive" if there were plans to re-release it later?
Why are the drop rates being increased, further reducing the rarity of these items?
Will there be compensation for players who made significant purchases under the assumption that these items were one-time exclusives?
How will you ensure clearer communication about "exclusive" and "limited-time" items in the future?

What We’d Like

We’re not asking for much—just transparency and accountability. If items like these are going to return, or if changes like increased drop rates are planned, players deserve to know from the start so we can make informed decisions about how to spend our money.

Thank you for listening. I hope the developers will address this issue fairly and take steps to rebuild trust with the community.

[Ellisia]

Автор сообщения: DtHouse

I fell sorry for who spented a ton ♥♥♥♥ of money on a gamblig loot system :/ with 700$ you could do a lot of nice things. Personally i have set a limit and it is no more of 50$ on a game in 30 days. Not because i can't spent more, but just because it will be like toss away my money on nothing. In the end, you get nothing in your hands to re-sell in future. They are just a gamblig company, the shady lootboxs practice should be banned worldwide. The same for the ♥♥♥♥♥♥ DLC politcs.

Yeah, I feel sorry for myself too—my first MMORPG, and I end up feeling this scammed. Honestly, I should’ve just stuck to my co-op/single-player games. I’ve been playing those for over two decades and never had a problem, but yeah, this whole experience definitely shows that lessons are learned the hard way Hahaha.

[Ellisia]

Автор сообщения: ~KeNnEtH~

I don't have the bike skin and I want it.

That said, I do think they shouldn't re-release it if they marketed it as exclusive or limited time only.

I can't remember for certain but I kind of remember the lightforge crates are all shown as time-limited.

Of course, it is arguable that it doesn't mean they won't come back but rather that the specific lightforge crate is available only for a short time.

I think a really simple fix is just to re-colour it a bit and "re-release" it if they want to.

Otherwise, it sets the precedent that nothing is really time-limited.

Either way, at least it's just cosmetics.

Honestly, I haven’t been in the game for a while, mostly because of the bugs and everything. But at this point, maybe they changed the word ‘exclusive’ to ‘time-limited.’ I remember when they first started releasing these loot crates, the word ‘exclusive’ was right there on the preview picture. I even have screenshots, and if you Google it, you’ll find pictures and videos showing that ‘exclusive’ was there. I agree with you, though—it would be fine if they wanted to release it again, but at least change it up a little. Maybe tweak the color or make it look different, but re-releasing the exact same thing, especially something that was marketed as exclusive at the time, just doesn’t sit right with me.

[ChoeChoeTrain]

Автор сообщения: Ellisia

Автор сообщения: ~KeNnEtH~

I don't have the bike skin and I want it.

That said, I do think they shouldn't re-release it if they marketed it as exclusive or limited time only.

I can't remember for certain but I kind of remember the lightforge crates are all shown as time-limited.

Of course, it is arguable that it doesn't mean they won't come back but rather that the specific lightforge crate is available only for a short time.

I think a really simple fix is just to re-colour it a bit and "re-release" it if they want to.

Otherwise, it sets the precedent that nothing is really time-limited.

Either way, at least it's just cosmetics.

Honestly, I haven’t been in the game for a while, mostly because of the bugs and everything. But at this point, maybe they changed the word ‘exclusive’ to ‘time-limited.’ I remember when they first started releasing these loot crates, the word ‘exclusive’ was right there on the preview picture. I even have screenshots, and if you Google it, you’ll find pictures and videos showing that ‘exclusive’ was there. I agree with you, though—it would be fine if they wanted to release it again, but at least change it up a little. Maybe tweak the color or make it look different, but re-releasing the exact same thing, especially something that was marketed as exclusive at the time, just doesn’t sit right with me.

Then this makes even less sense. If you haven't played in awhile why do you care if other people have the opportunity to buy the lootcrate? I'll be honest, this all sounds a bit silly lol quite a few people already have the skin so a few more getting it will somehow ruin your experience?

[Ellisia]

Автор сообщения: ChoeChoeTrain

Автор сообщения: Ellisia

Honestly, I haven’t been in the game for a while, mostly because of the bugs and everything. But at this point, maybe they changed the word ‘exclusive’ to ‘time-limited.’ I remember when they first started releasing these loot crates, the word ‘exclusive’ was right there on the preview picture. I even have screenshots, and if you Google it, you’ll find pictures and videos showing that ‘exclusive’ was there. I agree with you, though—it would be fine if they wanted to release it again, but at least change it up a little. Maybe tweak the color or make it look different, but re-releasing the exact same thing, especially something that was marketed as exclusive at the time, just doesn’t sit right with me.

