Yeah, maybe I should blog about this, but no, this is relevant to all gamers:
DLC is needed since it adds content to keep a game relevant a year later, as also fix bugs, or cheats, or even to improve on game mechanics. It goes wrong in cases like Mass Effect 2 with stupid visors and armor, but that is all up to the consumer, so it's not that big a deal; if you want it pay for it, if you don't, don't. The problem can lie though when maps make a game practically unplayable online since rotating maps then keep you from playing game modes that use a map pack that you were too sensible to not buy -i.e. 15$ for three maps!- so, the idea that dlc is for game purchases and number crunching then has the wrong business model and idea, and as consumers we should demand an over-haul on that mentality. Pre-order bonuses should be relevant to that end, where if you really want that game, you pre-order it and so, get a free visor, weapon etc, but as DLC, that's just laughable.
As for the "online pass," I buy used and actually don't mind that idea, buy a used copy, the money (online pass money) goes to the publisher and bam, you save 15$ buying it used, but lose 10$ in being able to play online, good. Games like Madden and Halo and MW, even, will then see the pinch in if they continue coming out with the same game yearly, then whybother with a new one, just keep playing the old, alreadypaid for, one. So in essence, we are entering a new model for gaming business, and the way I see it, it's only going tohurt the gamingcompanies, since consumers already have to worry about numerous titles and where to spend one's money, now it is going to include ifwhether to support a game or not at all....Another idea, an "OMG why didn't that come up sooner", is: Make Gamestop pay for the used game it sells! A re-sell percentage if you will. If it made so much profit, by paying di#$ for the used game, selling for profit, and nothing goes to the publisher, then that's between the publisher and Gamestop, but since it is pretty much the only outlet for games now, of course they wouldn't think about that! But they should, not us, pay for that loss of profit, since then the consumer will actuallyend uppaying for two taxes! the initial buying of the game and the re-used charge -a lawsuit if thereever was one!
WhatI propose is a membership to the publisher, to Ubisoft,toEA, THQ, where 10$ getsyou a pass to playANY game from them for that year,or something where the publisher does get some money for their used game. The problem here, is with games like Dark Sector,Legendary, etc. that just sucked online, and will require a "pass" yet delivers nothing to merit it. BUT that actually also applies to rented games and there-in liesanother problem.
And what about those with no internet access, can they then sue or pay less for a game that in essence, is not the total experience, yet they paid the same as someone who does have online? -delivera decent, complete game, and gamers won't feel cheated, nor worry about paying 60$. Bayonetta proved that.
And what happened to magazine disk content add-ons? -what xbox live magazine used to do. What about that model? Have one disk hold media for two, three games, or even have what beta disks contain. Future Soldier can be accessed via Conviction. Well, why not have add-ons for a game within a later released game. It ensures both the buying of that game, and the previous ownership of the content game, since it can require that code or something like it. That idea I think is most plausible and beneficial to all sides. BUT, what are your thoughts. The year 2010 will be the beginning to a new model for us gamers, either we're going to sit this one out too, or decide in how we are carroted into enjoying our future games...gaming is mostly a kids bank roll, and publishers know it, so they put out half-hashed games, but the true great games, will always have to answer to the test of, sorry, hardcore gamers. Legitimize the content to a game and gamers will have no problem with that content's price, but play tax man on every little update to a game, and things will change quite drastically...
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