You know PC gaming has gone down the drain when...

...People think its ok to pay console game prices for lame console ports and ok to pay for half arsed map packs which should be free(Valve ftw?)

Mainly pointing at MW2 here but really its stupid how people think its ok to pay for small amounts of content which use to be free before the 360 made this "DLC" trend popular.

Steam isn't helping much by allow this junk to get released on the service, this trend and lame console ports makes me wonder if the PC side of things is turning into the console side of things.

Whats your thoughts about this "amazing" trend?

I agree.

Console gaming has continually made PC gaming worse.

I hate those casuals.

I love a mix of all :) I love some games on the consols. And some on the PC, or mac :/, but there is RARELY a time i will buy a consle game over a PC and it's only happened twice and it was because for some weird reason it wouldn't work on my PC.

you can tell when pc gaming has gone down the drain when.. not even BUNGIE will go near gfwl :P

Makes me wonder why alot of these MW2 PC fanboys won't go and buy a 360 and add a ton of Disney dollars to their account just to buy this crap.snake289

...People think its ok to pay console game prices for lame console ports and ok to pay for half arsed map packs which should be free(Valve ftw?)

Mainly pointing at MW2 here but really its stupid how people think its ok to pay for small amounts of content which use to be free before the 360 made this "DLC" trend popular.

snake289

Yes, it is stupid that people are willing to pay for things that used to be free on PC. Things like skin packs and maps, etc., were used to keep people interested in a game, and pump up sales of the core game. But now its just nickel and diming a captive audience. Since Bethesda started this trend with their 'horse armour' for Oblivion, the floodgates have opened and things have rapidly got out of hand to the extent that some games now charge for DLC that is actually already on the game disc. Polishing up some old maps and charging for them? That's just taking the piss.

Where will it end? In future, will we have to pay to unlock multiplayer on a game we've already bought? I suppose technically Xbox LIVE already has that 'feature' - pay for LIVE or don't play MP. How about each multiplayer game mode? Or each individual map? We're going into the realms of the ludicrous, but unfortunately there ARE people who would be willing to pay for those things. $25 for a Celestial Steed on WOW? I mean, come on, these people obviously have more money than sense.

It's not just PC gaming that's going down the drain, in those terms, but the whole gaming industry. They're now just a bunch of rip-off artists trying to squeeze gamers dry of every last cent. And to that, I give a single digit salute.

[QUOTE="snake289"]

...People think its ok to pay console game prices for lame console ports and ok to pay for half arsed map packs which should be free(Valve ftw?)

Mainly pointing at MW2 here but really its stupid how people think its ok to pay for small amounts of content which use to be free before the 360 made this "DLC" trend popular.

RobertBowen

Yes, it is stupid that people are willing to pay for things that used to be free on PC. Things like skin packs and maps, etc., were used to keep people interested in a game, and pump up sales of the core game. But now its just nickel and diming a captive audience. Since Bethesda started this trend with their 'horse armour' for Oblivion, the floodgates have opened and things have rapidly got out of hand to the extent that some games now charge for DLC that is actually already on the game disc. Polishing up some old maps and charging for them? That's just taking the piss.

Where will it end? In future, will we have to pay to unlock multiplayer on a game we've already bought? I suppose technically Xbox LIVE already has that 'feature' - pay for LIVE or don't play MP. How about each multiplayer game mode? Or each individual map? We're going into the realms of the ludicrous, but unfortunately there ARE people who would be willing to pay for those things. $25 for a Celestial Steed on WOW? I mean, come on, these people obviously have more money than sense.

It's not just PC gaming that's going down the drain, in those terms, but the whole gaming industry. They're now just a bunch of rip-off artists trying to squeeze gamers dry of every last cent. And to that, I give a single digit salute.

This trend has been going on waaay before Bethesda's horse armor DLC. I don't even know why that particular DLC gets so much hate when there are far more pathetic excuses for DLC out there. EA is a huge offender in this category as they routinely release "DLC" in the form of "pay to unlock X in the game", "pay to get this cheat code", or the ever so wonderful 4KB DLC.

