BRILLIANT. Let's ADD a step to the process of getting DLC. Do I sense an air of desperation?
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: vudu on November 13, 2009, 02:37:13 PM
There's a lot of kids out there without credit cards. There are even more out there who don't know the DLC exists unless they see it in a store.
Seems perfectly fine to me. Just because you're not the target audience doesn't mean one doesn't exist.
Also, your topic title doesn't give a good idea of the contents of the thread. That's a no-no.
From Zach: Oh, please. It actually made me laugh, Vudu.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 13, 2009, 02:49:21 PM
I say Nintendo should get in on this too. You know how GS employees are pre-order nazis and try and push a presale down your throat at every possible opportunity? Imagine if they had incentive to push DLC and/or PSN/XBLA/WiiWare/VC games too.
It would only take getting someone on there once or twice for them to discover the store and search it for themselves, but if GS can get them to get on there initially, then it a big win in the long run for all console manufacturers and all the struggling publisher/developers.
My only question is how exactly does it work? You buy it at GS, they give you a D/L code you go online and enter it? or you buy it from GS, they give you a points card & then tell you how to find it in the online store then you go and D/L it yourself?
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: broodwars on November 13, 2009, 02:49:43 PM
I also don't have a problem with this, as it mainly just serves to let kids who don't have credit cards purchase DLC. For that matter, if I'm guessing right you could also use Gamestop trade-in credit to purchase DLC. Not a bad option, all things considered.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: vudu on November 13, 2009, 02:57:10 PM
My only question is how exactly does it work? You buy it at GS, they give you a D/L code you go online and enter it?
Probably this one. :) GameStop already sells regular points cards for Wii, 360 and PS3.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: rbtr on November 13, 2009, 07:50:38 PM
This is new ???
We've doing this at best buy for quite some time now. Selling the DLC for GTA4 and giving you a DVD case and everything. It was just a download code. We are also selling some cards to get games for the PSPgo. This is gonna happen so you have something to wrap on Christmas. You can't wrap DLC, but you can if it's physical. As cool as it is for a friend to send me a gift through steam, I'd much rather have the same friend buy me a physical copy. It means more effort on their part.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Plugabugz on November 13, 2009, 09:42:53 PM
There's a lot of kids out there without credit cards.
Prepaid debit cards are very easy to get hold of here (and aren't age limited as there's no debt facility) so i don't see how this is even a problem.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Guitar Smasher on November 13, 2009, 11:04:02 PM
It's quite clear what the point is: GameStop gets to sell product that they weren't able to before, and Sony/Microsoft/Publishers get actual salespeople to push the product.
The industry is trying to force DLC onto consumers, as I'm sure Malstrom will comment.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 14, 2009, 07:17:18 AM
There's a lot of kids out there without credit cards. There are even more out there who don't know the DLC exists unless they see it in a store.
They sell points cards in stores that you can use instead of a credit card. Sure, most stores overcharge for those but would the situation with DLC really differ?
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: that Baby guy on November 14, 2009, 08:28:00 AM
PSN, Xbox Live, and Nintendo Shopping Channel all use points cards in the store, right?
I'd think a better alternative is to sell "Installable" DLC in the store, perhaps even be able to press the discs as they are ordered. That way the consumer would actually buy something that isn't available in virtually the same way they're already buying it. I wouldn't see a problem with an idea like this, but it would mean that GameStop would actually have to provide a useful service. I know, I know, that only comes along with managers and employees that take a risk and defy the system. :(
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: vudu on November 14, 2009, 10:00:12 AM
They sell points cards in stores that you can use instead of a credit card. Sure, most stores overcharge for those but would the situation with DLC really differ?
If all I want is a $10 game why should I be forced to spend $20 on a points card?
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: vudu on November 14, 2009, 10:06:56 AM
Here's something I just thought of--I wonder if GameStop is going to sell add-on packs for retail games (e.g. the extra missions for Fallout 3) or just stand-alone games (e.g. Shadow Complex).
Extra content for retail goes against one of GameStop's core principles--used games. Someone who purchases additional content is less likely to sell the retail game back to GameStop when they're done with it. Say goodbye to huge margins!
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: that Baby guy on November 14, 2009, 11:01:37 AM
They sell points cards in stores that you can use instead of a credit card. Sure, most stores overcharge for those but would the situation with DLC really differ?
If all I want is a $10 game why should I be forced to spend $20 on a points card?
