Reactions: EA’s considering pre-release DLC

This story’s creating a lot of ruckus because some mook (analyst Michael Pachter) described the proposal as EA charging for “a very long game demo, along the lines of 2009′s Battlefield 1943.” Apparently, Mr. Pachter is confused as to what exactly Battlefield 1943 is. And apparently, a lot of people have trouble reading past commas. Granted, the specifics of EA’s meaning are unclear at this time, but I’d wager $15 might net you a third of a game’s multiplayer content before said game is released.

“A full-blown packaged game would follow shortly after the release of the PDLC [Premium DLC], bearing a full retail price,” Mr. Pachter said. “[EA Group General Manager Nick] Earl believes that the release of the PDLC first limits the risk of completing and marketing the full packaged version, and serves as a low-cost marketing tool.”

So development risks are reduced by giving the players game content early? Explain the bad part to me, please. As long as EA provides some sort of discount on the full retail product for pre-lease DLC adopters, I think this is a pretty brilliant plan. And on a less related note, it opens up a whole world of pre-lease DLC possibilities. Pay $10-$15 for a game’s prologue to find out if you like the style, and then decide on a full purchase. I hope EA pulls this off right. It certainly fits in with their digital distribution aspirations.

EA considering charging for ‘very long game demos’ – Analyst [GameSpot]

Author: Cody