Then this makes even less sense. If you haven't played in awhile why do you care if other people have the opportunity to buy the lootcrate? I'll be honest, this all sounds a bit silly lol quite a few people already have the skin so a few more getting it will somehow ruin your experience?

Just because I haven’t played in a while doesn’t mean I don’t care about what’s going on. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t even bother checking for updates or seeing if there’s anything new. I’ve been waiting for some actual changes—maybe a new scenario, since I’ve played everything already.

Have you guys never picked up a game again? I do it all the time. That’s why I’ve gone back to Skyrim, FO4, the RE series, etc., several times over the years. Just because I’ve played them before doesn’t mean I’m done with them. Sometimes I’m just taking a break or looking for something new in them.

[ChoeChoeTrain]

Автор сообщения: Ellisia

Автор сообщения: ChoeChoeTrain

Then this makes even less sense. If you haven't played in awhile why do you care if other people have the opportunity to buy the lootcrate? I'll be honest, this all sounds a bit silly lol quite a few people already have the skin so a few more getting it will somehow ruin your experience?

Just because I haven’t played in a while doesn’t mean I don’t care about what’s going on. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t even bother checking for updates or seeing if there’s anything new. I’ve been waiting for some actual changes—maybe a new scenario, since I’ve played everything already.

Have you guys never picked up a game again? I do it all the time. That’s why I’ve gone back to Skyrim, FO4, the RE series, etc., several times over the years. Just because I’ve played them before doesn’t mean I’m done with them. Sometimes I’m just taking a break or looking for something new in them.

Thats fine and all but from your words it doesn't seem like you'll be back playing at this time so my point still stands: why are you upset that other people are able to buy an item that you have for a game that you aren't currently playing?

[Heironious]

Look up the definition of "exclusive" first.

[Heironious]

Автор сообщения: Noxsa

Автор сообщения: Ellisia

thanks for the reply! I get that 'exclusive' meant the items were only available for 30 days, but there was no clear explanation at the time about whether they'd ever return. For many of us, 'exclusive' usually means something that won't come back, so we assumed that’s what it meant.

The term 'exclusive' was a big part of the appeal, especially for early players who wanted something rare to show our support for the game. It made it feel like we were getting a special, limited-time item. The 30-day window also created urgency—like if we didn’t buy now, we’d miss out forever, which pushed us to act quickly.

But now, with the re-release and the increased drop rate, it takes away from that exclusivity and makes the original purchase feel less special.

It’d be helpful if the devs were clearer about what 'exclusive' really means in the future, so players know what to expect.

OH and "'exclusive' usually means something that won't come back" 100% means it would not come back, sadly they broke that OR are so incompitent that they don't know what exclusive means. ofc being an old gamer, i'm used to this that none of the devs know that word and all of them abuse it to get get rich. welcome to the gameworld.

I mean, you could google what exclusive means. Your first sentence is the exact meaning of exclusive. Your second one does not exist for the meaning, only in your head.

[HeartPurity]

Автор сообщения: Ellisia

Автор сообщения: HeartPurity

Firstly, thanks for supporting the game.
Secondly, you dont have to feel bad because you hav enjoyed that skin earlier than the rest of us. Buy first, enjoy first!
Thirdly, I hav read from the Chinese forum that the dev will give some roll chance for free for those early supporters. (something like roll 10 times for free i think)

Firstly, you missed the point. The issue wasn’t just about enjoying the skin earlier—it was supposed to be a symbol for the first players of the game. That’s what mattered to us, even though I did like the cosmetics.

Secondly, giving 10 free rolls to older players when it takes at least 30 rolls to get one item is just ridiculous. Just do some simple math: each loot crate has 3–5 items, so you’re looking at another 80–140 rolls minimum to get what you want—I mean, minus those ten or so free rolls, of course. It’s clearly another predatory tactic to push older players to spend more money. Hilarious, especially since the devs haven’t even bothered releasing new scenarios or content but still want more money.

Last I checked, the bugs were so bad I couldn’t even load into my territory without a black screen. Did they fix anything? Doesn’t seem like it.

