Now I don’t know about you, but I don’t really mind exclusive DLC for multi-platform titles, it makes perfect business sense.
What the developers of Dead Space are doing however, crosses the line in my opinion. They are actually going to be giving a considerable advantage to PS3 owners. When I read the news about the DLC and what it will offer, I quickly realised that not many people have actually figured out what the heck is actually going on here.
What the hell am I on about? Find out after the jump.
[We have received an update about the DLC but there is still a point to be made about this type of DLC. Thanks to Ninex for spotting the update]
TalkPlaystation.com reports that: (check out the part that I put in bold)
“You’ll be getting an Obsidian Rig which will be available from the Playstation store once you log in the game. The main character will get a suit that has Playstation 3 themed colours (Black, red, blue and a little bit of yellow), increased toughness and more inventory slots.”
Wait, what?
PS3 owners are going to have a tougher suit and more inventory slots? While you may not think that this is such a big deal, I really think that this is pushing things a little.
It’s saying, “Here consumers, buy this game on our platform, you will be stronger and better if you play it on our system instead of the oppositions”. They have taken the fun factor out of their plan and just gone straight for the profit factor.
TalkPlaystation then go on to say that:
“You can get this item for free from October 24 till November 7. After that you will have to pay. How much is not known yet.”
This is an obvious attempt to get people to buy the game at launch, which I don’t really mind but the fact that it will become a purchasable item after a while makes me think back to the horse armour in Oblivion.
I love DLC, I think that it is a great step forward for gaming. However, it is supposed to add value to games, extra levels, more fun or an extended experience with a game that you love. Things like this just get me upset. It makes it clear that the people pushing this idea are just in it to score some extra money from an already expensive piece of software.
An exclusive suit or outfit sounds awesome, the fact that it is going to change the gaming experience for the two different console owners, does not.
[Update: EA confirmed today that both sides of the fence will be receiving a pimped out suit. Now, while I am happy that they have decided to balance the DLC out, my opinion on this type of DLC still stands. ]source: TalkPlaystation
Last Updated: October 13, 2008
Goose ZA
October 13, 2008 at 10:09
Yeah I agree. Total BS.
Someone
October 13, 2008 at 10:27
No getting this so I’m not too worried.
Altho… I’m really hoping this doesn’t start becomin more frequent.
Banana hammock
October 13, 2008 at 10:35
I think it might be a tactic that works though, i want both this and Bioshock, i was going to get Bioshock first and then trade it for this down the line.
But considering this launches at a slightly lower price and has the time-based DLC i will now probably get this first.
So ugly as it may be, it seems to be working!
darthdad
October 13, 2008 at 10:48
It could just be that PS3 owners are not seen as hardcore enough, and could use the extra help! 😉
koldFU5iON
October 13, 2008 at 10:54
you know what you need to do … you need too harden the ❗ up
janrik
October 13, 2008 at 11:04
Looks like PS3 gamers need all the help they can get then…
Now do I get this on my black or green console?
ninex
October 13, 2008 at 11:06
from http://www.destructoid.com/dead-space-goes-gold-platform-exclusive-suit-dlc-update–105811.phtml
The Xbox 360 will get the Elite Suit, and PS3 will get the Obsidian suit. Cosmetic differences aside, both suits will offer “increased toughness and inventory slots” for players.
Strife Lives
October 13, 2008 at 12:01
. . . .EA thinks the PS3 will gain momentum to overtake the 360 soon,. . .they always favor whos winning.They already shifted PS3 being the lead platform for most games.In fact,the 360 was lead for Dead Space. . .then,halfway through it was shifted with the PS3 as lead.
SlippyMadFrog
October 13, 2008 at 12:31
I guess that settles it. Good find.
SlippyMadFrog
October 13, 2008 at 12:38
Newsflash, the Xbox360 is getting the armor as well.
Most developers change the PS3 to lead because it’s easier to go from PS3 to Xbox360 than the other way around, not because the PS3 is “winning”.
SlippyMadFrog
October 13, 2008 at 12:39
lol, I love Ronnie Johns
Kale
October 13, 2008 at 12:53
Didn’t hear any complaining about the Fallout 3 360 exclusive DLC that is apparently coming out. Nor was there any regarding the GTA IV 360 exclusive content that was also reported.
Hope none of your emplyoees play PS3’s they might lose their jobs.
Charl
October 13, 2008 at 14:18
All PS360 flaming aside. I think the biggest ‘line crossing’ is on its way. Tomb Raider: Underworld, multiplatform game, exclusive demo on 360. No demo planned for PS3.
Now, this brings the up the question on .. why? The game is coming out on both platforms, won’t it be in the best interest to release a demo on both?
Check back in two months, developer claims PS3 sales is crap due to crap market and not due to money grabbing habits to make a quick buck!
David
October 13, 2008 at 15:32
We’ll I happen to own BOTH the PS3 and XBOX 360
darthdad
October 13, 2008 at 16:19
Me too David. I’m just messing about.
Nick
October 13, 2008 at 19:06
Its quite possible that the demo will only be out for Xbox 360 because it was lead platform (if it is). If they are actually exlusively releasing the demo for only one console on purpose then they should get a right kick in the butt
Nick
October 13, 2008 at 19:10
There is no need for talk like that, you are ignoring the main argument.
Kale, my issue is not with exclusive DLC, its geared more towards the way that developers use it. If a company makes exclusive (or timed exclusive) content for one console, I can understand the business behind that , as long as they are giving us gamers something of value. I dont agree with type of DLC that was (at the time) planned exclusively for Dead Space on the PS3.
It doesnt benefit us as gamers, only the corporates.
Charl
October 13, 2008 at 22:41
Well, even if it is the lead platform. They’re still releasing it on the PS3 on the same day. Wonder how much this reflects the confidence of the product?
Then again, there is 360 exclusive DLC on the way.