360 Marketplace a Scam


Recommended Posts

For those of you who have bought add-ons for games, have you noticed their download sizes? I'll bet that most "add ons" (except extra levels on COD2, Halo 2 etc.) are around 108kb. After reading the following thread, it started making sense. How can you have an entire dungeon in Oblivion be just 100kb?

Here's what game developers and Microsoft dont tell you - you arent actually buying the content, you are buying a "key" which will unlock content ALREADY on the disc. Sounds like a form of blackmail to anyone else? You paid the $50-60 for the game, yet you have to pay even more for things which should be free - they were put on the disc aready and you own the disc, right?

Either Dont put it on the disc or make it free.

And the case against microtransactions mounts. Industrious NeoGAF poster "a master Ninja" has done a little digging and uncovered just how big some of the "downloads" are over the XBL marketplace for useless **** like Viva Pi?ata accessory packs. I say "downloads" because, well, you're not really downloading much at all. From the size of these files, it's clear you're just downloading a key that unlocks content already present on the disc. Content that you've already paid for by paying for the disc.

Alaskan Adventures

Alaskan Bonus Pack 1 (100 points)

108.00 KB

Cabela's Safari

Safari Bonus Animal (150 points)

108.00 KB

Chromehounds

Total price of all downloadable parts keys (1800 points)

The keys are 108.00 KB each

College Hoops 2K7

2K ReelMaker for College Hoops 2K7 (400 points)

108.00 KB

LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy

LEGO Star Wars Characters (200 points)

108.00 KB

Rapala TOurnament Fishing!

California Delta Bonus Level (150 points)

108.00 KB

Samurai Warriors 2

Total price to buy horses and hire people not otherwise available (580 points)

The keys are 108.00 KB each

The Godfather

Favor Pack - 3 Favor Missions (250 points)

108.00 KB

Viva Pinata

Accessory Pack 1 (80 points)

Accessory Pack 2 (80 points)

Accessory Pack 3 (80 points)

Accessory Pack 4 (80 points)

The keys are 108.00 KB each

TOTAL COST for content on the disc that is ONLY accessible by PAYING MORE MONEY

3950 MS points ($49.38)

Downloadable keys that COST MONEY to unlock content you could unlock by ACTUALLY PLAYING THE GAME

Need for Speed: Carbon

Total price for all the available content keys (7320 points)

The keys are 108.00 KB each

The Godfather

The Don Collection (800 points)

or if you buy each thing separately 1265 points

The keys are 108.00 KB each

TOTAL COST for content on the disc that you could actually play to get

8120 MS points ($101.50)

FREE Downloadable Keys that unlock content ON THE DISC

Ridge Racer 6

36 different cars

The keys are 108.00 KB each

Chromehounds

Color Pattern02, Assist parts01, Heavy arms01, Light arms02

The keys are 108.00 KB each

Dead Rising

9 different outfits

The keys are 108.00 KB each

Source 1: http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/marketplace/s...disc-223420.php

Source 2: http://forums.xbox.com/1/9025328/ShowPost.aspx#9025328

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/524142-360-marketplace-a-scam/
Share on other sites

So? It's already on the disc whoopdie-doo. You bought the game you did not create it and you don't own its very existence therefor its not up to you to decide how the game is played.

Whats the difference btw downloading the content or unlocking it. You still get to play it.

I saw this a few days ago. Part of me agrees but the other part of me believes that if people want the content without getting it the 'natural' way (i.e. Carbon, Godfather) then you should pay for it.

But one thing that chaps my ass is the NBA 2K7 ReelMaker. 400 points for something I already knew was on disc (when it was first available, I saw the size but thought nothing of it). So, I can see how people who have Viva Pinata and other games would be angry.

I saw this a few days ago. Part of me agrees but the other part of me believes that if people want the content without getting it the 'natural' way (i.e. Carbon, Godfather) then you should pay for it.

But one thing that chaps my ass is the NBA 2K7 ReelMaker. 400 points for something I already knew was on disc (when it was first available, I saw the size but thought nothing of it). So, I can see how people who have Viva Pinata and other games would be angry.

Its things like oblivion which make me mad - I paied $60 for the game - I shouldnt need to pay another $15 to get all these "extras" which are already on the there.

I kind of agree.

I agree with the concept of adding new content (actually downloading a dungeon or downloading a newly created accessory pack, but I DO NOT agree with making me pay for keys to unlock contents. If you created new content after the game was released, by all means I have no worries paying for it (to support the developer), but making me pay for keys to unlock the entire game (adding 40$ to an already 60$ game) is stealing and preying off the customers loyalty.

It's their content (fair enough), but dont **** with us either

Fact is, you buy the game, you get a complete game. You aren't being deceived, you are getting more content and paying for it and it doesn't take forever to download! In the end the games companies can do wtf they like as it's all probably in the EULA, so just don't buy the games or an XBOX 360 if that is the problem.

Fact is, you buy the game, you get a complete game. You aren't being deceived, you are getting more content and paying for it and it doesn't take forever to download! In the end the games companies can do wtf they like as it's all probably in the EULA, so just don't buy the games or an XBOX 360 if that is the problem.

