Bioshiock 2 DLC already on disk - what about Reach?


There’s been a few grizzle grumps about the first load of Down Loadable Content for Bioshock 2 via the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Networks as accordingly to rumours circulating the web - the DLC is already on the game disc and is unlocked by downloading a small file.

People appear to be grumpy they are playing unlock content that is already on the disk.

The ‘Sinclair Solutions’ DLC increases the multiplayer ranking to level 50, brings two new playable characters, Louie McGraff and Oscar Calraca, 20 new trials, a third upgrade for each weapon and five new masks. It has been reported that buyers have noticed that the DLC file download is only 24K for PC versions of the game and 108K for the Xbox 360 version.

So, dear reader what do you think about it? Do you think this is a case of the publisher 2K trying to get gamers to pay for something that they have already paid for or do you think it's entirely valid for developers to do this sort of thing? I’m in the later camp – it’s simply an efficient way of providing a mechanism to allow the game to be developed as effectively as possible. The game was sold as Bioshock to the buyer on as ‘as is’ basis with no expectations given other than you would get the game. NE thing else is an optional extra. The means you get it is irrelevant.

Indeed Bioshock's producers 2K have actually responded publically:

"The way our engine and game structure works is that people need to have the exact same content for people to play together. One of the challenges with post launch content for MP is that it can split the player base, and we want to avoid that whenever possible. For this content, creating the DLC package the way we did allowed for us to not split the player base - so whether you purchase the new content or not, you can still play with your friends," said 2K community manager Elizabet Tobey.
Responding to the grizzle grumps upset at paying to unlock content already on the disk, Ms Tobey said "I know some of you have strong beliefs about DLC, and I'm not here to sway your opinion or convince you to buy our stuff – if you like what we're offering, I hope you get it and enjoy it. If it's not your speed, enjoy BioShock 2 as we released it"

Why am I talking about this on a Reach blog? Well, do you think Bungie might be up to using ideas of a similar ilk? Extra ‘perks’ like the Sprint and Jet Packs for example. The coding for say an extension to a sniper rifle’s siting or extra armour permutations could already be included on the Reach disk.

I some how doubt Bungie could pull that off for the Multiplayer maps, but who knows?

What do you think about havign to play to unlock content you already have?

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