Microsoft slashes select XBL DLC prices

  • By thorsen-ink, GameSpot
  • Posted Sep 5, 2008 12:02 pm PT

Just days after it finally confirmed the long-rumored price cuts to all three Xbox 360 models, Microsoft has announced a series of more minor discounts. This time, it's for downloadable content on Xbox Live Arcade, including expansions and add-ons to a number of very popular games. According to...

Just days after it finally confirmed the long-rumored price cuts to all three Xbox 360 models, Microsoft has announced a series of more minor discounts. This time, it's for downloadable content on Xbox Live Arcade, including expansions and add-ons to a number of very popular games. According to Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb, the lower rates will continue through the end of October as part of the "Extended Play Download Days" promotion.

Among the DLC items now on sale is The Shivering Isles expansion to Bethesda's acclaimed role-playing game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which now costs 1600 Microsoft points ($20), down from 2400 ($30). The Bring Down the Sky mission to BioWare's Mass Effect is now 300 points ($3.75), versus 400 points ($5.00). Three Guitar Hero III track packs--Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, and Classic Rock--are 360 points ($4.50), down from 500 ($6.25). Content for Lost Odyssey, Beautiful Katamari, and Forza Motorsport is also on sale.

138 Comments

  • farrlinn

    Posted Mar 15, 2009 10:42 am PT

    Get used to DLC. This is the most profitable way to make expansions.

    You have to remember that it takes a team of 60+ devs to make a game these days. Back in the NES days it was a team of 12 tops!

  • Skarwolf

    Posted Dec 31, 2008 7:54 am PT

    It costs 59.99 or more for a game you can usually beat in a couple days. Plain and simple... they're not worth it. How come my old nintendo 8-bit games seemed to have way more content then all the current generation fancy looking games. It seems like companies sacrifice content for graphics.

  • ratavaquera

    Posted Dec 21, 2008 8:26 pm PT

    i still dont like DLC...

    i paid my complete game , and i should get the latest updates...for FREE

  • rocketman97

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 10:10 am PT

    mariokart64fan
    umm...since when is WalMart the PC gaming hub of the universe?
    anyways, cool to see oblivion's expansion getting 10 bucks knocked off, but i wish some more games got the same deal. of course thats just me being greedy

  • LosDaddie

    Posted Sep 29, 2008 6:45 am PT

    Great job, MS!

  • Zerosumgame

    Posted Sep 28, 2008 3:05 am PT

    unrefreshing

  • bennae66

    Posted Sep 27, 2008 10:45 am PT

    fallout 3 first. then scrolls...

  • tim591

    Posted Sep 26, 2008 8:51 pm PT

    its too soon for another eldar scrolls. It was years between morrowind and oblivion. I would much rather wait for bethesda to make another awesome rpg than rush out a new one. And i thought morrowind had a better story and more missions than oblivion anyway

  • samthepimp07

    Posted Sep 20, 2008 8:18 pm PT

    I definitely agree with metalheadgamr. new elder scrolls. it's one of the best rpgs out there, in almost everyones opinion, so i don't understand why there isn't a new one?

  • metalheadgamr

    Posted Sep 20, 2008 6:00 pm PT

    Its time for a 5th elder scrolls! OR another really big expansion

  • Thing2

    Posted Sep 12, 2008 1:04 pm PT

    I've gotten a couple themes, like the other day I bought the Fable II theme, more to build my own anticipation of its release than to advertise anything....I'm pretty much the only one that sees it....

    They don't charge for all of them but I do agree, the product placement ones should be free, like Dr. Pepper or whatever, they should mail us coupons for flying their flag....

  • Holdwick

    Posted Sep 12, 2008 11:25 am PT

    That's great news, Microsoft is actually lowering costs, what's next, the end of the world!?

  • jadeninja

    Posted Sep 9, 2008 11:43 am PT

    megamega777 is definitely right, wal-mart is not a game store, obviously, go to a real game store and you'll find sections dedicated to PC games, I don't even play games on my pc but it doesn't a moron to figure out that PC games are plentiful and good.

  • megamega777

    Posted Sep 9, 2008 11:32 am PT

    @ mariokart64fan: That's because you went to Wal-Mart and not a gaming store ;p

  • GodLike500

    Posted Sep 9, 2008 10:11 am PT

    I agree with GuNNerWiLLiAMS. Why would anyone buy gamer pics and themes? It's like you're paying to advertise the game.

