There is a lot of talk lately about how the Marketplace can potentially ruin gaming. And I have to agree with a lot of it. As a gamer (and consumer) it is not pleasant to see what is going on. Not only did we see the M.S.R.P. of games go from $49.99 to $59.99, but now some Publishers are giving the impression that $60 does not even net us a full, complete game anymore.
I will like to preface all this by saying that I am not against downloadable content that you need to purchase. Not in any way. But it definitely depends on the content. Bethesda seems to be doing a good job with DL content for Oblivion. Sure, they might have stumbled out of the gate with the Horse Armor debacle, but they have since put out quality content that adds game play and extends the life of thier already long game. Using them as an example: cosmetic download that adds no gameplay = rip-off; Added dungeons or quests to extend your enjoyment of the game = purchase.
EA has been in the center of backlash from the gaming community. They just seem to be out to take all our money, instead of pleasing us with quality products. Charging for a PPV "sneak peak" of Madden 2007, charging for classic stadiums, charging for unlockable items in their games (weapon packs & in-game money in The Godfather), charging for strategy videos (after Saints Row released several free tip videos themselves), it all leaves a bad taste in gamers' mouths. Why are we being charged for items we used to get for free? Classic stadiums and alternate uniforms should be included with the original $60 purchase. They have been in the past. It makes us feel like we are getting less for more.
I know all these purchases are optional. If you don't want them, don't buy them right? Every developer says the same thing, "We're currently evaluating micro transactions to determine what gamers want, and what they don't want". But there is a flaw with that reasoning. I'm not refraining from purchasing Classic Stadiums in Madden because I do not want them, I am refraining because I feel they should have been included with the original release in the first place. But if Classic Stadium sales are down, EA will probably just think, "Looks like gamers aren't interested in classic stadiums after all, no need to worry about them in next year's game".
Then there is the whole Lumines Live problem. Many gamers purchased the 1200 point Arcade title thinking they were purchasing the entire game, only to realize that there were certain modes and features that were still locked because they actually needed to purchase a separate pack to unlock them. Now that is just wrong. Seriously, seriously wrong. Microsoft should not allow that to happen.
It seems like Microsoft has no control over what publishers offer up on the marketplace. Their stance has been to let publishers work out the details anyway they want. That needs to stop. If Microsoft does not set up some regulations, things are going to get real ugly, real soon.
Micro transactions initially started as a cool concept, but it seems to be spiraling out of control. Many of these DLs are no longer "micro", since I do not consider $15 a micro transaction. I know it is all about creating additional revenue streams, but these streams seem to be getting very greedy, way too soon. My general rule in deciding on a marketplace purchase is this: If the content should have been included with the original release, then I am not buying it. If it feels like it was left out on purpose to then generate additional revenue, forget it. If it does not extend the life of the game or add any type of signifigant gameplay, I'm not purchasing it. Simple as that.
Hopefully Microsoft is reviewing microtransactions and have a plan on how to keep the marketplace under control. If not, then gaming - an already expensive hobby - is going to require even deeper pockets to enjoy.
