Infinity Nikki Players Revolt: “Girlcott” and Negative Reviews Slam Controversial Update
Infinity Nikki, the open-world dress-up adventure game, is facing a storm of controversy following its 1.5 "Bubble Season" update. What was intended to enhance the gameplay experience has instead sparked outrage, leading to a player-led "girlcott" and a barrage of negative reviews. Why are fans so upset, and what does this mean for the future of the game?
The heart of the issue lies in several key changes introduced in the update. Players are reporting a host of bugs and instability issues that impact performance. But beyond technical glitches, a primary concern is the alteration of the game's monetization structure, specifically the gacha system. Originally praised for being less predatory than other games, the update has pushed the boundaries, making it significantly more expensive to acquire complete outfits.
According to reports, the update added two 11-piece outfits, increasing the cost of collection, exacerbated by the introduction of a new currency for outfit dyeing. As one Infinity Nikki player told Aftermath, the community is looking for an acknowledgement of the “dumpster fire” of a situation and a reversal of some of the biggest problems.
The outrage extends beyond monetization. Infold Games also made the controversial decision to retcon the game's intro, replacing it with a new sequence that many consider inferior. This has led to fan backlash, with some calling it a sign of poor post-launch planning.
Adding insult to injury, the developer accidentally distributed too much of the new in-game currency (Starlit Crystals and Shards), subsequently deducting the overage from players' accounts, even if they had already spent it. This decision, seen as "punishing players for their own mistake," has only fueled the flames, leading to some players having a negative balance.
Reddit user NuuclearPasta perfectly captures the sentiment of many when questioning Infold's actions: "What's wrong with this company, punishing players for their own mistake?" There are some people, too, who are attempting to get the message in-game, using in-game messaging to send jestful subliminal messaging: “aGaIn in staRLight, Crystal and gOld shine TogeTher,” one player wrote.
In response to the uproar, Infold Games issued a statement acknowledging players' concerns, but many feel it falls short of genuine accountability. Frustrated by what they see as censorship of the word "boycott" on official forums, players have adopted the term "girlcott," vowing to abstain from playing or spending money on the game until their grievances are addressed. Negative reviews have flooded Steam, reflecting the community's disappointment.
What does this upheaval mean for Infinity Nikki? Can Infold Games regain the trust of its player base, known for their dedication to the series, or will the controversy continue to plague the game's future? The answer depends on Infold's willingness to address the community's concerns and make meaningful changes. What are your thoughts on Infold's approach? Share your perspectives in the comments below!
