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Ubi to Charge for Xbox Downloadable Content

Posted by Zonk on from the join-the-party dept.

bippy writes "Ubisoft just announced that a four map pack for Rainbow Six 3 Black Arrow will cost $5. This comes on the heels of THQ's announcement that they will be charging $4.95 for a downloadable mission on Full Spectrum Warrior."

2 of 43 comments (clear)

  1. Re:One fee to rule them... by alatesystems · · Score: 4, Informative

    There was no hiding or deception. There has always been an option to "allow downloading of premium content". I don't understand why this is news. It is free to play all the games on xbox live, that's why EA and MS fought so much. However if you want to download additional maps/players/vehicles on many games you have to pay a small one-time fee. I downloaded an additional course for Links2k4 and it was the best 5 bucks I've ever spent.

    It's just like buying an expansion pack in a store, except it's delivered instantly with a button press from your recliner.

    Once again, why is this news? "Evil company follows through with allowing publishers to publish software and then charge for it online." OH NO!!! Won't somebody PLEASE think of the children?!?

    Chris

  2. Re:Not really new news by andman42 · · Score: 2, Informative

    Same with Links 2004. As early as last Christmas (2003), Links was charging to download a new courses.

    Besides, since the beginning, part of the Xbox live business model was to charge for some of the downloads. That way consumers could get small, incremental additions to their games without having to shell out $40 for a whole new game. Likewise, game companies would have the incentive ($$) to provide the new content. There were even rumors in the Official Xbox Magazine about adding new Halo 2 missions serial style, like once every few weeks (for a price, of course).

    I'm not sure why this story or the story about THQ are surprising or inflamatory, let alone news.