  • lightwarrior179

    Posted Sep 9, 2008 9:35 am PT

    Nice. Would download the Forza Motorsport 2 DLC then in October.

  • isahunt

    Posted Sep 9, 2008 6:47 am PT

    "name one game for pc thats not puzzle aside from crysis that is pc only"

    PC only, no puzzle? Easy.

    The Witcher
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
    Silent Hunter 4
    Sid Meier's Railroads
    Civilization IV
    World in Conflict (console versions in 2009 Q1)
    Spore (Wii version TBA)

    I named 7. You fail.

  • andrew_ribbons

    Posted Sep 9, 2008 1:50 am PT

    "Prices are too high on LIVE as is...I'd rather buy food..you know...to live"

    The obvious answer? Don't spend your money on Gaming if you can't afford it? lol!

    Anyway, these cuts are good, i've been meaning to get The Shivering Isles again at some point. For £14 that's not bad at all, it's still £15-20 in the shops anyway.

  • mariokart64fan

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 11:51 pm PT

    um pc fans , explain this to me ,, i go to walmart why is the pc section not filled with games instead its filled with anti virus software and other cheesy software i have no use for , eg turbo tax , all the games i see are mindless mini game collections and puzzle games aside from half life and cod4 , cant say gta just yet and the halo i already had on xbox and all these games are on consoles, on the minigame and puzzle side of things get a wii wii offers more then that lol , so ya unless you subscribe to steam and like not having an actual copy of the game eg duke nukem 3d /duke nukem 64 mind you lol i dont see how any one likes pc for gaming the mouse and keyboard sucked for gta san andreas and i get no control over need for speed series of games i own lol right and left arrows , meh might as well again go out buy a wii or nes for god sake, no analog joystick is so 80s lol, also no good selection of games makes pc equal to the ngage , interms of in store sales lol , consoles have more of a selection where can i find super mario galaxy indianapolis 500 legends wwe smack down series halo 3 gta iv as well as its exclusive dlc
    driver mario kart /party etc
    fzero resistance
    gears of war 2 and 1 rainbow six vegas 1 and 2 and play them any where i feel like, (car trip home etc) on theses platforms respectively
    wii ds psp ps1 ps2 saturn dc nes snes gaME CUBE
    XBOX
    XBOX 360 PS3
    PS2
    GENESIS/CD
    NINTENDO WII game gear any game console you name it excuse the virtual boy lol,
    you can find some of these plus more ,
    pc only gamers are still living in the past with so called remakes of godemeye thanks to modifying their game lol , and waiting for the next big thing, name one game for pc thats not puzzle aside from crysis that is pc only, hmm tuff one , i cant name any , when i say pc only i mean pc only not pc and ps2 not pc and snes etc
    and i dont count mods to old games that make you think your getting goldeneye lol, simple fact is your not , the gameplay found in goldeneye as well as game engine used for it is exclusive to the n64 , gc ps2 and xbox (timesplitters was never on pc and will never be on pc) if you wonder why i put timesplitters in is because that game uses a modified updated goldeneye /perfect dark 64 game engine , ya you can say get an emulator well that doesnt qualify as owning the game its illegal to dl it unless you have the actual cartridge , /discs ,

  • mariokart64fan

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 11:36 pm PT

    xbox live store and nintendos wii ware/virtual console own sonys they sell points cards any where not just 7 eleven which to my knowledge never sold a game in its time lol walmart eb etc should have those psn cards but no it has to be a store that is unfamiliar with gaming lol, great tactic sony, first you drop backwards capabilities now you make it even harder to get dlc , for those with out a credit card ,and ps1 games are over priced lol 19,99 ? for the same game i bought for 6 dollars in perfect condition that will work on my 60 gb ps3 my ps2 and my ps1 lol ,ill pass on downloading any ps1 game lol, any game for that matter, once your ps3 breaks you can no longer dl that title on to another system at least nintendo doesnt charge an arm and a leg for their titles, im able to buy 3 titles each time some times 2 or some times even 4 lol , and guess what , i cant lose it bc wii is so reliable only thing that can make me loose it is if the console never turns on in which case i call nintendo up and have it all transfered to my spare wii ,

  • IZZO71

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 6:47 pm PT

    Yea, they should change the point system when they make the fall update imo

  • buzzguy

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 3:59 pm PT

    Sure, MS's point system has it's flaws. However, it's better than what the PS store has going! In order to buy a $26 and change downloadable title, I have to enter my CC, load my "wallet", and hope my virtual cash covers all the taxes. Actually, I have $4-something after downloading Jeane d'arc, and nothing to spend it on. Brutal.

