MechAssault Debuts Paid Xbox Live Content

Thanks to GameSpot for pointing out that Xbox action title MechAssault has debuted new downloadable Xbox Live content, in the form of "two new multiplayer game types and three new multiplayer maps", but "the new game content and maps will set you back $4.99... the first time that Microsoft has charged... for new, downloadable [MechAssault] content." Elsewhere, EuroGamer has debuted an editorial on this move, suggesting that "if you think about it, premium content could pose a serious threat", seeing many good facets to this kind of add-on, but also worrying that "greedy corporations" might "lock up certain elements of a game and open them up 'for free!' at a later date in an act of faux-generosity", and arguing Microsoft could make it "...an absolute that downloadable content should only ever be content developed post-release."

Comments

Makes Sense to Me

[MBCook]

I think it makes sense to start charging at some point. It's a good thing that they didn't charge too much (I think $1 or $2 would be good, but I don't have a real problem with $5 for the amount of stuff they are doing). But I have a few things to say on this.

First of all, if companies don't start getting money for this kind of stuff, we'll start to see a situation where a game will get a few update (like MechAssault has) but eventually they'll stop adding anything. Downloaded content doesn't add to sales (this is a guess but I'm pretty sure it's accurate). I mean just because a new map was released doesn't mean I'm going to go and buy MechAssault if I don't already have it. So if the developers don't get compensated, at least some times, it's a losing proposition for htem to keep adding new content. It will keep users happy, but it costs them money.

Second, MS needs to keep a tight lid on things. While I have no problem with this happening, my fear is that if they're not careful we'll see everything like this. You want a new map? That will cost you $1. You want a new piece of clothing for your character in your MMORPG? That's another $1. I don't mind paying $5 every once in a while for a few new levels and new gameplay modes and such, but it needs to be a rare occasion, because otherwise the publisher just seems like a bunch of greedy jerks.

Be careful MS, this could easily go both ways.

Someone has to pay

[DaveCBio]

If you want additional content then it has to be paid for somehow. Sometimes companies give it away in hopes that it will drive sales and sometimes they add enough to make it a full blown expansion. This gives them the option to do soemthing in between. Anything that provides an extra revenue stream is a good thing.

Re:DDR Ultramix has *only* payaddons so far

[MBCook]

Due to licensing (and putting in the moves needed, etc) this makes sense to me, but I think you should get more than 3 songs for $5. Maybe 5 songs, 10 would be ideal. And it would be nice if they had a large selection. Wouldn't that be cool? Download your favorite songs?

because you already paid once!

[mabhatter654]

You've already paid once up to $50 for the game! I'd expect the disc to be jam packed full. I don't want to pay to use something I already bought...I'm not a revenue stream AFTER I buy the game! Otherwise, the $50 games will just become "demos" for all the cool stuff you can "unlock" later...see the problem here.