Disney Speedstorm Players Are Demanding Major Refunds, Class Action Lawsuit

Summary Disney Speedstorm players are seeking refunds as developer Gameloft changes monetization to require real money for premium content.

The community is considering a boycott and potential class action lawsuit against Gameloft over the sudden monetization change.

Gameloft's announcement of locking premium Golden Pass tracks behind real money has sparked backlash and accusations of false advertising.

The Disney Speedstorm community is in flames as an announcement from developer Gameloft regarding the game's monetization has prompted players to begin refunding any and all purchases. Released in 2023, the free-to-play race may not be a mainstream hit like its closest competitor Mario Kart but solid reviews and decent post-launch support have helped it establish a solid community of players who enjoy its take on kart-racing and Disney characters. Unfortunately, Gameloft has seemingly burnt many bridges after announcing that all future premium Golden Pass tracks will be locked behind real money.

Over on the Speedstorm Reddit, players are calling for a boycott after Gameloft confirmed that Season 7 will see a shift in monetization, requiring players to pay additional real money for the Golden Pass, its version of a Battle Pass, instead of Tokens which can be acquired by playing the game.

The community is mostly frustrated by what it describes as a "broken promise," given that the developer's announcement was sudden and unexpected, going against the previously established model that's been in the game since launch. This has resulted in players purchasing packs of Tokens under the assumption that they'd still work for the Golden Pass.

Related 10 Best Racers in Disney Speedstorm Disney Speedstorm pits cartoon stars in an all-out racing challenge. Each character is unlocked with precious Race Shards making some better options.

Speedstorm Players Are Calling For Mass Refunds

Many Are Even Considering A Lawsuit

Aside from the masses calling for refunds and boycotts, a contingency of Speedstorm players are reportedly looking into establishing a class action lawsuit against Gameloft. Some users on Reddit have posited the idea to the community and while it seems like no such process has yet begun, it's telling that so many are at least considering the option. Others have noticed that some of the game's official descriptions of Tokens still state that the free-to-earn currency can be used to buy the Golden Pass, prompting accusations of false advertising.

For its part, Gameloft has yet to address the controversy surrounding the changing monetization. Aside from changing how players can purchase the Golden Pass, the developer managed to cause additional ire by announcing that future seasons will now include two Golden Passes, both of which will require additional payment. While most of the items included in both tracks are cosmetic, additional characters, one of Speedstorm's biggest draws, are locked behind the premium paywall.

Whether the class action lawsuit for Disney Speedstorm gains any kind of ground remains to be seen but the very fact that members of the community are suggesting such a plan is very indicative of a major issue. The odds of the Golden Pass monetization sticking around is likewise still unknown as Gameloft has yet to acknowledge players' feedback. The game's Season 7, themed around Wreck-It Ralph, begins on April 17.

Source: Reddit