Would Paid DLC Fragment An Already Fragile Community?

(gooey79) #1

So by now, we know that the first round of DLC is coming - and it’s free. Although, in my view there are still important issues with the game that need to be fixed; it’s a welcome addition. I can already see how the new stuff will add layers to the meta game. With new maps too, it’s all looking very positive.

That said, it’s entirely possible there will be paid DLC somewhere on the horizon.

As we already know, the community has shrunk significantly over the last few weeks - PC from around approximately 20,000+ to 5,000 (per day), for example - and shows no real signs of re-growing at this point.

With that in mind. If Brink were to release additional DLC as a paid option, do you think it would hurt the game more than help it? Does the community need to be held by SD/Beth as tightly together as it can, or should it be allowed to fragment into smaller pockets for the sake of a few extra pounds/dollars/yen/euro/rupees*?

Thoughts/opinions?

*add/delete as appropriate

(Saint Stunna) #2

It would destroy BRINK if there were maps in it. If it’s just some other crap, it would have null effect.

(GlobalWar) #3

It fragments but doesn’t destroy.

(MisterGee) #4

fragmenting kinda does destroy…

I think they should stick to the golden rule for multiplayer DLC:

COSMETIC STUFF ONLY

New skins/outfits are fine, as are weapon skins and different looking weapons (as long as the stats are the same as existing weapons)

(Schwarzeis) #5

DLCs like this should be free and only free - since these gives you new abilities, weapons and levels, things that would make the game unbalanced if some did not have it while others did have it

And if they now release a metric ****-ton of paid DLC, I think it would make a big dent in the skull that is BRINK :confused:

(Protector) #6

I just paid for the psycho pack on ebay, so personally nothing would change for me if I had to pay for DLC.

Also just because SD are releasing some DLC doesn’t mean they arent working on patches to fix the problems.

(riptide) #7

[QUOTE=Protector;326610]I just paid for the psycho pack on ebay, so personally nothing would change for me if I had to pay for DLC.

Also just because SD are releasing some DLC doesn’t mean they arent working on patches to fix the problems.[/QUOTE]

Yes it would because you would have less people to play with in said content and if you were into competition it would push them away faster than pub players.

I’m fine with paid DLC that is cosmetic other than that it will destroy the small community that is Brink.

(jazevec) #8

The only way I would actually pay for DLC if it worked like this:

The developers name their price. Everyone can pledge to pay, say, $10. Once there are enough pledges, money is collected and the DLC is made available for everyone.

Benefits:

  • cost of DLC is actually proportional to development cost, no more supporting of a dysfunctional system
  • no splintering of community
(iforgotmyname) #9

[QUOTE=MisterGee;326590]I think they should stick to the golden rule for multiplayer DLC:

COSMETIC STUFF ONLY[/QUOTE]

This.

Especially new maps should always be free.
New abilities and a raised lvl cap as non-free DLC would break the game.

(light_sh4v0r) #10

I for one am not paying for DLC as long as the game doesn’t run properly.

(DJswirlyAlien) #11

Simple answer, Yes it would.

I played MAG on the PS3 which had paid DLCs for new maps and game types. Basically only a third of the community bought the DLCs if even that many which lead to the people who bought it not being able to play it and the freeloaders demanding it being made free. Basically they came out with a bunch of excuses like I’m not buying DLCs while the game is broke. And if you take that attitude then the developers won’t have the money to fix the game.

In the end all genius strategies to make paid for DLCs fail because the vast majority of gamers are tight arse whiners.

(Seiniyta) #12

I have the idea SD made a ****load of content already for Brink and releases them on a monthly/2- month basis. I assume the first couple will be free but then they’ll ask a small sum. It has no use for SD to release paid dlc which a portion will purchase, and the dlc afterwards will have even fewer people purchasing it, it doesn’t generate alot of revenue wiht the playerbase of brink

(Saint Stunna) #13

Like i said in the very first reply, if it includes maps then yes, if it includes anything else, then it wont matter.

/thread

(Protector) #14

[QUOTE=riptide;326617]Yes it would because you would have less people to play with in said content and if you were into competition it would push them away faster than pub players.
[/QUOTE]

Like I said it won’t change for me because I will be able to play with both those who have the DLC and those who don’t…

(BlueRed) #15

Why dlc?

I have paid a full price for a game witch has 8 maps, and was full of bugs at the release…
Thx not again… Splashdamage, i will not pay for a DLC.

This was my last game from SD… after ETQW wich was a great game… but SD ****ed it up… with a silly hitbox system, instabile server, and after all Activision closed the communitys webpage…

Brink is my opinion a bad, half finished game…and i am very disapointed. I mean what the f**** has taken so long to develop a game with 8 maps?

And why the heck did brink need more bandwith to play than etqw

(wolfnemesis75) #16

Why you worried about paid content when the first DLC is free?

(iFork) #17

new maps should be free and some high quality user made maps should be made official, kinda like tf2

(gooey79) #18

It’s really just speculation at this point, but I’d be willing to place a bet that paid DLC will arrive for Brink. Hence my question:

Would it do more harm than good?

Worth noting Splash Damage said the first DLC being free was a ‘thank you’ to the community for it’s support. Further suggesting the prospect of paid content.

(wolfnemesis75) #19

[QUOTE=*goo;326773]It’s really just speculation at this point, but I’d be willing to place a bet that paid DLC will arrive for Brink. Hence my question:

Would it do more harm than good?

Worth noting Splash Damage said the first DLC being free was a ‘thank you’ to the community for it’s support. Further suggesting the prospect of paid content.[/QUOTE]

So, you are ignoring the fact that the first DLC is FREE? Are you kidding me? You are worried about paid DLC fragmenting an already fragile community, when the first round is FREE? Did you see the stat site going up next week and the content being released in June?

Let’s flip around your entire thread and put a positive spin on this: How much good will F-R-E-E DLC (When is the last time you got FREE DLC? Gears of War 1 Discovery Maps?) do for the community?

Dang, it sounds like you are crying over sour grapes when somebody is offering you free wine and grapes to boot!:eek:

(wolfnemesis75) #20

Maximum Fail Thread. Facepalm Thread.