Isn't this another reason why this makes no financial sense for the industry? You add in a dose of convenience, while adding in an extra step to allow the consumer to acquire the merchandise, and in the end, you receive lower revenue.
While the idea you're purporting isn't wrong, some consumers just want to pay for what they want and not a penny more, this hurts the bottom line, probably in numerical value just significant enough to balance out the program, making it a relatively worthless venture all together, right?
Like I said, if it eliminated the need for the internet, that would be one thing, but it doesn't. It just adds in a step. For what? So trade-in credit can be used to buy downloadable games? Couldn't you already spend that money on points cards, anyways?
The best conclusion I can come up with is that this will give the games "shelf-space" for the additional cost of adding a middle-man. That's something I don't know the value of, but it's the only advantage I find tangible that isn't negated by the service's short-comings. While you can often give points cards or even gift Wii games to gamers, this actually represents something you can hold and see, like a normal retail game, and even can attract new customers to the product. I suppose I'll concede that given this concept, it could work out, particularly if the shelf-space given is considerable enough to attract customers to the section of games. We'll just have to see how the maneuver is executed, but it could definitely help some developers market to the less-informed.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 14, 2009, 11:06:33 AM
They sell points cards in stores that you can use instead of a credit card. Sure, most stores overcharge for those but would the situation with DLC really differ?
If all I want is a $10 game why should I be forced to spend $20 on a points card?
I don't know about Sony but MS and Nintendo offer a 10€ size (800 and 1000 points respectively), the other sizes are for MS 20 (1600), 25 (2100) and 50 (4200), for Nintendo 20 and 30 (2000 and 3000).
Here's something I just thought of--I wonder if GameStop is going to sell add-on packs for retail games (e.g. the extra missions for Fallout 3) or just stand-alone games (e.g. Shadow Complex).
Extra content for retail goes against one of GameStop's core principles--used games. Someone who purchases additional content is less likely to sell the retail game back to GameStop when they're done with it. Say goodbye to huge margins!
Eh, no. they'll burn through that extra content as well and then sell it back. Or maybe even earlier, maybe they don't even buy DLC. People will sell their games when the money is more valuable than continued possession of the game.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: EasyCure on November 15, 2009, 12:13:01 PM
There's a lot of kids out there without credit cards.
Prepaid debit cards are very easy to get hold of here (and aren't age limited as there's no debt facility) so i don't see how this is even a problem.
This.
Last time I was at my local Best Buy, they actually had a machine in the middle of the sales floor that spit out a pre-paid debit card. Go thru the menus, select the amount you want on the card, put you cash in and you're done. A 10 year old can go do it, put his allowance in and get a lil debit card to take home and use to become a member to pr0n sites purchase some dlc without having to beg his parents for their credit card.
Once that money is spent, you can go back, pop your new card in and refill your balance whenever you please. I haven't tried it yet but i'm sure its much easier than otherways to acquire similar pre-paid cards (having to call in to activate and horror stories i've heard of mney missing.. etc).
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: smallsharkbigbite on November 21, 2009, 06:57:11 AM
That Guy. The best conclusion is this is an ad campaign. Sure, their revenue/per will be lower, but they are hoping they make it up with the increased sales of those that aren't as informed as the average gamer that visits websites. Accessibility often = more sales.
It also makes me think they are using this to get people into DLC. Then once you have people downloading, they hope that you take advantage of the fact that I can say, boot up my Wii and just buy $10 on the Wii channel versus going to GameSpot and paying $10 for a game. This is more of a trial period than the way things will always be distributed going forward.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 21, 2009, 09:05:40 PM
Why are people complaining? As others have said, this has been going on for some time already (specifically Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, and several PSP games like LocoRoco 2). Yes it would make more sense if you were actually getting the content on the disc (so that people without Internet access could get the DLC), but so what?
