Why some stuff in XBL isn't free, and are in PSN, and vice-versa.

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/964/964977p1.html

Seems like the developers are getting charged for free downloads on PSN.

While microsoft doesn't charge them for some stuff, releasing free DLC must be really expensive for the developers. I wonder if (and how much) does MS charge free DLC (like COD: WaW map pack, Burnout Paradise, and upcoming L4D Dlcs)

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/964/964977p1.html

Seems like the developers are getting charged for free downloads on PSN.

While microsoft doesn't charge them for some stuff, releasing free DLC must be really expensive for the developers. I wonder if (and how much) does MS charge free DLC (like COD: WaW map pack, Burnout Paradise, and upcoming L4D Dlcs)

Microsoft doesn't charge for downloads... that article says that Sony charges developers for every GB of their software that is downloaded over PSN... Microsoft doesn't charge developers or consumers in that way...

The cost of purchasing DLC on Live goes mostly to the developers (apart from a handling fee from Microsoft for it being on Live...) just like in reality and stores... Gamestop buys 1 million copies of a game for $40 a piece, sells them for $60 and makes a $20 profit... Microsoft buys the rights to 1 million downloads of DLC for around $6.66 each and then sells them on Live for $10 a piece...

That article just talks about Sony charging developers for every GB consumers download...

In my opinion.. they should either make the downloadable game content free, or make XBL free.. but the only thing that shouldn't be free are like full movies and full games I guess, but content that you already have the game of

In my opinion.. they should either make the downloadable game content free, or make XBL free.. but the only thing that shouldn't be free are like full movies and full games I guess, but content that you already have the game of

Trogeton

In my opinion.. they should either make the downloadable game content free, or make XBL free.. but the only thing that shouldn't be free are like full movies and full games I guess, but content that you already have the game of

PC game patches always came with new maps and tweaks to the game and sometimes with new addons, and it was always free. Charging for everything especially maps is a new thing. And we can't say the quality has gone through the roof. I feel that some of these DLC packs have become a way for the devs to cash in on content that should have been in the game in the first place. Look at the Prince of Persia DLC, why is something like a new true ending not in the finished product. It's clear they were planning on making it but they decided to cash in on the DLC phenomenon because we are all too easily motivated into buying.

it all has to do with business.

Companies have different contracts with sony, microsoft, or nintendo.

Prime example is what microsoft did with the GTA IV episodes.

Microsoft doesn't charge for downloads...

Squeets

Partly wrong, the guy who made Braid wanted to put up the premium theme for the game for free but M$ wouldn't allow it. They don't like stuff going up on there for free. For example, the only reason M$ is letting Left 4 Dead's DLC be free is because Valve plans on releasing another edition for the game with it already on the disc.

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/964/964977p1.html

Seems like the developers are getting charged for free downloads on PSN.

While microsoft doesn't charge them for some stuff, releasing free DLC must be really expensive for the developers. I wonder if (and how much) does MS charge free DLC (like COD: WaW map pack, Burnout Paradise, and upcoming L4D Dlcs)

paulokoenigkam

[QUOTE="Trogeton"]

In my opinion.. they should either make the downloadable game content free, or make XBL free.. but the only thing that shouldn't be free are like full movies and full games I guess, but content that you already have the game of

Ghost_Warrior

[QUOTE="Squeets"]

Microsoft doesn't charge for downloads...

kidrock17xp

Partly wrong, the guy who made Braid wanted to put up the premium theme for the game for free but M$ wouldn't allow it. They don't like stuff going up on there for free. For example, the only reason M$ is letting Left 4 Dead's DLC be free is because Valve plans on releasing another edition for the game with it already on the disc.

And? Microsoft didn't take most of the money? They still paid Braid devs for the right to sell that... the Braid devs made a profit from it... and that has nothing to do with the issue at hand... this topic was about Sony charging devs for consumer downloads... whether the download was free or not... so whether you download a 1 gb expansion pack that cost $10 or a 1gb demo that is free... sony is charging developers for it... $0.16... may not seem like a lot... but when over a million people download your DLC.... that is hundreds of thousands of dollars... Microsoft doesn't do that...