It is a common sense that exclusive means the cosmetics in lightforge can only be obtained through lightforge. If your wallet is not big enough for it, then just simply ignore the cash shop. My friend who collected every round of lightforge couldn't care less about it being exclusive or not.

[Ellisia]

Автор сообщения: ChoeChoeTrain

Автор сообщения: Ellisia

Just because I haven’t played in a while doesn’t mean I don’t care about what’s going on. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t even bother checking for updates or seeing if there’s anything new. I’ve been waiting for some actual changes—maybe a new scenario, since I’ve played everything already.

Have you guys never picked up a game again? I do it all the time. That’s why I’ve gone back to Skyrim, FO4, the RE series, etc., several times over the years. Just because I’ve played them before doesn’t mean I’m done with them. Sometimes I’m just taking a break or looking for something new in them.

Thats fine and all but from your words it doesn't seem like you'll be back playing at this time so my point still stands: why are you upset that other people are able to buy an item that you have for a game that you aren't currently playing?

Yeah, something similar happened with Yeezys and Nike. Kanye West dropped his ‘exclusive’ sneakers, and people paid big bucks to grab them. Then, he re-released them for way less, and fans who paid full price felt totally scammed. Same thing happened with Nike’s Air Jordan 1s. They were marketed as limited, but when Nike dropped them again at a cheaper price, the people who’d paid full price weren’t happy. Some even sued over it. So, if people are okay with exclusive items being re-released for others, why do they get upset when it happens to them? Just because they bought it a while ago, or even have another pair now, doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting. They were planning to put them on again soon, else no one would spend that much on a pair of shoes. So why should they act like it’s no big deal? If your point still stands, that’s your choice and problem, but I’ve got plenty of reasons to feel the way I do.

[Ellisia]

Автор сообщения: Heironious

Look up the definition of "exclusive" first.

There you go.

The definition of exclusive refers to something that is limited to a particular group, event, or category, and not available to everyone. It often implies a sense of rarity or special access. For example, an exclusive item could be something that is only available to a select few or for a limited time, making it unique or prestigious in some way.

In the context of products or events, exclusive suggests that it won’t be offered to the general public again, at least for a certain period.

[NoxJS]

They are desperade. People left and still quitting. Game is dead.

There are 2 options here
1 - They didn't know this game was going to die so quickly. They though it was too fun to last longer and that those tiny mini games they add here and, called new content, were enough to keep people playing

OR

2- They knew from the start this game was going to die fast and it has been release, and very poorply supported with no real content, just to milk whales until they could.
This explains why they went all in on business only for this game. Shops, BP, lootbosex. I mean, this game has more menu and section related to the shop that the actual game.

So are you surprised they are reintroducing previous crates? It's FREE money as they didn't work on anything.

Rather, try to get the reason they are doing that. This game is just a milking factory. They are not working to improve it, to make it better, to add REAL content. They are just working on the shop. Do not stick with these greedy a.... and quit this s.

[Ellisia]

Автор сообщения: HeartPurity

Автор сообщения: Ellisia

Firstly, you missed the point. The issue wasn’t just about enjoying the skin earlier—it was supposed to be a symbol for the first players of the game. That’s what mattered to us, even though I did like the cosmetics.

Secondly, giving 10 free rolls to older players when it takes at least 30 rolls to get one item is just ridiculous. Just do some simple math: each loot crate has 3–5 items, so you’re looking at another 80–140 rolls minimum to get what you want—I mean, minus those ten or so free rolls, of course. It’s clearly another predatory tactic to push older players to spend more money. Hilarious, especially since the devs haven’t even bothered releasing new scenarios or content but still want more money.

Last I checked, the bugs were so bad I couldn’t even load into my territory without a black screen. Did they fix anything? Doesn’t seem like it.

It is a common sense that exclusive means the cosmetics in lightforge can only be obtained through lightforge. If your wallet is not big enough for it, then just simply ignore the cash shop. My friend who collected every round of lightforge couldn't care less about it being exclusive or not.

Yo, kiddo, drop the price already. How much are they paying you to come here and defend them? I mean, you’ve got a private profile with a Once Human pic—so weird. Not only are you out here pushing people to gamble online and spend more cash on this game, but now you’re bragging about how deep your friend’s pockets are? That’s honestly both sad and kinda funny at the same time. Well, if that’s the case, I’d rather talk to your friend who actually does have the deep pockets, not you, who clearly has nothing to offer. And don’t even think about making a new Steam account and claiming, ‘Oh, I’m the friend.’ Nah, I need actual proof this person bought every d*mn loot crate.

