There’s a bit of a fuss going on about the recently revealed fact that BioShock 2’s downloadable content isn’t downloadable at all, and is in fact stored right on the disc. Fans (and some blogs) are incensed that they are being made to pay additional cash for what is essentially an unlock code with no “new” content being offered for download.
2K Games Community Manager Elizabeth Tobey tried to justify the move:
“The way our engine and game structure works is that people need to have the exact same content for people to play together,” wheedles 2K. “One of the challenges with post launch content for MP is that it can split the player base, and we want to avoid that whenever possible. For this content, creating the DLC package the way we did allowed for us to not split the player base — so whether you purchase the new content or not, you can still play with your friends.
“I know some of you have strong beliefs about DLC, and I’m not here to sway your opinion or convince you to buy our stuff – if you like what we’re offering, I hope you get it and enjoy it. If it’s not your speed, enjoy BioShock 2 as we released it.”
While I don’t disagree that the above statement is a pretty terrible explanation that makes absolutely no sense, I do disagree with the rage and fanboy anger that seems to have cropped up at the thought of paying for additional content that isn’t a “download.”
Frankly, additional content is additional content, no matter where it comes from. If 2K had developed the Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack in the exact same manner at the exact same time but not included it on the disc, nobody would be complaining about paying to access it. Who really cares how this extra content is delivered? A developer’s only responsibility is to give you the game you paid for, and I think everyone would agree that 2K Games has held up their end of the bargain on BioShock 2.
Additional content beyond the scope of the basic game is up to the developer to distribute in the way that works best for their product and their profit margin, because contrary to popular belief companies don’t sink millions of dollars into a game just to make you feel good. If this is how 2K Games wants to distribute their additional content, they have every right to do so.
Just like you have every right to shut up about it. If you’re so offended by the publisher’s method for content delivery, just don’t buy it.
March 15th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
The game is worth what you’re willing to pay for it. If you think you’re owed the $5 to $15 it would have cost as DLC, buy it used and call it even.
What makes less sense to me is the fact that nearly every game for a console is priced the same regardless of length, features, or cost of development. Should a quickie cross-platform crapfest adaptation of the summer’s big blockbuster sell for the same as Final Fantasy XIII, which cost $XXXV million to produce? I think that throws the whole economics of gaming a lot further out of whack than a couple hours of DLC.
P.S. The idea of getting to try part of the software and paying to unlock the rest is not new. It’s called shareware, and it’s how a little game called Doom ushered in the first person shooter as the future of gaming.
P.P.S. I know Wolfenstein 3D came before Doom.
P.P.P.S. I know Wolfenstein 3D wasn’t the first FPS. But it was the first one where you got to eat dog food and shoot Hitler.
March 15th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
I think a good model for this argument is the Orange Box. You get a few games for the price of one, or as in the case of the eventual downloadable standalone Portal, one little game at a little price.
Then again, my movie tickets to see Avatar and the Hurt Locker weren’t that much different. It’s hard to think of a venue where the entry fee is directly proportional to the quality of your experience.
March 16th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Theater.
March 16th, 2010 at 9:04 am
But even for movies, a flat rate doesn’t really make that much sense. If you knocked a couple bucks off the price, you may entice people to go see a small indie film they’d otherwise ignore. Likewise, bumping the price up on a ticket for Avatar wouldn’t stop many people from seeing it if they were already planning to go. The inflated price of 3D tickets has shown that much to be true.
March 16th, 2010 at 11:44 am
I thought of theater too, but how many amazing shows have you seen for free, and how many have you seen that you wished you hadn’t paid for?