EA to offer dowloadable games

Dan (the_technocrat) EA will start a new chapter in its product offerings with Battlefield Heroes, a free, downloadable PC game. While details aren't yet widely available, the game will not cost anything to play the "full" version, but improvements to the game will come at a cost. Think: "Free game, pay for the expansion packs" via Mashable

January 22, 2008 2:07 PM ET in News,

EA will start a new chapter in its product offerings with Battlefield Heroes, a free, downloadable PC game. While details aren’t yet widely available, the game will not cost anything to play the “full” version, but improvements to the game will come at a cost. Think: “Free game, pay for the expansion packs”

via Mashable

10 Comments:

  1. CB
    22 Jan '08, 7:12 pm

    So they're going to the old shareware games model that we got used to in the 80's: The first part of the game is free, you only have to pay if you want to play the whole thing.

    This is nothing new, it's a proven model with a new name.

  2. Butters
    22 Jan '08, 7:53 pm

    I don't see it as a shareware model as more of a "pay for enhancements" and better user experience.

    If you want a rocket launcher, that would be $5.00, of your "real" money (not the counter-strike $)

    If you want to pimp your tank, that would be "real" $15.00.

    Nickel and Diming us for the enhancements as the "free" version makes players struggle through the game with basic weapons and equipment.

  3. primesuspect
    22 Jan '08, 8:50 pm

    From what I've seen - the game is completely free - the "full experience" as it were.. however, if you want to skin your character or perform other customizations, that will cost.

  4. Thrax
    22 Jan '08, 9:38 pm

    Microtransactions can die.

  5. CB
    22 Jan '08, 10:12 pm

    Icrontic should start charging a nickel a month for the 'dark' color scheme.

  6. shwaip
    24 Jan '08, 7:36 am
    Quoting CB Droege

    Icrontic should start charging a nickel a month for the 'dark' color scheme.

    and a penny for every use of "quick reply"

  7. Buddy J
    24 Jan '08, 6:12 pm

    I'll bring it up with Keebs and Prime. You guys don't realize the cool things we could do if we had more cash.

  8. the_technocrat
    24 Jan '08, 9:42 pm

    I can imagine a game like TF2 where it would be $2 to upload your own skin of a character. Even something as stupid as uploading your own pic to map to the character's face - plenty of people who would do it. Same for a game like the Sims, etc. I wouldn't. but I'm sure there are many who would...

  9. QCH
    24 Jan '08, 10:05 pm
    Quoting the_technocrat

    ...plenty of people who would do it. Same for a game like the Sims, etc. I wouldn't. but I'm sure there are many who would...

    Yeah right, but you'd upload a picture of Prime or Keebler... You've always had a thing with them.

  10. primesuspect
    24 Jan '08, 10:11 pm

    tt

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