Burnout Paradise was a true joy for any racing fan this year. But more so than the initially bewildering experience of wide open adventure, tricks and racing at 160mph, was the pleasure of the consistent, and FREE, DLC that criteria has provided.
Their support has been something of a miracle usually performed by 2 might deities. The console God of Bungie, witch budget and profits so enormous they have could have a small studio whose only work is to eat money and be fine for years, and the might PC lord Valve. Somehow the modest UK developer found a way to not only give gamers more, but evolve their game through out the year. I wouldn’t go so far as to say its a different game, but she sure looks a lot different now than she did in highschool.
Its also an issue that developers are going to have to tackle, unfortunately in an economy thats proving as bad for them as anyone. $60 is a lot – the abundance of used games sales is proof of this. And if the last 2 years has shown us anything, its more AAA titles are being released now than ever before. So to convince someone to spend $60 on YOUR $30 million is tougher than ever.
I am guilty of waiting for games to go used. Rainbow Six Vegas 2 should have been mine over a year ago ($10 on steam this weekend FTW) but I wasn’t going to dish $60. By the time it dropped to $40, it was this holiday season. Wasn’t going to happen.
Perhaps not only DLC, but a constant hello to the gamer is the key. Less a one night stand, and more of a stable relationship. If you want to know why Valve and Bungie have such fans (come civil war, my uniform will have a hand holding a crowbar on it) is because they are invested in the company. The company communicates with them and answers them. Not via media, or one DLC 3 months later of content that should have been in the game. But by continuing the reiteration process of development with the gamer himself.
Congrats to criterion on an amazing year. Now the question is if your first DLC that costs money is worth it. I look forward to the Party Pack even if I skeptic that pass and play goes against the core design belief you have so carefully adhered to.
Also, Chesley Sullenberger, you are a hero. If I could, I would buy a 36 of pabst and take you to see your Favorite Movie, Gran Torino.
While I hope
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