(As an Edit: This is about the pre-order items being locked to the PlayStation console even if those PlayStation players move over or also play to pc, not that PlayStation has exclusive items that can only be earned on the platform.)
Recently I learned that the pre-order bonuses and 'beta test' rewards will be locked to PS5 only, meaning they cannot be used/worn despite being earned unless on PS5 and I must ask if true, why.
If there was a desire for exclusive cosmetics that are are strictly locked to a platform, then perhaps a PlayStation themed ship set is in order similarly to the Xbox' Duke ship set, however I do not think pre-order and beta items should be locked to the console.
Many players Including myself likely purchased the PS5 edition despite also having it on other platforms. I myself own it on an old generation Xbox, PC, and was excited to also have it on PlayStation. I specifically wanted it as an alternative to the old gen Xbox with the beta player items and such just being a plus, a reward for showing support. Learning that the items would now possibly only be usable when playing on PlayStation is annoying to say the least.
It is just a disappointing play on both parties for this, as someone who loves the game and was excited to see new PS5 players around on the servers, It more sad to learn that they may be able to Isolate themselves to just PS5 only servers rather than having a wider "console only" option on top of the fact that the cosmetics I'm paying for are not allowed to be used anywhere else. Its nearly frustrating enough to forgo my pre-order entirely as the Items from the support I wanted to give would be only partially available however I do not plan on refunding as I have an actual reason for the purchase more than just the items given, I intend to play on the platform version itself.
I've supported this game with my time and money for years now, I still wish to do so as this is one of the few games I do actually enjoy thoroughly both for the gameplay itself as well as more importantly the story, but pushing out things like this and telling me that the items I get FOR that support are not going to be allowed to be used on anything else aside what I specifically got them on is even more frustrating when it comes to special situations and events like this.
It begs the question as to why even have cross-progression entirely when it comes to PlayStation if some of the items you'd get wont transfer to and from? There will be situations where players may transfer from Xbox over to PlayStation, vice versa, or from PlayStation to Pc down the line. How should they feel knowing that not all of the items they paid money for would come with them?
I understand why cross-progression is there, I'm asking this solely in the light of not being able to even keep all the items you have earned/purchased. Although this is a small collection of items in this instance, it holds more weight as they are pre-order and beta bonuses that aim in the interest of both new and old players alike.
Again, I love this game and have continued to support it with both my time and money for years but being told that the items I'd be getting for showing that support will only be partially useable is just a shame.
Items like this, Beta and pre-order items specifically, I really do not think should ever be locked to the console especially when players will want them as a show of support.
It opens the door to other questions as to what will and will not be allowed on PS5 when coming from other platforms.
- Will players who own the duke set not be allowed to use it on PS5 despite owning it already?
- Will players who own the ferryman set not be allowed to use it on PS5 considering you had to buy and Xbox controller outside of the game to get it, therefore making it an Xbox specific item?
- Will the black dog sea set be unusable on PS5 considering it was a pre-order exclusive for Xbox/pc?
- will pc and Xbox get their own isolated servers similarly to PlayStation?
Personally I think Isolated exclusive servers really ruin the whole "sailing together" ideal but for a cross progression game, some of these questions should not need to be asked, it should be expected that most if not all items unless limited time should be transferable between platforms.
To end this whole thing off I want to make it clear that I do not make this post out of some cry that "why isn't Xbox/pc getting these exact same cosmetics!?" I make it to question why, after you actually purchase them on the console, partake in the beta tests, and play the game on the PlayStation platform, do you not get the possibility to take the items anywhere else when players may eventually move or play on another platform.
If they want to implement exclusivity within items that are specifically console themed, like the Xbox' Duke set specifically then fine, but it does not make sense and should not be implemented for any support/beta items.
