Last Friday, Forza Motorsport 7 released for a subset of buyers who purchased the game's $100 "Ultimate Edition." While the game doesn't officially release until Tuesday, October 3, early access is one of the several benefits of the higher-tier package, alongside bonus in-game content via additional passes. Among these, the VIP pass has been one of the hallmarks of Forza's special editions for some time, providing access to exclusive cars and faster progression.
Microsoft has caught criticism for its VIP pass over the past couple of days, for changes to the membership in Forza Motorsport 7, without clearly disclosing them prior. As spotted by some keen-eyed Reddit users, it now appears that Microsoft has quietly amended the listing for the VIP pass, following the backlash from early players.
Previously, buying a VIP pass entitled players to permanent "CR" bonuses, to buy cars and upgrades throughout the game. However, in Forza Motorsport 7, the bonus has shifted to five consumable "Mod cards" with only five uses, meaning you'll only get 25 races of VIP CR boosts. Following the expiration of these boosts, players will need to rely on further Mod cards, which can be secured via randomized loot boxes.
This was the description seen on the original Microsoft Store listing, which failed to outline the consumable nature of improved progression offered by the $19.99 VIP pass.
Exclusive cars Mods Driver Gear and more await with Forza Motorsport 7 VIP membership! Forza Motorsport 7 VIP members receive exclusive VIP cars. VIPs will receive additional benefits including 100% CR bonus Mods VIP Driver Gear and more. Get your VIP membership today!
While this is the revised listing for the VIP pass, currently live on the Microsoft Store.
Forza Motorsport 7 VIP membership features exclusive rewards you can't get anywhere else! Forza Motorsport VIPs receive exclusive VIP cars, VIP Driver Gear Suits, as well as five 100% CR bonus Mod cards (five uses each per card), and more. Get your VIP membership today!
Forza Motorsport 7 has been skewed around these loot boxes – a growing trend in the industry as of late. And while loot boxes are currently earned exclusively with your in-game CR, Turn 10 has discussed its plans to implement "Tokens" purchased with real-world money in the future.
In a move to rebuild Forza Motorsport 7's economy around these randomized elements, Turn 10 appears to be making moves that clearly compromise on the game's value. Not only has progression now been skewed around pushing Mods – paid downloadable content (DLC) is now being affected by these changes.
Several Microsoft Studios titles have introduced randomized loot boxes in recent years – including high-profile franchises like Halo and Gears of War. Forza Motorsport 7 appears to be the latest game pushing to shoehorn in "games-as-a-service" features, although this time around, the changes are clearer than ever.
As of writing, Forza Motorsport 7's VIP pass sits at 1.2 stars on the Microsoft Store, following a wave of negative community reviews. We'll be watching this story closely in the days to come, once more players get hands-on with the game on October 3. What do you think of the changes made to Forza Motorsport 7's VIP pass? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
