The update is probably for the X360, not for the game. Next, it's "usual" to offer DLC right after a brand new game release, the same has occured with MegaMan9. Yup, it could be packaged with the game without an extra kick in the price of it though... :(

Personally, I agree with Sven about the standalone value of RE5 (I've beaten it) and I think that DLC is a great opportunity to expand the life and functionality of a product that you've purchased.  My only reservation is that if the content is already available on the disc, such as the SF4 costumes (which I'll purchase anyway because I'm an obsessive fan), then not having it available upon release is sort of skeezy... especially if it was already prepared before release.

That said, is the new DLC for RE5 content that's simply "unlocked" via a 108kb patch?  Or is it a substantial download?  If it's a substantial download, I have no qualms about the approach that RE5 took with DLC.  If it's just an unlock key, I'd be a little upset.

Sorry, but how do you know this when the content isn't even released yet?

Capcom hasn't ever released substantial DLC game expanding content outside of an expansion pack for Lost Planet and maps.  And those were actual downloads, not unlocked.  Like I said before, the costumes are unlocked for SF4, but we don't know anything yet about the new mode.

Mar 13, 2009 -- 10:30AM, Sven wrote:

This is the part where I get to say "BS". RE5 is well worth every penny of $60. A huge game, with tons of replay value, loads of unlockables, new weapons, co-op, mercenaries mode, etc. If any game warrants its price point, it's RE5.

Prior to the announcement of the Versus mode, no one complained they weren't getting their money's worth with the initial release because it packs TONS of value because it is an amazing game. So if people were already satisfied with what the package had, when we offer MORE, why is it people feel they've been somehow cheated? If you don't find value in our secondary offerings, the choice is simple, don't purchase it. If you do find it valueable (and we hope you do) please do but it and enjoy it.

Secondly, whenever we do PDLC, that content exists with its own budgets, it's own profit and loss analaysis with its own forecasts. If it didn't, that extra content wouldn't have been put into production, because it did not fit within the production budget of the base product.

The content that is shipping in the full game exists within its own budget. The content shipping afterward (regardless of how close to release it is... because the goal IS to have it release relatively closely to the base product's release) exists within its own budget. To try and have it release in a timeframe that is relatively close to the initial release, development starts well before the base product is on the shelves. There's no other way to keep it within 3 to 6 weeks of the initial release (which is the goal).

 

That's a pretty good answer Sven, but my point still stands, Versus modes and the like are basic modes included in nearly all games on release, I can't think of any game as I type this that held back a basic mode and then sold it on afterwards.

You are right when you say Resident Evil 5 is value for money, it's a class game and I'm not arguing that point, but there has been a worrying trend developing since the advent of downloadable content that Capcom is now adding to. You are also right when you say we have a choice and we don't have to buy the "extra content", it's easy to unload these answers onto the fans but that's not going to stop some (not all) fans feeling left short. You only have to look around at some of the forums that have already sprung up on the subject of the Resident Evil 5 DLC, the majority of people are asking, "Will it be free?".

Maybe developers should take a leaf out of Valves book. They are releasing new modes and levels for their game Left 4 Dead in the near future. The price? Free. This is the part where I get to say BS.

I agree. If theres an online component to a game. It should be packaged with it or offered as free DLC. Some of us already spent $90 on a collectors edition. Online should be free. Its really just a shame that we're getting nickled and dimed. Yell 'BS' all you want, I'll yell it back