Just to set everyone straight, as I've seen a lot of misrepresentation so far:
FTC: Federal Trade Commision: Makes sure companies don't lie about their products
FCC: Federal Communications Commision: Makes sure broadcasted signals (radio, TV) comply with the law (decency, etc.)
The ruling in this case is from the FTC, so has no bearing on decency of the game, sex, violence, whatever. So, stop referencing Howard Stern, stop saying that the game was already indecent, and so on. That's not what this is about. Not strictly anyway...I'm sure this started from the decency slant, only puched to the FTC because there was no other way, and someone still had an axe to grind.
The FTC fined them due to misrepresentign what was in the game (false advertising). The fine was small like others have said so far) probably because it wasn't an intentional deception. It was more along the lines of content was created, they decided not to release it, but only did a half-assed job of removing it.
With many games, this unlocking of content is the only way to "beat" the game.
For instance, with racing games, what do you do if all the tracks and cars are unlocked? The hidden content is the goal.
Now, the problem in this specific example, is if you buy the racing game only to play with your buddies. Yes, it'd be nice if all the tracks and cars are unlocked, as this provides more diversity in your matches.
However, with MMOs, yes, there can be a huge amount of "work" involved in these. The hard part (I can imagine) for developers, is judging of whether the player feels like they're just merely working, or that they've gained a sense of accomplishment (and hence had fun). There's a very fine line there, and some games get it right and some don't.
I belive the reason for their success is three-fold:
1. They refuse to meet some previously set release date if the product is not the best that they can do. Blizzard is infamous for pushing back release dates (the only company that comes to mind when I'm waiting for such-and-such game to come out). It always pisses me off at the time, but the product is nearly flawless when it comes out.
2. They take a strong stance against cheaters/hackers. I don't know of anthother company that's so aggressive towards cheaters, and correctly protect the honest players out there.
3. They support their products well past their prime. Battle.net still supports starcraft and diablo 2 online games. Show me another company that's patching their games that were released that long ago.
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Where's the "stupid" tag that's on all other stories?
Just to set everyone straight, as I've seen a lot of misrepresentation so far:
FTC: Federal Trade Commision: Makes sure companies don't lie about their products
FCC: Federal Communications Commision: Makes sure broadcasted signals (radio, TV) comply with the law (decency, etc.)
The ruling in this case is from the FTC, so has no bearing on decency of the game, sex, violence, whatever. So, stop referencing Howard Stern, stop saying that the game was already indecent, and so on. That's not what this is about. Not strictly anyway...I'm sure this started from the decency slant, only puched to the FTC because there was no other way, and someone still had an axe to grind.
The FTC fined them due to misrepresentign what was in the game (false advertising). The fine was small like others have said so far) probably because it wasn't an intentional deception. It was more along the lines of content was created, they decided not to release it, but only did a half-assed job of removing it.
With many games, this unlocking of content is the only way to "beat" the game.
For instance, with racing games, what do you do if all the tracks and cars are unlocked? The hidden content is the goal.
Now, the problem in this specific example, is if you buy the racing game only to play with your buddies. Yes, it'd be nice if all the tracks and cars are unlocked, as this provides more diversity in your matches.
However, with MMOs, yes, there can be a huge amount of "work" involved in these. The hard part (I can imagine) for developers, is judging of whether the player feels like they're just merely working, or that they've gained a sense of accomplishment (and hence had fun). There's a very fine line there, and some games get it right and some don't.
I suppose I should have clarified that I'm speaking from a PC gaming perspective. I generally can't don't get hooked on consoles.
I belive the reason for their success is three-fold: 1. They refuse to meet some previously set release date if the product is not the best that they can do. Blizzard is infamous for pushing back release dates (the only company that comes to mind when I'm waiting for such-and-such game to come out). It always pisses me off at the time, but the product is nearly flawless when it comes out. 2. They take a strong stance against cheaters/hackers. I don't know of anthother company that's so aggressive towards cheaters, and correctly protect the honest players out there. 3. They support their products well past their prime. Battle.net still supports starcraft and diablo 2 online games. Show me another company that's patching their games that were released that long ago.
How could you ever get sick of Howard Stern? (read with copious sarcasm)