Capcom “Versus” Fans, Who’s Right?
There’s been a lot of uproar about Capcom’s announcement of Resident Evil 5′s Versus Mode DLC. The argument has been two fold complaining of the price and what many consider just an unlock of existing content on the game disc. Fans have been firing a lot of heat towards Capcom and four days ago Christian Svensson, Corporate Officer/VP of Strategic Planning & Business Development, decided to fire back calling all the drama “BS”. That’s bullshit for those of you not in the know.
Here’s more of what Christian had to say:
“Prior to the announcement of the Versus mode, no one complained they weren’t getting their money’s worth with the initial release because it packs TONS of value because it is an amazing game. So if people were already satisfied with what the package had, when we offer MORE, why is it people feel they’ve been somehow cheated? If you don’t find value in our secondary offerings, the choice is simple, don’t purchase it. If you do find it valuable (and we hope you do) please do buy it and enjoy it.
Secondly, whenever we do PDLC, that content exists with its own budgets, it’s own profit and loss analysis with its own forecasts. If it didn’t, that extra content wouldn’t have been put into production, because it did not fit within the production budget of the base product.
The content that is shipping in the full game exists within its own budget. The content shipping afterward (regardless of how close to release it is… because the goal IS to have it release relatively closely to the base product’s release) exists within its own budget. To try and have it release in a timeframe that is relatively close to the initial release, development starts well before the base product is on the shelves. There’s no other way to keep it within 3 to 6 weeks of the initial release (which is the goal).”
So what say you? Whose side are you taking? The content is only $5 so it won’t break the bank and plus, you can always opt not to purchase it if it bothers you. What’s all the uproar then if it isn’t existing content like Capcom says?
March 17th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I can see both sides here. Capcom needs to release it while the game is hot so it it will sell well. On the other hand, releasing DLC so close to launch makes gamers feel ripped off. Developers will never be able to get it right unless it is a full expansion ala The Lost and Damned.
If they release maps or weapons close to launch, pitchforks are already in hand. How can they win?
March 17th, 2009 at 9:16 am
I agree with Hazy, I can see the arguments for both sides.
By the way, I finished the Lost and Damned, there’s a lot in that expansion and it was a lot of fun.
I think Capcom will win in the end because RE5 is turning out to be an awesome game, and I think players will come around.
March 17th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I don’t care what spin the VP is putting on this situation, the content should have been included on the disc if it was being developed at the same time.
Many people will never get to experience this game mode. I have rented the game and I am not going to buy DLC for a game that I have rented. If this game mode was included in the game, I would have considered buying this game because it would have had considerably more replay value.
I don’t believe that I am alone in my opinion, Capcom. You are shooting yourself in the foot, Capcom, by upsetting your existing customers and by losing sales to customers like me.
March 17th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I agree with reaperhybrid on this one. So close to release, it’s not like they really had spent so much more time after the release to develop it. It surely wasn’t done all in the time that it took from release to now. I’m sure they could’ve crammed it in if they really wanted to. Oh well, I don’t ahve RE5, just thought I’d give my thoughts. It really makes me mad whenever developers try to nickel and dime the consumers.
March 19th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
First of all Deac… There is no reason to believe what Crapcom says. Of course they will say whatever sounds good to get themselves out of the fire. Also, just about every game comes out with SP, & Multiplayer these days… So just because this is the first Resident Evil that is getting this multiplayer mode, Crapcom thinks charging for it is justified?
You need to know that what Crapcom is doing is sending us a message (Horse Armor)… If it works out for them by making extra cash, things like this will keep happening in this gaming industry, & developers will keep holding back content on purpose to make more money off of us with NO justification. It will also segregate the HAVES, & the HAVE NOTS.
That’s why we all should HATE this Deac.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:20 am
[...] is ready to bring something new to Resident Evil 5 tomorrow. Despite the battle with their fans over the price, Versus Mode is upon [...]
May 5th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
as far as versus mode goes i aint paying for resident evil 5 ,the internet,and xbox live just to pay for a mini game thats already on me freaking disk already.