• 20Oct 09

  My thoughts on Downloadable Content

  I've seen lots of arguments for this hot topic - mostly con but some pro as well. Being the highly opinionated person I am, I must weigh in on this issue.

  The argument against donwloadable content centers around the idea that it should be included and free. Players have concerns that developers will simply send an unfinished game to market and force you to pay additional fees to get the completed version. While this would certainly be an unfortunate direction for gaming, I haven't really seen this occur. Most of the DLC I've seen has been completely optional (e.g. extras/perks - such as additional items, weapons, secret characters, extra multiplayer maps, etc). None of these items are really needed for an enjoyable experience, but may be enticing to hardcore fans of the game. I don't have a problem with this stuff since it really doesnt affect me - extra customization of my ingame character, extra gear, or playing as a secondary character, arent that essential to my overall enjoyment.

  Part of the reason that DLC is becoming more commonplace is because it can. Years ago, it just wasnt possible to have access to it. Once a game was out, that was it. You had no way to add to it other thanbuying an expansion pack. However, with people having greater access to high speed internet and onlince accounts, developers now have a new tool to add additional content to gamers in a efficient fashion.

  The main question is whether developers should charge for this additional content. Why not? If they've spent the time and effort on a product, they should have the ability to be awarded for it. Despite what people may think, gaming is a business. They have bills and overhead to pay, just like the rest of us.While I like my customers and try to serve their needs, I also like to get paid for what services I do perform. How are game developers any different? Some people may feel entitled to theDLC for free, but I think that's not fair to those that make it. I'd rather have the option of having DLC than not have it at all. Chargeable DLC may be an impetus for many developers to make it.

  But with all things, there is a balance. Developers have to be careful about what they charge for and when. Remember, it's a free market and if some other developer can supply quality DLC and updates for less or free, then buyers may not be so keen to pay for theirs. Lots of games have had great updates that have reinvigorated the user base - and themajority of these updates have been free. That sets expectations high for DLC. Do it wrong and one could hurt their user base. For instance, recently I've seen a lot of games come out and then have chargeable DLC the next day. Kind of poor form in my book.While these unfortunate practices take place, they take placein a free market and have to beaccountable to the consumer. Fans of the series, may soon become alienated and spend their dollars elsewhere if it's done poorly. So don't worry too much. I highly doubt we'll ever see the days where you need to purchase additional content just to finish a game.

  • Posted Oct 20, 2009 7:11 am PT
  • Category: Editorial
  • 1 Comment
  • Tag
  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Digg
• 21Jun 09

  What's wrong with Square Enix?

  Usually I can rely on SE to produce high quality, fun games. However, this generation, their offerings have been anything but high quality. They've released a few remakes that were lackluster, a few new titles with tons of bugsand poor gameplay, and have yet to produce anything that desirable. Maybe they are saving it all up for the next FF title, but it really reflects poorly on them to release so many busts.

  • Posted Jun 21, 2009 3:57 pm PT
  • 3 Comments
  • Tag
  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Digg
• 8Nov 08

  What to buy?

  Fallout 3, Fable 2, Resistance 2, Little Big Planet, Dead Space, and of course, Gears of War 2. All coming out so close to each other. What's a person to do? I have a feeling my wallet will be a little lighter after all is said and done.

  I started off with Fallout 3 - given that I was a huge fan of the past versions. So far so good.

  • Posted Nov 8, 2008 3:12 pm PT
  • 3 Comments
  • Tag
  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Digg

See Previous Blog Posts »