EA to offer dowloadable games

the_technocrat

<p>EA will start a new chapter in its product offerings with Battlefield Heroes, a free, downloadable PC game. While details aren't yet widely available, the game will not cost anything to play the "full" version, but improvements to the game will come at a cost. Think: "Free game, pay for the expansion packs"</p>
<p>via <a href="http://mashable.com/2008/01/21/ea-games-online-distribution/">Mashable</a></p&gt;

CB

So they're going to the old shareware games model that we got used to in the 80's: The first part of the game is free, you only have to pay if you want to play the whole thing.

This is nothing new, it's a proven model with a new name.

Butters

I don't see it as a shareware model as more of a "pay for enhancements" and better user experience.

If you want a rocket launcher, that would be $5.00, of your "real" money (not the counter-strike $)

If you want to pimp your tank, that would be "real" $15.00.



Nickel and Diming us for the enhancements as the "free" version makes players struggle through the game with basic weapons and equipment.

primesuspect

From what I've seen - the game is completely free - the "full experience" as it were.. however, if you want to skin your character or perform other customizations, that will cost.

Thrax

Microtransactions can die.

CB

Icrontic should start charging a nickel a month for the 'dark' color scheme.

shwaip

CB Droege wrote:

Icrontic should start charging a nickel a month for the 'dark' color scheme.

and a penny for every use of "quick reply"

BuddyJ

I'll bring it up with Keebs and Prime. You guys don't realize the cool things we could do if we had more cash.

the_technocrat

I can imagine a game like TF2 where it would be $2 to upload your own skin of a character. Even something as stupid as uploading your own pic to map to the character's face - plenty of people who would do it. Same for a game like the Sims, etc. I wouldn't. but I'm sure there are many who would...

QCH

the_technocrat wrote:

...plenty of people who would do it. Same for a game like the Sims, etc. I wouldn't. but I'm sure there are many who would...

Yeah right, but you'd upload a picture of Prime or Keebler... You've always had a thing with them.

primesuspect

tt