I actually remember back when MS unveiled the concept for DLC when they unveiled the X360. They said outright that devs could sell things like avatar pictures, themes, and small content additions. I knew right then at that moment how things were going to turn out. What's funny is that I remember how most game forums were filled with things like "wow, that's so awesome!" after MS talked about their ideas for DLC.

Anyway, it sucks to say it but PC gaming has been more or less consolfied at this point. It's not so much the fault of PC gamers as it is the tremendous, rapid growth of console gaming over the last decade. Back in the late 90's PC gaming was still the undisputed king of gaming. Then gaming really caught on with the mainstream and as a result console gamers now outnumber PC gamers by so much that few publishers/developers are willing to make PC exclusives anymore since they can make far more profit if they make at least an X360 version as well. And of course the most effort is going to go into the 360 version because it has by far the largest marketshare of any platform this gen.

You know what really grinds my gears? That my pc copy of L4D2 on steam automatically updates the Passing DLC for free of charge, whil eI would have to pay to play it on the 360 version @ a lower resolution and FPS than my pc copy can do......THAT is messed upKGB32

And that is why I will always stand behind Valve in support of their really great appreciation for PC gamers and the modding community and that's how a true PC gaming company should be.

Now if only we had hundreds of them, then PC gaming will be the forefront of video gaming.

If gamers collectively put their foot down and just stopped paying these for these things then the market would adjust but unfortunitely in this day and age of "i need it now, can't sit still for more than 10 seconds mentality" this will never happen. there is by far too many people who dont understand the value of their money or have common sense. band togeather and we can do anything, work alone and we will do nothing. the first step is to turn off your tv

From my understanding, the Mass Effect series (and possibly Bioshock) were console ports and many PC gamers speak highly of the them. So, having console ports isn't necessarily a bad thing. If anything, the current situation reminds me of gaming in the Amiga which had a mix of 16-bit console and traditional PC gaming.

I currently have no view about paying for for DLC since I haven't tried any yet. The closest would be The Witcher Enhanced Edition which came with extra adventures, adventure editor, a "The Making of" DVD, and a cd full of soundtrack MP3s. All for $20.

From my understanding, the Mass Effect series (and possibly Bioshock) were console ports and many PC gamers speak highly of the them. So, having console ports isn't necessarily a bad thing. If anything, the current situation reminds me of gaming in the Amiga which had a mix of 16-bit console and traditional PC gaming.

I currently have no view about paying for for DLC since I haven't tried any yet. The closest would be The Witcher Enhanced Edition which came with extra adventures, adventure editor, a "The Making of" DVD, and a cd full of soundtrack MP3s. All for $20.

jun_aka_pekto

You could download the enhanced edition for free if you already owned The Witcher. Of course you wouldn't get a dvd and stuff but most of the things anyway.

You guys are acting like you don't have a choice in the matter. That you must buy it. Honestly, it seems that anything that's multiplat is automatically a console port on PC. You guys need to understand what multiplat means.mo0ksi

*Looks at my game collection and wonders what games he has paid for over $50*

Hmm, seems I haven't jumped on the "Gold in them hills" bandwagon that publishers are seeing with PC Gamers as of late as I do not own any games over $50. As for DLC, I am one who tends to stray away from it unless it can be considered an expansion pack or a game changing update (SoaSE DLC for example) but when it comes to map packs, forget it. I am content to play the maps in a game that launched with or play made maps. If the publisher/developer want me to pay $5 a map then they are sorely mistaken.

[QUOTE="RobertBowen"]

[QUOTE="snake289"]

gameguy6700

This trend has been going on waaay before Bethesda's horse armor DLC. I don't even know why that particular DLC gets so much hate when there are far more pathetic excuses for DLC out there. EA is a huge offender in this category as they routinely release "DLC" in the form of "pay to unlock X in the game", "pay to get this cheat code", or the ever so wonderful 4KB DLC.