  • RoC1909

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 3:25 pm PT

    Actually, this latest price on GH DLC's should have been the ORIGINAL price when it was introduced. Nothing like getting ripped off on buying the game, buying the online service and then buying extra content when SOME, not all of it, should have been included with the game. I remember when Epic used to offer some really cool downloads after some of the UT's came out. Now, for a couple of extra maps for GoW, I need to spend extra when it should have been included with the game?!?! No thanks.

    Also, the MS points program is a F'in joke!!! How about getting away from the point structure MICROSOFT and just having a FIRM PRICE for ALL DLC!! No, instead I want to buy something for 800 points yet I need to make a 12.50 purchase for 1000 points and then have 200 points left over. Like MS has a lot of QUALITY things for 200 points!! I don't want no LAME ASS themes that should have come with the game. Nor do I want any lame boss strategies that I have to pay 80 points for and that I can get on the Internet for FREE. So in essence, I have to buy more points to get anything worthwhile and then have points left over so with that, I am back at square one! MS sure got their money's worth when they hired the person to think up this idea!! Shame Shame!!

  • Il_Exile_lI

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 3:25 pm PT

    I agree with most of you about marketplace prices being too high, but I think The Shivering Isles at $20 is the best deal of all of them. That expansion delivers 30-40 hours of additional content to one of the best games on the 360.

  • GuNNerWiLLiAMS

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 12:54 pm PT

    Think we're all agreed that content on xbox live should be cheaper and rightly so. The fact that we're made to pay for things such as gamer pictures and themes is a bit of a cheek.

    Would also like to see more classic retro titles in the 'Bomberman Live' mould available at a cheap price. I'd love to give a replay to gems such as the Spectrum's 'Bubble Bobble' or 'Probotector' on the NES again.

  • JohnnyNeat

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 12:02 pm PT

    Expansions should not be anywhere near what they charge from the get go. Plus they should drop after two months down to half of what it cost at release. The LIVE model is a giant rip off if look at as a whole. Too much asking price for what one gets.
    Plus for a minor example of another annoyance, why are certain Themes and or Gamer pics not given a visual example when we all know we can't return or dispute purchases? Pretty WEAK if you ask me.

  • andalore

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 11:49 am PT

    One step closer to being free good enough for me

  • belboz

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 10:38 am PT

    Frankly, I fail to see why Bioware still charge for the Mass Effect expansion, after it was made available for free on the PC.

    I see two speculative explanations:

    1) Because they can. People still buy it
    2) MS will not distribute DLC for free. Offering for free would cost Bioware money. If it is 2) the current price might just be shipping costs.

    Any other ideas?

  • ThAdEa82

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 8:35 am PT

    Prices are too high on LIVE as is...I'd rather buy food..you know...to live

  • jamesinho

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 8:29 am PT

    Here, Here, raahsnavj! Couldn't agree more!

  • raahsnavj

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 7:22 am PT

    I see no reason why these games shouldn't have a PERMANENT DLC price drop after 4-6 months in the first place. Even bundled games drop in price over time yet these DLC items and games never seem to get a price cut regardless of how long they sit around...

  • ebookerd1

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 5:46 am PT

    Good I need to get that Lost Odyssey pack.

  • Blasto19

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 5:09 am PT

    well for those pc fanboys..I'm not sure if i want to play GH or rockband in front of my monitor..also imagine gaming in front of that small monitor..ugh poor eyes. stfu and let people do whatever they want with their money.

  • Blasto19

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 5:09 am PT

    well for those pc fanboys..I'm not sure if i want to play GH or rockband in front of my monitor..also imagine gaming in front of that small monitor..ugh poor eyes. stfu and let people do whatever they want with their money.