[ChoeChoeTrain]

Автор сообщения: Ellisia

Автор сообщения: ChoeChoeTrain

Thats fine and all but from your words it doesn't seem like you'll be back playing at this time so my point still stands: why are you upset that other people are able to buy an item that you have for a game that you aren't currently playing?

Yeah, something similar happened with Yeezys and Nike. Kanye West dropped his ‘exclusive’ sneakers, and people paid big bucks to grab them. Then, he re-released them for way less, and fans who paid full price felt totally scammed. Same thing happened with Nike’s Air Jordan 1s. They were marketed as limited, but when Nike dropped them again at a cheaper price, the people who’d paid full price weren’t happy. Some even sued over it. So, if people are okay with exclusive items being re-released for others, why do they get upset when it happens to them? Just because they bought it a while ago, or even have another pair now, doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting. They were planning to put them on again soon, else no one would spend that much on a pair of shoes. So why should they act like it’s no big deal? If your point still stands, that’s your choice and problem, but I’ve got plenty of reasons to feel the way I do.

I can't with you anymore, you're comparing physical goods to pixels lmao. If this is your first game with gacha mechanics I can understand your confusion but cmon if you're dropping hundreds I'm gonna assume you're a grown ass adult. I hope you don't stay too upset and are able to sleep without worrying about others buying the same skin as you. Also, the game will continuously change. Its better that they make changes that we requested now rather than later like the lightforge gems. Me personally, I'm glad that they're doing reruns since it gives other players who joined later the opportunity to buy the things we did. Trying to gatekeep skins is kinda sad but hey you do you

[Ellisia]

Автор сообщения: NoxJS

They are desperade. People left and still quitting. Game is dead.

There are 2 options here
1 - They didn't know this game was going to die so quickly. They though it was too fun to last longer and that those tiny mini games they add here and, called new content, were enough to keep people playing

OR

2- They knew from the start this game was going to die fast and it has been release, and very poorply supported with no real content, just to milk whales until they could.
This explains why they went all in on business only for this game. Shops, BP, lootbosex. I mean, this game has more menu and section related to the shop that the actual game.

So are you surprised they are reintroducing previous crates? It's FREE money as they didn't work on anything.

Rather, try to get the reason they are doing that. This game is just a milking factory. They are not working to improve it, to make it better, to add REAL content. They are just working on the shop. Do not stick with these greedy a.... and quit this s.

Totally agree. This game is 100% a cash grab at this point. Someone else in this thread already mentioned how they’re throwing a couple of free rolls at older players—it’s just bait to pull us back in and get us spending again. But older players aren’t falling for it anymore—we’ve seen how buggy the game is and how little real content has been added. Tossing in small updates and calling it a day isn’t fooling anyone. They’re focused on milking players, not improving the game. Couldn’t have said it better.

[Ellisia]

Автор сообщения: Raymond

Автор сообщения: NoxJS

They are desperade. People left and still quitting. Game is dead.

There are 2 options here
1 - They didn't know this game was going to die so quickly. They though it was too fun to last longer and that those tiny mini games they add here and, called new content, were enough to keep people playing

OR

2- They knew from the start this game was going to die fast and it has been release, and very poorply supported with no real content, just to milk whales until they could.
This explains why they went all in on business only for this game. Shops, BP, lootbosex. I mean, this game has more menu and section related to the shop that the actual game.

So are you surprised they are reintroducing previous crates? It's FREE money as they didn't work on anything.

Rather, try to get the reason they are doing that. This game is just a milking factory. They are not working to improve it, to make it better, to add REAL content. They are just working on the shop. Do not stick with these greedy a.... and quit this s.

Devs don't do nothing -> "Trash devs don't listen to playerbase".
Devs do something -> "Trash devs desperate for players".

This is why developers should never listen to crybabies.

I’m kinda getting off the point I was making, but to clear things up—it depends on what is the ‘something’ the devs are doing. Are they just trying to get people to spend more, or actually fixing bugs and adding real content? Devs focused on improvements don’t get called desperate—it’s the cash grab ones that do. That’s why games from smaller studios like Valheim get attention—the devs actually care and put effort in. I don’t remember anyone calling Iron Gate desperate or greedy. They’ve been praised for quality and transparency, and that’s the difference.