Controversial Microtransaction Removed From Molyneux's Latest Game

A controversial microtransaction option in veteran developer Peter Molyneux's latest game, Godus Wars, is being removed just a day after the game launched through Steam Early Access.

When the game went live on Wednesday, everyone got to play on one continent and could spend $5 to buy a second region. That didn't go over well with everyone and now, developer 22 Cans has announced that it's removing the option, though it still contends that it represents a "good value."

"It's been brought to our attention that the extra content being a premium add-on really isn't a popular choice," 22 Cans CEO Simon Phillips said in a statement.

"Whilst we think that it does represent good value, especially considering that Godus Wars has been delivered as a free update to hundreds of thousands of users and the lower purchase price of the main game, we understand previous Godus owners' frustrations with this."

As such, the formerly premium add-on is now available for free.

Godus Wars, which blends elements of real-time strategy with god game mechanics, was made available as a free update for people who already purchased Godus. For those just now getting in, it costs $15, which is $5 less than what Godus sold for as an early access title before Godus Wars replaced it.

Godus is no stranger to controversy. A year ago this month, concerns were raised that the game's Kickstarter vows (Godus was successfully funded on the site in 2012) would not be met. It was later revealed that a young man promised a "life-changing" prize by Molyneux had received nothing.

Recalling this troubling time recently, Molyneux said, "It was one of the most bruising moments of my life."