XBL Downloadable Content
Publishers really need to get their business straight regarding downloadable content. EA has made some pretty bad mistakes regarding the Madden tutorial videos and now Ubi Soft is jumping on the bandwagon. Their first Map Pack was released for $10. A bit steep, but the maps are good and I keep playing the game. Their recent Black Pack was released for free (though not at first) and now the Red Pack is free as well. What? If I knew it was going to be free a month and half later, I would have just saved the $10. At least Epic told players (like Bungie before them) that the new Gears maps will set you back a few bucks now, but will be free in the fall.
Bethesda did a great job with Oblivion (after the horse armor issue). $1.89 for a lot of new content -- that's a great deal, especially for those who love Oblivion. I'm actually not that opposed to buying new maps, especially for Rainbow Six when there are a dozen modes to play on them. I'd buy new tracks for Forza 2, or maybe even new cars. Content is really, really expensive and publishers should be compensated. But don't just screw the players. Downloadable content should be a good value to extend the life of the game and increase the player base -- not a way for the companies to cream their loyal customers.
For those of us used to getting free maps on our PC, well, forever, having to pay for every little thing on consoles is ridiculous. It may just be a PR issue -- publishers just need to explain themselves better, or at least market their products in a more convincing fashion.
(posted by grant at 7/05/2007)
