The developer learned the hard way that fans don't like it when main content is hidden behind a paywall.
Fans have been waiting for Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 for a long time. Not only has it been 21 years since the original game came out, it's also been six years since Bloodlines 2 was first announced. But after all this time, you can finally pre-order the game.
But even the pre-order phase is everything but smooth because many fans were angry that core features of the game were hidden behind a paywall. Now, the developer responds after the backlash.
Paying Extra For Clans
It's not uncommon that you can pay extra for premium editions. Those typically include cosmetics or other content that doesn't affect the main gameplay and narrative. Bloodlines 2 also came with actual DLCs in the $90 premium version, which is par for the course.
But one of the DLCs, Shadows of Silk, comes with two more clans to choose from. Along Brujah, Tremere, Banu Haqim and Ventrue, you can also choose to play as Lasombra or Toreador.
As a reminder: clans in Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines are basically the same as races in other RPGs. They give your character special perks, play-styles and outfits.
Understandably, many fans were angered that two playable clans are locked behind the most expensive edition of the game.
To: @PdxInteractive @VtM_Bloodlines your greed has made me go from wishlisting Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 to putting it on my Ignore list.Locking playable clans to the most expensive edition is a disgusting greedy move.#Bloodlines2 #VampireTheMasqueradeBloodlines2 pic.twitter.com/b6fHeXyMLX
— Kamatsu (@_Kamatsu_) August 20, 2025
Refunds For Pre-Orders
After publisher Paradox Interactive provided a rather mediocre justification for this decision, they are now backtracking. Pre-orders have been suspended, refunds are being offered, and adjustments are promised to take effect soon, as announced on Reddit. Here is all the info you need:
- If you already bought the $90 version, you will receive a refund
- Steam users do not need to do anything and will automatically receive a partial refund to their account.
- PS5 players will be contacted starting September 8, 2025, to receive a full refund. Anyone who still wants to purchase Bloodlines 2 for PlayStation 5 before its release will have to wait for the final price adjustments.
It is unclear in what way Paradox will adjust the prices of the game and its editions. But as long as they don't force their fans to pay for the most expensive edition in order to have access to core features, there's still a chance the angered community will calm down.