Michael Bluth
07-27-2003, 02:02 PM
Question: Could you elaborate more on the pay features of future online games such as football? What are you looking at in six to nine months?
Mr. Riccitello: The online connected console is a brand new concept. We don't want to start a long-term precedent that's its a free benefit, but we also don't think we should be paid for the simple act of matching two players. So we've been looking at alternatives. Starting with "NBA Live" this year we're going to offer pay to play tournaments with prizes and special benefits for joining. Some EA online games also incorporate downloadable online content and we're looking at paying for new ways to play. Financially, this year it amounts to zero. The issue is learning what players are willing to pay for and adapting it into the business cycle next year - it's a learning exercise.
http://www.polygonmag.com/news/index.php?id=416
How strange. Microsoft organizes contests for their sports games - and Sega's - online and gives away prizes for free. Not only that, but downloadable content is also given away free. Shiesty.
Mr. Riccitello: The online connected console is a brand new concept. We don't want to start a long-term precedent that's its a free benefit, but we also don't think we should be paid for the simple act of matching two players. So we've been looking at alternatives. Starting with "NBA Live" this year we're going to offer pay to play tournaments with prizes and special benefits for joining. Some EA online games also incorporate downloadable online content and we're looking at paying for new ways to play. Financially, this year it amounts to zero. The issue is learning what players are willing to pay for and adapting it into the business cycle next year - it's a learning exercise.
http://www.polygonmag.com/news/index.php?id=416
How strange. Microsoft organizes contests for their sports games - and Sega's - online and gives away prizes for free. Not only that, but downloadable content is also given away free. Shiesty.