I actually remember back when MS unveiled the concept for DLC when they unveiled the X360. They said outright that devs could sell things like avatar pictures, themes, and small content additions. I knew right then at that moment how things were going to turn out. What's funny is that I remember how most game forums were filled with things like "wow, that's so awesome!" after MS talked about their ideas for DLC.

Anyway, it sucks to say it but PC gaming has been more or less consolfied at this point. It's not so much the fault of PC gamers as it is the tremendous, rapid growth of console gaming over the last decade. Back in the late 90's PC gaming was still the undisputed king of gaming. Then gaming really caught on with the mainstream and as a result console gamers now outnumber PC gamers by so much that few publishers/developers are willing to make PC exclusives anymore since they can make far more profit if they make at least an X360 version as well. And of course the most effort is going to go into the 360 version because it has by far the largest marketshare of any platform this gen.

$60 will be the new standard price for PC games, causing the profit margins for publishers for each game to go up. We will end up getting more higher quality games as a result.Jd1680a

[QUOTE="gameguy6700"]

[QUOTE="RobertBowen"]

OoSuperMarioO

This trend has been going on waaay before Bethesda's horse armor DLC. I don't even know why that particular DLC gets so much hate when there are far more pathetic excuses for DLC out there. EA is a huge offender in this category as they routinely release "DLC" in the form of "pay to unlock X in the game", "pay to get this cheat code", or the ever so wonderful 4KB DLC.

I actually remember back when MS unveiled the concept for DLC when they unveiled the X360. They said outright that devs could sell things like avatar pictures, themes, and small content additions. I knew right then at that moment how things were going to turn out. What's funny is that I remember how most game forums were filled with things like "wow, that's so awesome!" after MS talked about their ideas for DLC.

Anyway, it sucks to say it but PC gaming has been more or less consolfied at this point. It's not so much the fault of PC gamers as it is the tremendous, rapid growth of console gaming over the last decade. Back in the late 90's PC gaming was still the undisputed king of gaming. Then gaming really caught on with the mainstream and as a result console gamers now outnumber PC gamers by so much that few publishers/developers are willing to make PC exclusives anymore since they can make far more profit if they make at least an X360 version as well. And of course the most effort is going to go into the 360 version because it has by far the largest marketshare of any platform this gen.

Yes, and most of it was free back then. Nor did you ever see things like developers charging for stuff that was already on the disc, that should have been included with the game in the first place, or pointless pieces of DLC like avatars and themes.

When discussing the content that used to be free but now cost money, can you name companies that are charging for their DLC now but haven't before? For example, Call of Duty publishers charge for DLC now, did they not do this in the past? What I'm basically saying is that you can't expect companies to act like eachtother. Just because Valve gives out content for free doesn't mean everyone else is going to follow suit. It would be nice, but it's business. Businesses are out to make money. Plus, if you make something, would you honestly not charge someone to have it? It cost you time and money so why would you give it away for free? I would bet you aren't that generous. Ghost_702

The reason it's pissing off PC gamers is because traditionally all the new, extra content is created by modders. All we expect the companies to do is make their games easily moddable so that we can take over and make our own content.

I'm surprised that prices of games hasn't gone up more and sooner due to inflation. They seem to have stayed at the 40 and 50 USD price point for a long time. Not that I like paying 60 for a game mind you. I always try to buy games at a sale price when I can but I payed extra on two games CEs this last year so I guess I'm not always consistent.

I don't have a problem with game companies making money on their stuff but it does seem to be getting out of hand lately. I guess I would be more receptive if they put the money into making better quality games that are not so consolized. Oh well, dream on.

$60 will be the new standard price for PC games, causing the profit margins for publishers for each game to go up. We will end up getting more higher quality games as a result.Jd1680a

You guys are acting like you don't have a choice in the matter. That you must buy it. Honestly, it seems that anything that's multiplat is automatically a console port on PC. You guys need to understand what multiplat means.mo0ksi

[QUOTE="gameguy6700"]

[QUOTE="RobertBowen"]

OoSuperMarioO

This trend has been going on waaay before Bethesda's horse armor DLC. I don't even know why that particular DLC gets so much hate when there are far more pathetic excuses for DLC out there. EA is a huge offender in this category as they routinely release "DLC" in the form of "pay to unlock X in the game", "pay to get this cheat code", or the ever so wonderful 4KB DLC.