KDR, the lowest Wii Points you can buy is 1000 Wii Points (and that's if you buy using the Wii Shop Channel). I have 300 points, if I want to buy anthing other than a N64 game or some WiiWare games, I have to buy at least $10 worth of points. If I want to buy a SNES game, I can't buy 500 Wii Points. For people who don't have a credit or debit card, it's even worse since the lowest Wii Points card is 2000. So if that person wants to download a Virtual Console or WiiWare game, they have to buy at least $20 worth of points.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Morari on November 21, 2009, 10:31:01 PM
Because DLC is a scam, and then is even worse? I recall when developers released massive, game-altering patches, and huge content packs for free. The only thing that ever justified a price tag post-release were hefty expansion packs. The core concept of DLC is good, but the execution is almost always painfully bad.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 21, 2009, 11:59:28 PM
You can't say DLC is a scam, all you can say is that SOME companies do scams (like EA Sports charging money for uniforms in the Madden games). DLC in general is a good idea since it allows for companies to continue expanding a game long after it comes out by doing stuff like adding new multiplayer maps and weapons. I don't want console games to put up with the crap that PC games do (like needing patches the same day the game releases because the developers did a shitty job of testing the game while developing it). You seem to think that most DLC is bad, it's the other way around. The vast majority are good, it's only a few that are bad (the first one that I remember being on consoles was when Bethesda Softworks had the balls to charge $2 for horse armor).
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: King of Twitch on November 22, 2009, 12:12:44 AM
As people demand bigger and bigger hard drives to get new DLC, and as costs and risk rise, aren't developers more likely to push games out as soon as possible?
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 22, 2009, 02:38:51 AM
Why are people complaining? As others have said, this has been going on for some time already (specifically Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned, and several PSP games like LocoRoco 2). Yes it would make more sense if you were actually getting the content on the disc (so that people without Internet access could get the DLC), but so what?
KDR, the lowest Wii Points you can buy is 1000 Wii Points (and that's if you buy using the Wii Shop Channel). I have 300 points, if I want to buy anthing other than a N64 game or some WiiWare games, I have to buy at least $10 worth of points. If I want to buy a SNES game, I can't buy 500 Wii Points. For people who don't have a credit or debit card, it's even worse since the lowest Wii Points card is 2000. So if that person wants to download a Virtual Console or WiiWare game, they have to buy at least $20 worth of points.
They've got 1000 and 3000 cards here. The harder part is finding them without paying more than they're worth. Anyway, I don't thnk overpaying by a few Euros is that severe (and if I'm just 100 points short I'll use the stars catalogue), they're not going to disappear so the next time you'll buy something they're still there.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on November 22, 2009, 03:35:15 AM
Solution: Don't buy DLC you don't want.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 22, 2009, 03:41:11 AM
Solution: Play PC, get free DLC.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Morari on November 22, 2009, 08:26:03 PM
I don't want console games to put up with the crap that PC games do (like needing patches the same day the game releases because the developers did a shitty job of testing the game while developing it)
Plenty of your console games receive quick patches as well, which is even sadder when you consider they only have one hardware setup to test for. But I do hate all that crap that I have to put up with on the PC as well. I mean, why can't all developers shoehorn their games into a console-like state? I hate having to take the time to customize my controls and look through free, user-created content years after a game is released.
Seriously though, the majority of DLC is nothing more than developer greed. I think back to games like Quake 3 and Unreal Tournament. Both were supported for years and years after release. They both saw multiple content packs released along with more traditional patches for bugfixes and balancing. This was all released for free, but the developers knew that such longevity would sell more games... they didn't need to make money off of the additional content. Of course, let's not forget the hundreds of pieces of user-created content as well. Everything from maps and characters to full conversion mods. Many of which were of professional quality. I'm sorry, but DLC just doesn't work. If it's large enough and game-altering enough to justify a pricetag, it should be an expansion pack. Otherwise, it should just be a nice bonus included with the latest patch.
I recall reading an interview with the guys from Valve not too long ago. They were speaking of the updating process for Team Fortress 2. Basically, each class has steadily recieved their own update, including new weapons, outfits, skills, maps, etc. These are pretty important, as they totally change the game and add loads of new content. These are released for free, and have been since the game was released. Apparently, every time one of these are released, sales for the game itself spike and the community sees an inlufx of new players. Valve doesn't need to charge for the new content, because people see the value in the original product itself and purchase it. Likewise, if you look back at Unreal Tournament 3, it wasn't very well accepted. Not too long ago however, epic released a rather large addon patch, for free, that was basically the size and scope of an expansion pack. The game began selling better than ever and now, all of a sudden, UT3 has a thriving community. That kind of long term value is what developers should be looking at, not how to nickel and dime fans mere days after release by seeling them **** that was intentionally left out.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 23, 2009, 03:04:42 AM
Isn't pillage and burn the modus operandi for most of the game industry? Shove the product out with tons of hype, sell a lot within the first week, have it hit the bargain bin within 5 months. For each new idea do that as often as you can until the new idea is too exploited to have any value left, then frantically scramble for the next idea. Very few companies try to have their games sell even long after their release or value their series enough to be responsible with releasing sequels. Activision has already assigned another team to making CoD sequels, how long until that franchise is exhausted? Music games are already hitting exhaustion after being exploited so heavily. Responsible sequelization allows a series to persist over decades, overexploitation often leaves the series dead after one console generation.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Morari on November 23, 2009, 11:50:48 AM
Responsible sequelization allows a series to persist over decades, overexploitation often leaves the series dead after one console generation.
