How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

[NYJets]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

If it's really extra stuff, I'm fine with it.

But if the next, say Rainbow Six, comes out with half the maps that it used too and then they charge extra for more, I'll have a problem with it.

So far I'm happy, games still seem to have the same quality, and the DLC really enhances the game over time. Companies could take advantage of it and charge us more, but so far I don't think that has happened.

[Victor99]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

If it's really extra stuff, I'm fine with it.

But if the next, say Rainbow Six, comes out with half the maps that it used too and then they charge extra for more, I'll have a problem with it.

So far I'm happy, games still seem to have the same quality, and the DLC really enhances the game over time. Companies could take advantage of it and charge us more, but so far I don't think that has happened.

Well said Jets. I'll co-sign.

[Skyboxer]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

My thoughts. Example would be Madden.

Retail game 39.99.
THEN on Market place you could by:
Superstar Mode
Mini Games
Historic Teams
Alt Unis
etc.

So those that just want the main game could get it for 39.99
those that want the other stuff could purchase if they want.

[Cebby]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

Personally, I think the game companies should at least TRY and act like they're using the DLC legitly. For example, releasing a few new maps or options 6 months after is fine. What Oblivion did and what NCAA looks to be doing is crap; advertising DLC before the game is even out should not be allowed.

[Vince]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

My thoughts. Example would be Madden.

Retail game 39.99.
THEN on Market place you could by:
Superstar Mode
Mini Games
Historic Teams
Alt Unis
etc.

So those that just want the main game could get it for 39.99
those that want the other stuff could purchase if they want.

I approuve of that idea, but it would never be done.

[Spongedaddy]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

Personally, I think the game companies should at least TRY and act like they're using the DLC legitly. For example, releasing a few new maps or options 6 months after is fine. What Oblivion did and what NCAA looks to be doing is crap; advertising DLC before the game is even out should not be allowed.

I agree. I think the idea is great, but it has the potential to screw over the consumer. If new maps for say GR come out within 2-3 months, chances are the maps should have been in the game when it came out. The idea of charging less for the barebones games is interesting, but I don't see it happening. Episodic $19 games on the other hand is going to be used more by the companies as time goes on IMO.

[Laettner32]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

Does anyone think the game companies are gonna pass the savings to us? Meaning lower priced games, but episodic content released over a respectable period of time. Lets call the game "GunFreak", its MSRP is 29.99, but it is advertised as an "installment" game, meaning I should expect to pay more money to further advance in the game, I dont have to, but I know ahead of time this is an introduction to the game, not the whole enchilada. Then I have no problems paying, I know the ground rules ahead of time, and no one has a gun to my head to pay for the episodic content. If I enjoy the game Ill buy the EC, if not, Im only out 30 bucks instead of 60 to 70. But lets say the suits upstairs decide to charge full price for "GunFreak". Say its not an "installment" game", but a full game with a "cliffhanger" ending! We will still release the DC, but the consumer already put down 59.99, and now we can gut 'em some more with 10.00 EC. Im still paying full price for a game that they knew wasnt the full game, they've already gotten over on me. Charging me for the EC is just the cherry on top.

[goh]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

The problem with something like that is points don't cost the same everywhere.

In the US it's $19.99 for 1650 but in Canada it's still $19.99 but you only get 1250,400 less points,that'll be driving the cost of games up way too high unless you only want the bare bones stuff. If something cost 1650 for example you'll have to buy 2 point cards if you're in Canada. $49.99 + $39.98 = $89.97 + tax = $102.56 so here it would be $22.78 more to get a complete game.

[Altimus]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

I have no problem with it.

As of now, the D/L content is worth paying for. For COD, there are a bunch of new maps, GRAW expands the single player mode, and some other stuff.

I also don't think companies will release a not done game just to bomb us with a big update for a price. Too risky for the company. As long as all game patches that fix glitches or improve gameplay are free, than it is all good. The other stuff is expansion packs so they can charge for it.

[DaveDQ]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

I like paid downloadable content as long as it has substance. Extra armor, uniforms and the like are a joke. Make those things unlockables. Content that introduces new levels and challenges is a great way to utilize the marketplace.