Exactly. You paid for what you expected, and then when you find out that there's more content available, you pay for it, since it is a seperate product although on the same disc. I'm fine with it personally... Takes less hard drive space on my 360 and downloads instantly.

Fact is, you buy the game, you get a complete game. You aren't being deceived, you are getting more content and paying for it and it doesn't take forever to download! In the end the games companies can do wtf they like as it's all probably in the EULA, so just don't buy the games or an XBOX 360 if that is the problem.

If it was new content - great! But if it was just content that already was created and they are going to charge me more for it - I dont think that is fair. I'm not getting the complete game then - at least the complete game on the disc I bought. We already pay $50 a year for XBL - I mean I would happily pay $70 a year if every add-on were free (like XBL Platinum)

Also content should go down in price after its been out for xxx months. Who is going to spend $10 for the extra maps for Perfect Dark Zero when the game is $16ish (used at gamestop) or for Madden 2006 I got for $6 at Gamestop last weekend - I'm not gonan buy the extra uniforms and all that would cost more then I paid for the game

So most of the stuff is already on the disc and can be unlocked by either buying it or playing through the game normally and unlocking stuff as you go along, right?

I think it's good they do that actually. Once more people here about this, it'll get more people to actually play the game and unlock it themselves for a change instead of buying it. Unless a new gameshark or action replay thing comes out and has the ability to unlock all that content.

I always preferred playing through the game normally and unlocking it all on my own. If there's one or two things I can't get, doesn't bother me any. I'll just let someone else try it or try another time myself.

So most of the stuff is already on the disc and can be unlocked by either buying it or playing through the game normally and unlocking stuff as you go along, right?

I think it's good they do that actually. Once more people here about this, it'll get more people to actually play the game and unlock it themselves for a change instead of buying it. Unless a new gameshark or action replay thing comes out and has the ability to unlock all that content.

I always preferred playing through the game normally and unlocking it all on my own. If there's one or two things I can't get, doesn't bother me any. I'll just let someone else try it or try another time myself.

That is only on some of EA's games. On all of the other games, the content is already on the disc, but there is no way to access it at all, unless you pay to "download" the addition.

I'm pretty sure most of the Oblivion updates are in fact downloaded, and not on the disc. So you shouldn't be using that example.

That said, I completely disagree with you.

On one hand, I think that companies like EA that charge for things that are free on other consoles (like the original Xbox) in the same game are being bastards. And I think that no one should be selling "incomplete" games. If they do, I won't buy them. If you don't like it, then don't buy it. It's as simple as that.

However, do NOT translate EA's actions to Microsoft, the rest of Live Marketplace, or to other third-party developers or publishers.

Things like the Viva Pinata accessories, bonus skins/characters, etc - I feel are all fair game. If they want to make certain bonuses cost extra then they should go for it. If people buy it, they'll keep doing it. If people don't, they'll stop. Simple as that.

Do you also think it's wrong that the trail version of Live Arcade games is in fact the whole game? But that buying the "full version" just downloads an unlock key that enables full functionality? I don't. In fact, I'm happy it works that way since it means I don't have to download the game twice (like on the PS3).

If it was new content - great! But if it was just content that already was created and they are going to charge me more for it - I dont think that is fair. I'm not getting the complete game then - at least the complete game on the disc I bought.

So dont buy it then, it didnt bother you while you played and completed oblivion. If you dont want to pay then you dont get the extras no one is forcing you to pay.

Im pretty sure games with downloadable EXTRAS are complete start to finish games, you are paying for additional content.

I hate microtransactions . . but I'm for digital distributions . . for example fairsized expansions, homebrew, full games, etc are great.

But I'm not for micro-selling of content that should be free, especially if its just a small alteration or unlocking of code already on the game. . . extra car colors, teams, characters, weapons . . basically cheats.

There is a difference.

Bonus content such as this should be free (some developers are always giving away free content after they release their games, for instance Epic).

This is just capitalism at its finest. Microtransactions are publishers way of hauling more money from you, like the "booster packs" from EA and paying for **** which is already in-game.

IMO everything that was created during the development process for a game should be free. Maybe it is unlockeable, that is cool, but you shouldn't pay for it.

Expansion packs and other content which was created after the development process, yes, that I can pay for if I want it.