How true. I think that, if nothing else, this is one thing that Nintendo does do correctly. One sequel per generation not only makes that sequel so much more special, but also allows developers the time to focus on more varied offerings.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 23, 2009, 02:23:55 PM
Well, it's not strictly one, Zelda tends to get two and such.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Stratos on November 23, 2009, 05:16:53 PM
Square likes to make ridiculous DLC. Didn't someone prove that their WiiWare game DLC is actually on the original game already and they are just charging you for the unlock code?I was rather frustrated to find out that half of My Life As A King DLC is actually unlocked in-game after you beat it once or twice.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: that Baby guy on November 23, 2009, 05:41:05 PM
Actually, that isn't true, or at least isn't entirely true, Stratos...
For example, the FFIV sequel DLC contained a lot of data to be used later, but much of it was unused, revised, or just downright rewritten in the other chapters, and that's only referring to character data, let alone the maps and things.
As far as MLAaDL DLC, which isn't the same as MLAaK :p, the DLC for everything in-game is likely separate from the game, but was almost definitely built before the game's release. There are items, though, with no picture, model, or graphics, that were to make the game easier, essentially just giving you more in-game money. Those could easily have been included, though likely were not.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Stratos on November 23, 2009, 07:36:03 PM
I was more just referring to MLaaK DLC and not the MLaaDL DLC or any other of their games.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: that Baby guy on November 24, 2009, 09:22:36 AM
Oh, you mean the actual stuff you could unlock via DLC could alternatively be unlocked by completing parts of the game?
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on November 24, 2009, 12:02:27 PM
Don't tell me Chime's Bikini is a simple unlock.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Stratos on November 24, 2009, 01:04:16 PM
No, not the outfits, but some of the buildings are unlockable.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: that Baby guy on November 24, 2009, 01:31:48 PM
Ah, that is tricky, it seems. At least with the other online SE games, the unlockable stuff and the DLC are distinctly different. I don't have a problem with things being unlockable via DLC and unlockable via clearing the game at the same time, though, as long as it's made clear the content is in the game. I'd imagine, in this case, it wasn't, though.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Ian Sane on November 24, 2009, 07:59:49 PM
I like DLC in the way that it effectively provides a method for console games to have expansion packs. Done right, expansion packs are a cool way to get a little extra playtime out of an old game. I don't mind it for stuff like music games either where making a custom playlist and only paying for the songs you want makes sense (though that sure isn't the way Guitar Hero is ACTUALLY doing it, but I digress).
What sucks is DLC where they obviously are not giving you the full game. If a game has DLC available for purchase on DAY ONE then it's a fucking scam. There is no reason not to put that content in the game aside from greed. There is a big difference from me playing a brand new game and having "premium content" locked away that I have to pay extra for and having a new set of levels released a good year after the game came out available for purchase.
Get rid of the scam DLC and we've got a pretty cool feature that previously only PC gamers had access to. But the scam **** has got to go and for that to happen we have to not buy it.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on November 25, 2009, 02:59:37 AM
Also console companies tend to charge for stuff that PC gamers tend to get for free. Valve actually complained that MS wouldn't let them release their DLC for free (they keep old games fresh with tons of new content while keeping the price up and supposedly their sales are staying high for a long time along with having massive customer loyalty). There are some recent examples of fairly massive add-ons for PC games that were free. UT3 got a ton of maps, vehicles, etc, TF2 got tons of class upgrades, Left 4 Dead numerous extra campaigns, DoW2 got Last Stand, etc.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Stratos on November 25, 2009, 05:10:50 AM
I like DLC in the way that it effectively provides a method for console games to have expansion packs. Done right, expansion packs are a cool way to get a little extra playtime out of an old game. I don't mind it for stuff like music games either where making a custom playlist and only paying for the songs you want makes sense (though that sure isn't the way Guitar Hero is ACTUALLY doing it, but I digress).
