Half-Life 2 triple-release subscription ‘golden egg’ blunder
Amazing new Half Life 2 news breaks – how to milk a franchise.
Valve has, perhaps accidentally, revealed a subscription model for its massively anticipated FPS Half Life 2. In the US at least, players will be able to take out a rolling $9.95 monthly subscription which will enable various content downloads via Steam Download Services.
Even more shocking is Valve’s decision to offer three different versions of the game, at least in the US, though Europe is almost certain to follow. A basic version of the game that will be single player only. A standard version that will include the single player and multiplayer games and a Collectors’ Edition that will include single and multiplayer as well as other undisclosed content.
The reason these decisions have been made is clear; it would seem possible to maximise earnings by making what would usually be standard, multiplayer code and online support a premium service. Of course, this has no benefit for the consumer. In fact, what the PC consumer has come to expect as standard game components will now require an additional spend to access.
Half Life 2 is arguably at this point in time the most anticipated game in the world. At retail, the golden egg count for the product, as was expected until today, would have been high. Whether this decision is effectively wringing the goose's neck will be decided by the consumer and hacking communities.
More on this as we get it.
Even more shocking is Valve’s decision to offer three different versions of the game, at least in the US, though Europe is almost certain to follow. A basic version of the game that will be single player only. A standard version that will include the single player and multiplayer games and a Collectors’ Edition that will include single and multiplayer as well as other undisclosed content.
The reason these decisions have been made is clear; it would seem possible to maximise earnings by making what would usually be standard, multiplayer code and online support a premium service. Of course, this has no benefit for the consumer. In fact, what the PC consumer has come to expect as standard game components will now require an additional spend to access.
Half Life 2 is arguably at this point in time the most anticipated game in the world. At retail, the golden egg count for the product, as was expected until today, would have been high. Whether this decision is effectively wringing the goose's neck will be decided by the consumer and hacking communities.
More on this as we get it.
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