well, if you get angry at this you need to get angry at human nature and the world we made for ourselves in general...greed comes before all, i'm afraid. whether this is an underhanded tactic is up to each gamer to decide. the fact is that most people will take you for a ride if given the chance.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Last week I was investigating an issue with contacts and tried using the new Outlook. In the real (Classic) Outlook, you can easily go to any Outlook folder and present it in a Table View, then customize the columns to show/sort any field, which was exactly what I needed. But of course, the new Outlook doesn't have this feature at all. I gave up. Oh, and can we possibly stop claiming the new Outlook has PST support? What it really has is the ability to use the real Outlook in the background to pretend to have PST support. There is no PST support without the real Outlook installed.
    • Honestly just before Panos left it started to feel like MS just wasnt interested in them so they were being less innovative with them, and then when he DID leave for Amazon its kind of clear the direction is gone. It felt like Panos had both goals and drive, and a vision, but it felt like no matter what his title/department was the Surface devices never had the full interest of the rest of management and he was just pushing a bolder up a hill that MS was adding dirt to as he went.
    • A roguelike and a 4X strategy game are free to claim on the Epic Games Store by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe The final leg of the Epic Games Store's mystery giveaways promotion just landed, and it brought along two more games to keep. Last week's Lonestar and Calico giveaways have now been replaced with copies of Rogue Waters and Songs of Conquest to claim for PC gamers. As always, the game is yours to add permanently to your Epic Games Store library within the next seven days. Diving into the games, Songs of Conquest is developed by Lavapotion. This is a turn-based 4X strategy experience that has players making tough decisions and participating in tactical combat while also managing their kingdom. "Songs of Conquest is a turn-based strategy game inspired by 90s classics. Lead powerful magicians called Wielders and venture to lands unknown," explains the developer. "Wage battles against armies that dare oppose you, hunt for powerful artifacts and expand your territory. The world is ripe for the taking – seize it." Meanwhile, Rogue Waters comes from developer Ice Code Games. This rogue-lite experience has you taking the role of Captain Cutter as he commands his ship and crew through procedurally generated encounters. You'll be recruiting and training crew, use sea creatures, and battle with other ships and pirates. "Set sail as Captain Cutter, a pirate caught in a deadly struggle for power and vengeance," adds the developer. "Navigate dangerous waters, unleash mythical sea creatures, and outwit enemies as you chase legendary treasure and confront dark secrets." The newly available Rogue Waters and Songs of Conquest giveaways on the Epic Games Store are set to run until June 11, giving PC gamers seven days to claim the latest offer. Once this closes out, a new freebie will take its place on the same day, which is slated to be Warhammer 40K Speed Freeks. Don't forget that mobile gamers can check out the Epic Game Store's weekly giveaways on Android and iOS to grab a freebie there as well.
    • Still using Classic Outlook? Microsoft highlights 15 reasons to switch to New Outlook by Usama Jawad As many of you may know, Microsoft has been trying to get customers to ditch Classic Outlook in favor of New Outlook for quite some time now. To that end, it has added numerous capabilities to the latter, including PST features, and it is working on several more, such as a unified inbox. However, customer response has been a bit lukewarm so far, with many considering the New Outlook to be "hot garbage". Now, Microsoft has highlighted 15 features that users can leverage in New Outlook in yet another attempt to get customers to migrate. Although not all of the 15 capabilities are exclusive to New Outlook, in fact, most of them are available in Classic Outlook as well. But Microsoft hopes that this combination of familiar and fresh features will be able to attract existing users as well as new ones. For ease of readability, we have summarized the 15 features below: Pin an email: This makes it easier to track important emails Snooze an email: You can temporarily snooze an email thread for a specific time frame until it becomes relevant again. This can be very useful in scenarios where you don't feel like actively following a thread or simply want to follow up on a later date Add multiple categories at the same time: You can assign multiple categories to an email through a single, simplified interface Sweep: As the name implies, you can define automated move processes on your inbox to declutter it, rather than cleaning it up manually Schedule send: Does exactly what it says on the tin, and can be useful when accommodating recipients in different timezones Simplified folder sharing: The sharing process has been simplified so permissions are automatically applied on parent folders Follow a meeting: This is an RSVP option that lets people know that you won't be able to join the meeting but would still like to access a recap Save calendar views: You can save different views for the calendar based on different workflows Improved meeting tracking: Organizers have more controls in viewing meeting responses, such as the ability to sort and download them. Typically useful when there is a large audience Meeting recap: The Outlook Calendar surfaces a meeting recap with recordings, transcripts, and shared files Filtered views: Allows you to declutter your Calendar so that it's easier to scan and schedule Change a recurring event: Users can modify future events of a series of meetings while preserving the configuration of previous ones Rename your email account: This labeling makes it easier to identify multiple accounts in Outlook Modern themes: Exactly what the name says, plus Dark Mode Keyboard shortcuts: This facilitates flexible user behavior as customers can choose between Outlook for Windows shortcuts, Outlook for the web, or turn them off completely There you have it. It's a decent list, but it remains to be seen if it will move the needle in a meaningful way for users who are attached to Classic Outlook. Again, a lot of the aforementioned features are already available in Outlook Classic, but for some, native functionality is not present, and people typically resort to workarounds. Microsoft will be hoping that it's primarily those capabilities that get people to finally switch.
    • Please I need help I been trying to find this secure boot on my ColorFul motherboard in the bios But i cant i turned off CSM everything watch every video i cant find it. BATTLE-AX B660M-HD DELUXE V20
  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      mobandz earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • Apprentice
      fernan99 went up a rank
      Apprentice
    • One Month Later
      nothanks earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      B2Proxy earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Year In
      MadMung0 earned a badge
      One Year In
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      478
    2. 2
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      247
    3. 3
      Skyfrog
      79
    4. 4
      FloatingFatMan
      76
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      60
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!