What sucks is DLC where they obviously are not giving you the full game. If a game has DLC available for purchase on DAY ONE then it's a fucking scam. There is no reason not to put that content in the game aside from greed. There is a big difference from me playing a brand new game and having "premium content" locked away that I have to pay extra for and having a new set of levels released a good year after the game came out available for purchase.
Get rid of the scam DLC and we've got a pretty cool feature that previously only PC gamers had access to. But the scam **** has got to go and for that to happen we have to not buy it.
Well, I learned my lesson with MLaaK. I'm not going to buy DLC like that again.
Also console companies tend to charge for stuff that PC gamers tend to get for free. Valve actually complained that MS wouldn't let them release their DLC for free (they keep old games fresh with tons of new content while keeping the price up and supposedly their sales are staying high for a long time along with having massive customer loyalty). There are some recent examples of fairly massive add-ons for PC games that were free. UT3 got a ton of maps, vehicles, etc, TF2 got tons of class upgrades, Left 4 Dead numerous extra campaigns, DoW2 got Last Stand, etc.
Didn't Burnout Paradise get a huge free content update that included new vehicles and support to drive motorcycles and other crazy stuff? That was on the PSN for free I heard.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 25, 2009, 07:40:52 AM
Quote
But the scam **** has got to go and for that to happen we have to not buy it.
Waaaaay ahead of you.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: King of Twitch on December 24, 2009, 01:07:56 AM
Everyone around here whines and complains that they try to push pre-orders and guides. Well boo hoo, how is that worse than the fact they put THREE price stickers on every used game, one of which goes DIRECTLY onto the boxart? My estimated wrapping time just went from 2 minutes to about 30.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Morari on December 25, 2009, 01:30:09 AM
Actually Zap, I'm more concerned that they tend to put stickers directly onto the box of so-called new games. Of course, these "new" games are kept out of the box and placed in a filing drawer isntead, where they get scratched up. :P
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on December 25, 2009, 05:00:16 AM
Unless you get the last copy in the store they usually grab a wrapped one from the storage.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: nickmitch on December 25, 2009, 01:55:32 PM
Yeah, I've been getting a lot of my games still shrink wrapped from there lately.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Stratos on December 26, 2009, 02:18:26 AM
My copy of Conduit special edition was shrink wrapped and it was the last one in the store, plus I just walked in and asked for it. Did that mean they hadn't put up a display copy yet? Or maybe the last display copy was a reserved copy and they were going to give that to the pre-ordering customer. Boy, I would be pretty mad if that was what happened to mine. If I pre-order it better be an unopened game.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Mop it up on December 26, 2009, 11:50:09 PM
And they tell you before you buy it if it's the last one and isn't shrink wrapped, so it isn't like they force you into it. That's been my experience anyway.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Stratos on December 27, 2009, 02:58:05 AM
And they tell you before you buy it if it's the last one and isn't shrink wrapped, so it isn't like they force you into it. That's been my experience anyway.
They have never told or asked me if it was. Every time they just go about like business as usual putting the disc in the box and then are all confused/shocked/scornful/humored when I say I don't want an open (I sometimes use the word used) game. I then just walk over to Fred Meyer or Wal-Mart and get a legit new copy.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Mop it up on December 27, 2009, 03:16:04 AM
I guess it is another one of those things that depends on location.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: broodwars on December 27, 2009, 03:22:16 AM
And they tell you before you buy it if it's the last one and isn't shrink wrapped, so it isn't like they force you into it. That's been my experience anyway.
They have never told or asked me if it was. Every time they just go about like business as usual putting the disc in the box and then are all confused/shocked/scornful/humored when I say I don't want an open (I sometimes use the word used) game.
Yeah, same experience here. I've never had a Gamestop employee tell me that this was the last copy and that I'd "have" to settle for a disc from the drawer. I've always had to press the issue.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Morari on December 27, 2009, 10:34:54 PM
And they tell you before you buy it if it's the last one and isn't shrink wrapped, so it isn't like they force you into it. That's been my experience anyway.
They have never told or asked me if it was. Every time they just go about like business as usual putting the disc in the box and then are all confused/shocked/scornful/humored when I say I don't want an open (I sometimes use the word used) game.
Yeah, same experience here. I've never had a Gamestop employee tell me that this was the last copy and that I'd "have" to settle for a disc from the drawer. I've always had to press the issue.