I actually remember back when MS unveiled the concept for DLC when they unveiled the X360. They said outright that devs could sell things like avatar pictures, themes, and small content additions. I knew right then at that moment how things were going to turn out. What's funny is that I remember how most game forums were filled with things like "wow, that's so awesome!" after MS talked about their ideas for DLC.

Anyway, it sucks to say it but PC gaming has been more or less consolfied at this point. It's not so much the fault of PC gamers as it is the tremendous, rapid growth of console gaming over the last decade. Back in the late 90's PC gaming was still the undisputed king of gaming. Then gaming really caught on with the mainstream and as a result console gamers now outnumber PC gamers by so much that few publishers/developers are willing to make PC exclusives anymore since they can make far more profit if they make at least an X360 version as well. And of course the most effort is going to go into the 360 version because it has by far the largest marketshare of any platform this gen.

Yes indeed, with the first game being Mechassault!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So stop the hating against bethesda please, because that sh*t is way back (2001 - 2002)

[QUOTE="OoSuperMarioO"]

[QUOTE="gameguy6700"]

This trend has been going on waaay before Bethesda's horse armor DLC. I don't even know why that particular DLC gets so much hate when there are far more pathetic excuses for DLC out there. EA is a huge offender in this category as they routinely release "DLC" in the form of "pay to unlock X in the game", "pay to get this cheat code", or the ever so wonderful 4KB DLC.

I actually remember back when MS unveiled the concept for DLC when they unveiled the X360. They said outright that devs could sell things like avatar pictures, themes, and small content additions. I knew right then at that moment how things were going to turn out. What's funny is that I remember how most game forums were filled with things like "wow, that's so awesome!" after MS talked about their ideas for DLC.

Anyway, it sucks to say it but PC gaming has been more or less consolfied at this point. It's not so much the fault of PC gamers as it is the tremendous, rapid growth of console gaming over the last decade. Back in the late 90's PC gaming was still the undisputed king of gaming. Then gaming really caught on with the mainstream and as a result console gamers now outnumber PC gamers by so much that few publishers/developers are willing to make PC exclusives anymore since they can make far more profit if they make at least an X360 version as well. And of course the most effort is going to go into the 360 version because it has by far the largest marketshare of any platform this gen.

Bros89

Yes indeed, with the first game being Mechassault!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So stop the hating against bethesda please, because that sh*t is way back (2001 - 2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQh1EVR-1H4&

"You're probably one of those Microsoft punks who gets the games early."

Nope, I'm not making that up, lol... Oh the days of those horrible Darkmaster(frat boy) Xbox Live promos

I agree.

Console gaming has continually made PC gaming worse.

I hate those casuals.

DasVolks

Well I do not think the DLC trend is inherently bad...its just that too many devs see it as a quick way to make some money. When there is effort DLC is great. I loved the Fallout 3 DLC and more recently Borderlands has also gotten it right in terms of downloadable content. Its also unfair to put any blame on Steam, since its just an online store. Its not like retailers dont sell bad games in their stores.

why does a thread like this stay open? has no place here.

I havent touched my xbox in like a year...

Stop whinning.

[QUOTE="DasVolks"]

I agree.

Console gaming has continually made PC gaming worse.

I hate those casuals.

Chris_53

Thats because PC games.. compared to consoles games.. are selling CRAP. Who the hell is going to invest in a PC exclusive when the sales figures for the same game are twice on the console. Plus theres also a high chance you'l have your game pirated the shut out of on the PC.

It's all part of living in the land of greed and gluttony.

Pretty sure they don't.

I agree.

Console gaming has continually made PC gaming worse.

I hate those casuals.

DasVolks

Thats sunny, since the pc is the #1 platform for casual things.