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THQ's New MX Pricing Plan To Start A Revolution?
Gamers have often wondered why regular titles like sports games don't offer a unique pricing model so they don't have to spend $60 every year on what may or may not be a worthwhile experience. Now, THQ may be offering a new way to make those yearly purchases worth it. At an investor's conference, THQ's CFO Paul Pucino said that the next installment in the MX vs. ATV series (coming in spring 2011) will sell for less than the normal $60 price point.
Pucino said that the company will sell the next MX vs. ATV game for something like $49.99 or $39.99, and from there gamers can pay for DLC that will augment the basic game to their liking.
Pucino didn't describe what the retail, core game would be like, nor what kind of content would be in the DLC, but said that if this model was successful that it was something that could spread out to other THQ titles.
Although this pricing model is exciting, it'll be interesting to see how stripped down the core game is and whether or not gamers will feel nickled-and-dimed to get the experience they want. It'll also be interesting if this allows the usually time-crunched development teams more room to explore new and interesting ideas with their franchise. Theoretically this model could mean that any gameplay feature could be offered as post-release add-on DLC since teams wouldn't have to leave features on the cutting room floor in order to meet the strict release deadline.
What do you think of this pricing model? Will it work? Could it break the yearly grind of some franchises? What kinds of add-ons would you like to buy for MX vs. ATV or any game for that matter?
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