Exactly. It'd be different if they sold those "new" games at used prices, as that's exactly what they are. If it's a game I want immediately, I drive to Wal-Mart. Otherwise, I order online cheaper and avoid paying taxes on top of it. ;)
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: noname2200 on December 30, 2009, 12:47:08 AM
Here's something I just thought of--I wonder if GameStop is going to sell add-on packs for retail games (e.g. the extra missions for Fallout 3) or just stand-alone games (e.g. Shadow Complex).
Extra content for retail goes against one of GameStop's core principles--used games. Someone who purchases additional content is less likely to sell the retail game back to GameStop when they're done with it. Say goodbye to huge margins!
Actually, it'd be great for Gamestop. The few DLC-packed discs that I've gotten my mitts on (the expansions for Fallout 3 and for Oblivion) only required you to install the DLC once. There was zero DRM on the DLC, just the main game. That means I could have, in theory, installed the main game, bought and installed the DLC, and then sold the DLC disc while keeping the DLC forever.
Youcan't say DLC is a scam, all you can say is that SOME companies doscams (like EA Sports charging money for uniforms in the Madden games).DLC in general is a good idea since it allows for companies to continueexpanding a game long after it comes out by doing stuff like adding newmultiplayer maps and weapons. I don't want console games to put up withthe crap that PC games do (like needing patches the same day the gamereleases because the developers did a shitty job of testing the gamewhile developing it). You seem to think that most DLC is bad, it's theother way around. The vast majority are good, it's only a few that arebad (the first one that I remember being on consoles was when BethesdaSoftworks had the balls to charge $2 for horse armor).
While I agree in theory, I'm fairly certain thing aren't going to work out this way in practice. We're already seeing games with sizeable DLC being available for sale on Day One. In other words, the publisher is deliberately holding back the content, solely to extract more money from you. Dragon Age is the most egregious example, but it's hardly the only one. There are even companies that put the DLC in the disc itself, but require you to pay for the unlock code. Sure, companies COULD follow the path you're talking about, but they're using more and more to screw us over, content-wise, and I doubt that's going to change anytime soon.
Squarelikes to make ridiculous DLC. Didn't someone prove that their WiiWaregame DLC is actually on the original game already and they are justcharging you for the unlock code?I was rather frustrated to find outthat half of My Life As A King DLC is actually unlocked in-game afteryou beat it once or twice.
You are correct sir: apart from the Infinity Spire, all of MLaaK's DLC was already in the initial download. You just paid to unlock it.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Kairon on December 30, 2009, 01:21:22 AM
Of course, there's an unspoken assumption here that everything a company has developed by launch date, they should give you on the disc. It sounds nice, but is there any real basis to this belief? Perhaps its the prerogative of the manufacturer to decide just what the final retail product is, even if it's less than what they could do.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: KDR_11k on December 30, 2009, 11:54:57 AM
Of course, there's an unspoken assumption here that everything a company has developed by launch date, they should give you on the disc. It sounds nice, but is there any real basis to this belief? Perhaps its the prerogative of the manufacturer to decide just what the final retail product is, even if it's less than what they could do.
It is certainly the publisher's decision as to what content goes on the disc, and which is held back for the chance to charge an extra fee. By the same token, though, it's our perogative as consumers to reject that model and feel ripped off when they decide a certain way! ;D
Seriously though, the whole Warden's Keep thing is the only reason I haven't purchased Dragon Age, and likely won't until it hits $20. Even then, I'm tempted to simply pirate the DLC,* as that's the only way to get a friggin' storage chest!
*I'm not actually going to pirate it.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: Ymeegod on January 03, 2010, 09:03:48 AM
"friggin' storage chest!"
Yeah, tell me about it--couldn't figure out of the life of me why it didn't have one since crafting items required you to store mulitple gems at any given times, hell I beat it prior to checking for DLC and like most felt a bit cheated since this was clearly left out to make you BUY it.
Most DLC is an addon which I don't mind paying for but when the developers initally screw the game just for the extra $$ then that's just down right foul.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on January 17, 2010, 06:10:09 PM
The next time I go into GameStop will be my pickup of No More Heroes 2.
I will show no fear, no mercy.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: EasyCure on January 17, 2010, 07:12:05 PM
The next time I go into GameStop will be my pickup of No More Heroes 2.
I will show no fear, no mercy.
