Content updates: Never?

Kurush

I was a big PSO fan. PSU looked pretty appealing until I read something in the Gamespy review that I had overlooked. PC MMORPG players coming to this game will probably expect large content updates every so often. That's the norm for subscription-based MMO's.

The reality for PSU, though, is that the kind of downloadable content updates we expect will never come. Why? Any addons they release will have to be workable with the PS2. So anything that won't fit on a PS2 memory card is out.

What does that leave, really? More missions which recycle the same content? I doubt they're going to have enough room to actually add any new models, textures, or environments.

As far as I know, PS2 players make up the bulk of their customers for this game, so I truly doubt they're going to leave them out in the cold to benefit the other platforms which have HDD's. Is there some additional option I'm missing in regards to them expanding the game? Or is the sad reality that PSU users will only see the kind of updates I've mentioned above?

Gameloading

I think it will be the sad reality that you mentioned. PSO didn't have any major updates either.

nynniva

Look at FFXI - which is also available on the PS2 platform. There's a lot of discussion about this issue on the PSU forums actually, about unlockable content and downloadable content. Like FFXI, once all the content on the disc is unlocked, an expansion will be released. Why does it matter if the 'data' is coming from off a CD or being downloaded? Whats finished is finished.

You guys really don't think that all the 'new' content that gets put into MMOs is being created on a month to month basis, right? Of course a lot of it is already finished ...just in the case with this. There have been, and will be, content updates - its not something I'm terribly worried about. I definitely find this game to be worth playing ;P

Zorvan

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Originally posted by Kurush
I was a big PSO fan. PSU looked pretty appealing until I read something in the Gamespy review that I had overlooked. PC MMORPG players coming to this game will probably expect large content updates every so often. That's the norm for subscription-based MMO's.The reality for PSU, though, is that the kind of downloadable content updates we expect will never come. Why? Any addons they release will have to be workable with the PS2. So anything that won't fit on a PS2 memory card is out.What does that leave, really? More missions which recycle the same content? I doubt they're going to have enough room to actually add any new models, textures, or environments.As far as I know, PS2 players make up the bulk of their customers for this game, so I truly doubt they're going to leave them out in the cold to benefit the other platforms which have HDD's. Is there some additional option I'm missing in regards to them expanding the game? Or is the sad reality that PSU users will only see the kind of updates I've mentioned above?

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First, PS2 has a HDD. You buy them seperate or with FFXI. Second, they will do it the same way SOE did with Everquest Online Adventures and the expansion EOA: Frontiers. They just sell you another disk which contains the original game plus the new content.

Gameloading

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Originally posted by nynniva

Look at FFXI - which is also available on the PS2 platform. There's a lot of discussion about this issue on the PSU forums actually, about unlockable content and downloadable content. Like FFXI, once all the content on the disc is unlocked, an expansion will be released. Why does it matter if the 'data' is coming from off a CD or being downloaded? Whats finished is finished.
You guys really don't think that all the 'new' content that gets put into MMOs is being created on a month to month basis, right? Of course a lot of it is already finished ...just in the case with this. There have been, and will be, content updates - its not something I'm terribly worried about. I definitely find this game to be worth playing ;P

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Because I have to, most likely, pay another 30$ for each expansion CD. If I have to pay 30$ for every content upgrade, then why the heck am I paying 10$ a month!?

and FFXI came with a hard drive, which is not the case with PSU.

Valentina

Um...content updates the first one just happend a couple days ago.

JelloB2000

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Originally posted by Valentina
Um...content updates the first one just happend a couple days ago.

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Not really, they just unlocked the zones already (installed) from the disk. The problem comes once they need to add new zones & graphics not already on the install disk.

Kurush

Well, this is the current reality of PSU, for me:

I just went today to look for the game and none of the shops I checked had it. Not Best Buy, CompUSA, Target, or Gamestop. It's not that they sold out. They just decided not to stock it. If the stores in my area decided the first iteration wasn't worth it, I don't think they're going to stock expansions when they come out.

So, really speaking, no expansions for me. I'm thinking the same is true of a lot of people who don't own a PS2.

As far as the PS2 HDD: whatever path they take for non-expansion content updates, I can guarantee you that the PS2 memory card will be the baseline, not the PS2 HDD. The PS2 HDD is a peripheral, not part of the stock hardware. You don't set the base at unbundled peripherals that not all of your customers have.

Finally, a content update is not worth $30. An expansion, to me, either significantly increases your gameplay options by adding new mechanics or adds enough new content that you're effectively getting a new experience. If they want $30 for something akin to PSO Episode II, that'll probably be the end of my subscription, assuming I can even get this game.

SBC3

Most content is allready on the CD...  They made all teh stuff ahead of time and all they do is add teh code to make the stuff work when its ready.

lordabbadon

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Originally posted by Zorvan
Originally posted by Kurush
I was a big PSO fan. PSU looked pretty appealing until I read something in the Gamespy review that I had overlooked. PC MMORPG players coming to this game will probably expect large content updates every so often. That's the norm for subscription-based MMO's.The reality for PSU, though, is that the kind of downloadable content updates we expect will never come. Why? Any addons they release will have to be workable with the PS2. So anything that won't fit on a PS2 memory card is out.What does that leave, really? More missions which recycle the same content? I doubt they're going to have enough room to actually add any new models, textures, or environments.As far as I know, PS2 players make up the bulk of their customers for this game, so I truly doubt they're going to leave them out in the cold to benefit the other platforms which have HDD's. Is there some additional option I'm missing in regards to them expanding the game? Or is the sad reality that PSU users will only see the kind of updates I've mentioned above?

First, PS2 has a HDD. You buy them seperate or with FFXI. Second, they will do it the same way SOE did with Everquest Online Adventures and the expansion EOA: Frontiers. They just sell you another disk which contains the original game plus the new content.

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then buy the frikking hdd to play PSU.
ey look at wow, 450mg patch. so buy a low grade hdd to psu. damn waste to buy the game, then the hdd, then the monthly fee for what? a shitty game that is repetative and low graphic standard for todays games. event he combos are boring. wtf if it with ppl that is givin this sucky game high ratings? what drugs are ya one, give me some!!

grimboj

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Originally posted by SBC3
Most content is allready on the CD...  They made all teh stuff ahead of time and all they do is add teh code to make the stuff work when its ready.

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I dont think you quite understand the notion of new content. Content which is already on the CD is not new content, time-locking content is a shitty ass strategy to make sure they make money from fees. Once the CD is maxed and downloadable content or an expansion is released then THATS new content.

PwNeDinCiNcY

Nice, I hope it's all ready fairly soon!  I'm ready for some new content asap!