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Why can't pc players gift tenno gen like consoles?

TennoGen Buying Controversy | PC Players Want Gift Feature

By

Liam Johnson

Dec 27, 2025, 08:10 AM

3 minutes of duration

A PC gamer looking frustrated while playing games, with TennoGen items displayed on the screen

A heated debate has emerged among PC players regarding the ability to purchase and gift TennoGen items. Many are questioning why they can't buy these items with Platinum, a feature available on consoles. Is this a missed opportunity for PC gamers?

Context Behind the Frustration

Many in the community feel frustrated by the restrictions surrounding TennoGen purchases on PC. Unlike console players, PC users currently can't buy these community-made cosmetics using in-game currency. The current situation raises concerns over fair access to player-created content.

Community Perspectives

According to one comment, "Tennogen was made by other community members and they want money for it." This sentiment echoes throughout forums, with numerous players voicing similar frustrations. Other comments highlight some crucial differences:

  1. Ownership Issues:

    Tennogen items are designed through Steam's Workshop, leading to a unique ownership structure. The game's publisher, Digital Extremes (DE), must enter contractual agreements with creators to sell their items on consoles. However, they can't sell similar items on PC, as they don't own the rights.

  2. Financial Incentives for Creators:

    A player noted that part of the money from console purchases goes directly to artists. "A % of cost is converted to money for the artist when console purchases are made," they pointed out. This financial reward motivates creators to design more unique content.

  3. Potential for Change:

    Some players are hopeful that DE will find a way around these restrictions, with one user speculating that a different contractual framework could enable PC sales. "Creating a similar contract for PC sales would not be allowed by Valve," another user added.

"Curiously, the lack of a gifting option on PC is puzzling given the popularity of the feature on consoles."

Sentiment Analysis

Conversations on this topic reveal mixed sentiments. While many players are disappointed, some remain optimistic about potential changes. Interestingly, the push for better solutions could lead to changes in Digital Extremes' approach to community support.

Key Points

  • ๐ŸŒŸ PC players want to gift TennoGen items but lack the ability to do so.

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Ownership issues prevent DE from selling these items directly on PC.

  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Creators benefit financially from console sales, suggesting a need for PC solutions.

With the gaming community pushing for better options, will DE rethink its TennoGen sales strategy on PC? Time will tell.

Possible Roads Ahead for TennoGen Gifting

Thereโ€™s a strong chance Digital Extremes will reconsider the current limitations on TennoGen gifting for PC players, given the rising frustration within the community. The company's engagement with players has been pivotal in subtly shifting policies in the past. With estimates suggesting a significant number of PC players are voicing their concerns on forums, DE may realize that enhancing gifting options could strengthen player retention and boost sales. If DE were to navigate the ownership issues by negotiating new agreements with content creators, they could potentially introduce a system for gifting TennoGen items on PC within the next year.

Gaming's Commercial Evolution: A Healthier Parallel

The situation bears a resemblance to the evolution of collectibles in the sports card industry during the late 1980s. At that time, collectors were initially frustrated with the limited avenues for trading cards in their hobby, leading to a boom in the creation of secondary markets. Just as the sports card companies crawled out of their rigid structures to cater to collectorsโ€™ desires, gaming developers like DE might feel pressed to adapt. This evolution in consumer demand could lead to a more vibrant marketplace for digital content, transforming how relationships between creators and platforms are structured, ensuring a more rewarding experience for all.