Yeah i've been realizing that I might just have to show my face at one next week. I should show up looking as "casual" gamer as possible just to spite them.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on January 17, 2010, 07:14:38 PM
Hey, that's a good idea. Too bad I can't pull off that act at this store.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: EasyCure on January 17, 2010, 07:19:43 PM
Hey, that's a good idea. Too bad I can't pull off that act at this store.
Drive around the corner, go to the one you don't frequent.
Personally, I was thinking of going in suit/tie with a bluetooth earpeice on, blab about mergers and stocks, etc, and walk up to the counter completely ignoring the nerds standing in line waiting to put a deposit down on some pre-order and ask for assistance.
How do i describe NMH in such a way where they won't recognize it and instead try to sell me Puppy Party 10 instead?
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on January 17, 2010, 07:46:39 PM
Well I think you have to be a little indecisive and give the impression that you also have children who love "The Wii Sports" and "The Wii Fit" (emphasis on The).
As for NMH, it's "like that one game where you get to swing a sword, but you don't swing all the time, and you do other stuff like ride around the world where the female characters tell you what to do..."
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: EasyCure on January 17, 2010, 07:56:39 PM
Well I think you have to be a little indecisive and give the impression that you also have children who love "The Wii Sports" and "The Wii Fit" (emphasis on The).
As for NMH, it's "like that one game where you get to swing a sword, but you don't swing all the time, and you do other stuff like ride around the world where the female characters tell you what to do..."
I've got it! I'll make them think i'm looking for WiiSports Resort when i mentioned swinging a sword and riding a bike!
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: noname2200 on January 18, 2010, 03:15:56 PM
Hey, that's a good idea. Too bad I can't pull off that act at this store.
Drive around the corner, go to the one you don't frequent.
Personally, I was thinking of going in suit/tie with a bluetooth earpeice on, blab about mergers and stocks, etc, and walk up to the counter completely ignoring the nerds standing in line waiting to put a deposit down on some pre-order and ask for assistance.
True and funny story:
I usually go to a Gamestop only on weekends, since Fry's is near my workplace. One time though I'd just gotten out of a hearing, so I was still in my suit and tie. I went to pick up Little King's Story at Gamestop. I have never been treated with so much respect by Gamestop employees in my life. One of them actually opened up the second register just to take care of me, and all three of them actually feigned interest in the title when they saw that I'd preordered it, kiddy cover and all. ;D
Long story short: do it! Just don't overdo it: skip the part about the cell phone, and instead just walk straight up to the counter, stare the employees straight in the eye, and speak in a clipped tone of voice. Make sure to keep a straight face!
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on January 18, 2010, 04:41:49 PM
Have an accomplice in the store with a hidden camera, too.
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: EasyCure on January 18, 2010, 06:27:22 PM
Hey, that's a good idea. Too bad I can't pull off that act at this store.
Drive around the corner, go to the one you don't frequent.
Personally, I was thinking of going in suit/tie with a bluetooth earpeice on, blab about mergers and stocks, etc, and walk up to the counter completely ignoring the nerds standing in line waiting to put a deposit down on some pre-order and ask for assistance.
True and funny story:
I usually go to a Gamestop only on weekends, since Fry's is near my workplace. One time though I'd just gotten out of a hearing, so I was still in my suit and tie. I went to pick up Little King's Story at Gamestop. I have never been treated with so much respect by Gamestop employees in my life. One of them actually opened up the second register just to take care of me, and all three of them actually feigned interest in the title when they saw that I'd preordered it, kiddy cover and all. ;D
Long story short: do it! Just don't overdo it: skip the part about the cell phone, and instead just walk straight up to the counter, stare the employees straight in the eye, and speak in a clipped tone of voice. Make sure to keep a straight face!
That'll be easy, i'm good at making believe (hence why i like my video games to be more fantasy than reality)
Have an accomplice in the store with a hidden camera, too.
That might be a little harder, to do in such away where its not obvious. Besides, i'd then have to go back to the same gamestop wearing a "gamer" disguise and try to get them to talk me into preording _(insert xbox 360 title here)_ and maybe get into an argument over why i'm looking for a nintendo game anyway
GS Employee: "dude, do yourself a favor; just put a preorder in for NMH: Heroes Paradise instead of buying this crap. That games gonna kick ass cuz you don't have to wave your arms around anymore, plus you know they're already porting the sequel over since its garaunteed to sell like 5mil"
Me: (laughs)
Title: Re: Oh, GameStop. You do make me laugh.
Post by: vudu on January 19, 2010, 01:58:59 PM
