The lights are on
Late last week it was discovered that BioShock’s multiplayer DLC, Sinclair Solutions Test Pack, may have had a remarkably quick download time because it was already on the disc. The 2K community sounded off, taking to the developer’s forums demanding explanation. Today, 2K explained their decision."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 directly to fans’ repulsion of paying to unlock content already on the disc, 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."If you've already seen the BioShock 2 multiplayer user base, then you know it can't afford to be split. Whether this explanation is enough to calm the rabid 2K community remains to be seen, but it’s always good when a company explains their controversial actions. I believe the real truth will reveal itself when the inevitable single-player DLC hits, which will likely be genuinely downloadable according to Tobey’s logic.Do you think that 2K’s rationale for not “splitting the player base” is acceptable?Source: 2K Forums
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MONEY GRAB, Pure and Simple. Way to go 2K!
That's no excuse. Other games had DLC that was not on-disc without splitting the player base.
That excuse doesn't even make sense? so your saying because you don't know how to program a game properly its okay for you to put post game dlc on the disc before you launch it? your logic is totally fail
I just thought that his response was a little vain and selfish. "I hope you get it and enjoy it. If it's not your speed, enjoy BioShock 2 as we released it." People enjoy the game because it's fun. But if the content is already there than why should people stay pay to get it?
I predict that the DLC will do reasonably well, through people that don't know its a key or don't care, but it won't do as phenomenally as it could have been because much of the player base will abstain in protest.
No excuse, other games allow you to play multiplayer without DLC content you just cant play certain playlists and such. They are charging 65 bucks for the game on the disc plain and simple and they thought the community would be too stupid to realize it.
The rationale doesn't make sense - how would the player base been split had the content been available to all users from the get-go?
If its on the disc isnt it technically not DownLoadable Content?
Most definitely will not be getting this, and I encourage everyone on the planet to do the same. Whether you love the game or just like it, there is no reason to have "DLC" ready on launch day, take that "DLC" home with you and then have to pay more beyond an already-excessive $65 bucks for a single videogame in order to play it. It's absurd, it's dishonest, it's one of the cheapest acts I've witnessed perpetrated on the consumer in this recently en-vogue "the gaming industry is ripe for exploitation and popularity" world.
I enjoyed Bioshock 2 very much but will NEVER pay money to unlock content that is already on the disc I own! It's disgusting!
Its FINE. They need to make money. Its not a NEEDED DLC. Its a weak DLC and its CHEAP.
PS: Most "DLC" is already MADE on every game. They just hold it back and then make u download it. Its the same as being "On the disk" except its on Ther original copy lol
The game was bad all the way around.
So instead of providing an update to everyone wishing to play multiplayer, they want those who wish to have the "dlc" pay for the content on the disc that is taking up room that could have been used for other good? I find the logic instituted for this decision flimsy and 2K should rethink their delivery methods in the future.
I agree. If the content is locked on the full already on disc; please in God's name, don't ripoff royal consumers with paid content already on disc. For me, I thought it shows just what the company wants: money.
In my opinion if you can fit it on the disc, then let us have it without any unlock key.
I'm the 3 people that play this game are pissed
I was pretty fired up about this to begin with, but it just doesn't matter. It's obviously a money grab. We know it, they know it, they know we know it. Who cares? They're trying to make money. Some might even call making money their "job." They got caught with their hand in the jar this time, next time they'll do the same thing, except they'll be smart enough to not get caught.