The arcade side is a neat throwback feature that says, "spend 5-10 bucks on a classic hit or something more recent with a good representation of past gaming greatness." At least that's how it is right now. The arcade may grow into a little more than that.

[goh]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

Apprently THQ are intentionally leaving things out of Test Drive and Saint's Row to sell in the marketplace later. This is when it becomes a problem and unaccecptable. What's next having to pay for C.A.W in Smackdown 07? (I know I've said I'm probably buying it on PS2 anyway but that's not the point)

Just thought of it. GTA 4 as well. They're saying there'll be downloadable stuff even though they have plently of time to put it in the game now wich means again it's something intentionally being left out.

[Spongedaddy]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

Apprently THQ are intentionally leaving things out of Test Drive and Saint's Row to sell in the marketplace later. This is when it becomes a problem and unaccecptable. What's next having to pay for C.A.W in Smackdown 07? (I know I've said I'm probably buying it on PS2 anyway but that's not the point)

Just thought of it. GTA 4 as well. They're saying there'll be downloadable stuff even though they have plently of time to put it in the game now wich means again it's something intentionally being left out.

That's what I am fearful of. What if Madden started charging extra for better playbooks? I hope MS will find a way to govern it. I can guarantee you that if the consumers don't buy it will change quickly anyway.

[DaveDQ]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

That's what I am fearful of. What if Madden started charging extra for better playbooks? I hope MS will find a way to govern it. I can guarantee you that if the consumers don't buy it will change quickly anyway.

I wonder though how many would pay for such things. I've heard about NCAA 2007 having uniforms to purchase, but really who is doing this? How important is it? I agree that the mor we shun it, the better the chance it will show up in the final version of the game. However, when you have substantial additions, it's going to be hard to turn them down.

[Spongedaddy]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

BTW this upcoming PPV to watch Madden is another drop in the trend of making more by giving less. I believe game companies will being to mil these micro transactions for all they are worth. I have ssen the greed of larger companies first hand and cannot help but believe it will happen. However, as strange as it sounds to type this, there might be hope by playing with my Wii.

[Ridgeberg]

Re: How do you feel about paid downloadable content?

I think everyone has touched on this principle, but no one has hit it on the head.

I think the consumer can dictate the cost of add-ons at this point. It has been stated a numerous times on this thread, if noboday purchases the add-on, the publisher either (a) will stop selling it or (b) will include it next time. It will be difficult to control because people are impulsive and buying downloadable content is painless. Just like gambling, it doesn't hurt as much if you aren't physically handing money over.

We can take the NCAA 07 alternate uniforms for example. I think it is assinine that consumers are forced to pay for something that has been a sports game mainstay for as long as I can remember. If the market refuses to buy these uniforms, I'd imagine EA would re-think this strategy. Especially if consumers do not purchase them AND cause a stink about it. It is hard to fathom paying an extra $10 or $20 or $30 (I don't know how much the entire uniform "pack" will cost) for lousy uniforms that we are used to having, in essence increasing the cost of this game.

I know plenty of "die-hards" on OS will buy all of the uniforms, but quite frankly, EA isn't targeting the die-hards, that demographic is money in the bank. It is the casual gamer that will end up dictating the success of extra content. However unlikely, IF the die-hards balked at purchasing, in this example, jerseys, I hope we'd curtail this experiment before we are past the tipping point.

Two more points I just thought of (1) I wonder how much of a cut Microsoft gets from 3rd party downloadable content, 10%? Because you are fooling yourself if you don't think they are making money off of other developers (2) Say I buy the Big East uniform pack and I play someone on XBOX Live without the Big East uniform pack, would I be able to use the alternate uniforms I paid extra for? I can only imagine the uproar of not being able to use alternate uni's over Live.

In summary, I believe this is a simple case of supply and demand. If developers "supply" downloadable content and consumers buy it, they will continue to sell more and charge more. If the demand isn't there, things might be different in the future.

Of course this is all speculation, there is probably a good chance I completely missed the boat.