  • isahunt

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 4:55 am PT

    Why doesn't anybody bring up the fact that console games are 10-20 dollars/euros more expensive than PC games. If you buy 20 PC games in a year instead of buying 20 console games you can easily buy a new mid-to-high-range graphic card EVERY year.

  • Warghost2k

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 4:38 am PT

    Druggernaut, it's not really fair to compare PC and console hardware. You had to spend (probably) thousands on a nice hi-def TV to play your console, and a PC can do much more than a console can. However, if you spent $500 on a video card, I have good news. In five years, when the newest games no longer play well on your PC, all you'll have to do is spend another $200 on another video card, run them in SLI mode, and you'll probably be set for another three years. By then your console will be outdated, so you'll need another one, and you'll probably be wanting a larger hi-def TV set that will cost another couple grand also. PC's are getting much easier to "future-proof" now. With SLI, gaining a 50-70% performance boost is not difficult. It can be done by dropping in another video card when you need it. And with PC hardware prices dropping so fast, it's the best bang for the buck.

  • dRuGGeRnaUt

    Posted Sep 8, 2008 12:51 am PT

    Death Masta187(cool name mang), How much does it cost you A YEAR to keep your computer running at high FPS in the latest first person shooters?? you obviously like PC gaming, which is fine, but as it is NO ONE HAS TO DOWNLOAD ANYTHING if they don't want. you don't, so why are you b!tching? I just think its funny when people think its worth waiting a year for 1.25 off. its pathetic. PS: my new graphics card cost me $500 bucks, thats ten years of xbox live... too bad the graphics card will be outdated.
    I see your point man, but still, SHUT UP.

  • Death_Masta187

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 11:58 pm PT

    dRuGGeRnaUt ill let M$ nickle and dime you to death... the reason they are making money off it is because fools like you pay for it... its not the fact that is 1.25 hell it could be .10 and I still would not pay for it.. its the fact M$ is greedy... its the fact I get the exact same stuff on my PC for FREE.. and I pay 10 dollars less then you for my games... don't forget they are making 8 more bucks off you each month just for you to play your games with other people... and yet PC can play for free and with more people... Nickel & dime.

  • ZOnikJJ

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 9:55 pm PT

    If only my Xbox 360 wasn't broken...

  • shaun_mcwayne

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 8:01 pm PT

    if your gonna game, game hard and get the lot.

  • YankeeDan345

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 6:43 pm PT

    Well, when the content doesn't cots that much taking a few dollars off is, percentage wise, a big deal...

  • irelevent

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 6:29 pm PT

    I don't get it. 1.25$ off? i don't care. how is this news? does anyone really care about dlc being cut 1.25$ off?!?!?! Content for Lost Odyssey, Beautiful Katamari, and Forza Motorsport is also on sale." Shame, shame, gamespot, for dubbing this newsworthy.

  • studiotan

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 5:27 pm PT

    @dendrosteve

    You want to spend $400 on a PS3 just so you don't have to spend $50 a YEAR for a gold membership? That brilliant dude.

  • dendrosteve

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 4:51 pm PT

    Everything is still too expensive. I almost want to get a PS3 so I don't have to pay to play. I haven't even had a gold account for several months because I'm too cheap.

  • kr0niXz

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 3:13 pm PT

    Microsoft needs to slash the price of most DLC in half, it's way too expensive to buy anything.

  • BorkaBonum

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 2:49 pm PT

    That's more like it. I'd totally dig if they would have a campaign on a little more of the Arcade games as well - like shrinking the 800MS-games down to lets say 650MS or 700MS for a time, it's not so much it would make the current owners mad and it wouldn't hurt the business. But still, one step in a time, this is overall fantastic.

  • Death_Masta187

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 2:49 pm PT

    Wow I forgot how much of a rip off DLC was on Xbox... Damn my PC for making me spoiled with all free DLC... Don’t get me wrong I like my 360 also it’s just a rip off if you want a complete game.... $10 more than the PC + 2 or 3 bucks here and there to finish it up.. While you pay a flat $49 and the company supports their customers by making the DLC free...

  • BorkaBonum

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 2:49 pm PT

    That's more like it. I'd totally dig if they would have a campaign on a little more of the Arcade games as well - like shrinking the 800MS-games down to lets say 650MS or 700MS for a time, it's not so much it would make the current owners mad and it wouldn't hurt the business. But still, one step in a time, this is overall fantastic.

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