EA’s reputation among the gaming community is fairly atrocious due to launch day DLC, microtransactions, and killing off revered series such as Sim City. As a result, it’s expected to see these features implemented in any modern EA title. Rather surprisingly, the FAQ page for the upcoming Need for Speed game directly addresses people’s concerns and states:
“We plan to release a series of free content updates for Need for Speed. We currently have no plans for any paid DLC.”
“There will be no micro transactions.”
Could this really be the beginning of a new consumer-friendly strategy from EA? It’s far too early to tell, but I’m pleased to see this level of transparency from a leading AAA publisher. However, it’s important to remember that the latest Need for Speed game requires an internet connection. The concept behind this is to merge the single player and online portion into one experience. I’d personally like EA to consider an offline mode, so the game isn’t rendered useless when the servers are switched off in the future.
Putting these issues aside, I have to applaud EA as the retail release should be updated on a regular basis without the need for an expensive Season Pass. Of course, EA’s plans could change in the future, but this announcement makes Need for Speed a much more attractive proposition. Unfortunately, PC gamers will have to wait until Spring 2016 which is a significant delay compared to the console versions; perhaps this is to properly optimize the netcode or overall performance.
Do you think this is the start of a new EA?
In the words of James Norrington: “One good deed is not enough to redeem a [games publisher] of a lifetime of wickedness.”
The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, we’ll see if this is a genuine change or a one-off to appease people in due course
In the words of James Norrington: “One good deed is not enough to redeem a [games publisher] of a lifetime of wickedness.”
The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, we’ll see if this is a genuine change or a one-off to appease people in due course
Despite my name I am a fairly optimistic person. I hope that EA is finally starting to turn over a new leaf and realise that they might get better press and better sales if they don’t try so hard to rake in as much cash as is humanly possible from every single title they produce.
Despite my name I am a fairly optimistic person. I hope that EA is finally starting to turn over a new leaf and realise that they might get better press and better sales if they don’t try so hard to rake in as much cash as is humanly possible from every single title they produce.