Paradox issues Bloodlines 2 refunds after backlash over paywalled clans

As a hopeless Toreador fanatic, I was pretty gutted when Paradox revealed that both the charming Roses and their shadowy cousins, the Lasombra, would be locked behind a paid Bloodlines 2 DLC. Shadows and Silk was initially set to cost $21.99 separately, and was included as part of the premium pre-order edition of the game, but in response to a wave of backlash, Paradox has confirmed that it's making some "adjustments" to that paywall. While we still don't quite know what that entails, a new post confirms when we'll get an update, while also stating that it's issuing refunds to anyone who bought the premium edition on the PlayStation store.

Paradox and The Chinese Room say that they're making "significant changes" that involve "many moving parts." Confirmed on both the Bloodlines 2 and World of Darkness Discords by community developer Debbie 'DebbieElla' Lane, a full update regarding the changes is coming on September 17.

"We are working hard on the adjustments that we promised, and we will be able to tell you all the details on September 17. Making significant changes like this involves many moving parts, and we want to make sure that we get it right with this change."

She also states that Paradox is issuing refunds to PlayStation customers who bought the Premium Edition of the game, with compensation rolling out from Monday, September 8. Players will be able to pre-order again later down the line.

"Anyone who pre-ordered the Premium Edition through the PlayStation Store will be contacted and refunded starting Monday, September 8. You will be able to pre-order your Premium Edition copy again later, before the release on October 21. Please note that this is an intentional first step in our planned course of action leading up to September 17 to deliver the best possible experience for you at launch."

As stated in my Bloodlines 2 preview, both clans are an absolute blast to play, and the fact they were initially locked behind a paywall made me sigh a little - especially given the popularity of the Toreador. While in an ideal world we'd see both clans included in the base roster from launch, we'll need to see what happens on September 17.

While we wait impatiently for the Bloodlines 2 release date, check out our full rundown of the Bloodlines 2 clans and how they play.

What do you think is the best solution here? Let us know over on Discord, and tell us which clan you're planning on playing.