There seems to be a fair amount of resistance to the idea of games that offer more than the typical PSN/XBLA/VC game but less than a full-priced retail game. It’s virtually impossible to participate in an online discussion related to Gran Turismo 5 Prologue without people complaining about it being nothing more than “an overpriced demo.”
Really? Really? Where do all these people live, Japan? I only ask because Japan got considerably less content in their release of GT5P than the everyone else will, but as a whole, they seem perfectly content with what they got judging from sales and reception. If you live elsewhere, you’re getting considerably more for your money.
Let’s take a closer look at what you get in this so-called “demo” shall we?
From the GT5P press release, we’ll get: over 60 licensed cars, six tracks, drift mode, car tuning, two-player split screen, both offline and online race events, 16-player online racing, and Gran Turismo TV (where you can download car related shows such as Top Gear). The game (not demo) will be priced at $39.99.
Sony brought out Warhawk at $40 as well with both a downloadable and Blu-ray based version. They’ve also talked about similar plans for Wipeout HD and SOCOM: Confrontation, but nobody has mentioning the word “demo” with respect to those games. I guess I just have a hard time understanding why people aren’t recognizing the trend here.
When the Xbox 360 game out, disc-based games just “became” $60. Downloadable games were typically $5 or $10 via Xbox Live. Sony, facing a year later start and an uphill battle this generation compared to Microsoft, has been forced to try new things out. Frankly, I think the $40 price point for mid-sized games is a GREAT initiative because I see the alternative as more than likely simply pawning the games (perhaps with a little bit more content) off as a $60 title. I’m not sure about you, but I can certainly find other uses for an extra $20 here and there given the option.
It seems pretty clear to me that Sony is most definitely in a stage of PSN and strategy development where they’re testing many things out. They have several downloadable titles at various price points from $0.99 through $39.99, etc. If we vote with our wallets, that sends a message to them that we value what they’re selling at that price point.
Similarly, with retail games such as GT5P, if they come out at $39.99 and we’re interested in the game, we need to look at what the offering actually is as opposed to what we think it should be. There’s no denying that there will be a Gran Turismo 5. It will be made and released and it will be $60, but what it won’t be released in 2008. It’s not like Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is being released 3 months before the full GT5; it’s pretty clear to me that GT5 is a 2009 title at the soonest. So, if you judge GT5P for what it costs and what you get, I have a hard time realistically using the word “demo” without feeling blatantly sensationalistic about it.
I bought the $40 Warhawk download, I’ll likely buy both Wipeout HD and SOCOM as $40 downloads. I’m probably not buying GT5P, but simply because I’m not a sim-racer fan, not because I think it’s nothing, but a big demo.
I ask you, the reader, what do you think? Is GT5P simply a demo? If you think it is, what would need to be included/changed so you didn’t feel that way? Do you acknowledge there is a niche to be filled and a target audience for “larger than XBLA/PSN but smaller than full retail” games? Are you interested in Warhawk, Wipeout HD or SOCOM: Confrontation?
On the other hand, do you prefer to purchase physical discs over digital distribution? My lazy ass LOVES simply choosing games from a menu instead of getting up to swap discs, so I’m definitely a supporter of digital distribution. I’m not really one to fret over not being able to resell my games either. I’ve already got some stinkers in my physical disc collection that I haven’t sold back so it hasn’t really proven to be something I’m likely to do anyway. Speak up and be heard!
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I’m not that interested in GT, but in general I look at what I’m getting for the price. I wouldn’t pay $60 for Arcana Heart, but it’s being released next month for $30, and that price makes it a buy for me. There are games that are released at $60, but I’ll wait until I see them for $20-$30. There are also games that are $60 and I buy them day 1 for $60.
I look at any game and ask myself how much would I pay for it, and if the price is too high I wait for a price drop or skip it.
As far as digital distribution, it all depends on the DRM. I have a 360 and I refuse to buy anything on the marketplace because you can only play them online after your 360 red-rings.
I paid good money for those games, and if I have to swap the console with MS, they should be able to transfer the rights to the new one so I don’t have to be online to play it! Lousy M$…
Well, I’m probably getting the MGS4 PS3 bundle, so maybe I’ll buy some stuff online from Sony. AFAIK, they don’t pull this kind of crap.
I totally agree, man. It’s outrageous to spend 60-180 bucks a MONTH on games (Though not on a consistent basis). Hoping that other companies take this idea up. As to GT5P being just an “overpriced demo”………. no. Just……..no. That’s like calling a Les Paul Guitar “An overpriced Guitar Hero Controller”. You’re totally wrong, and obviously have NO IDEA what you’re talking about.
Totally agree, content wise it’s not that far behind MotorStorm, in fact in some regards it has more features, I think people who’re calling it a demo need to take a look at just what they’re getting for their money.
Personally I prefer a boxed copy and will pay a little more for it, but I think that’s just a personal preference thing.
I bought Warhawk on physical media, but I really wish I had gotten it on digital download. You are right… my lazy ass appreciates not having to get up to change discs too. At least it would if I had thought of that sooner.
I’m not sure what I would call GT5P. I would probably wait for the full version anyway.
Usually you don’t pay for demos, so I guess that’s a way to define what a demo is.
I prefer buying physical discs than just downloaded data. There’s just something more re-assuring about it. It’s always there and safe in it’s box.
Anyone who calls GT5P a demo needs to check up on their facts. Prologue is really made for all the fanboys who really can’t wait much longer to get their GT5 fix, so giving us six tracks, 50 odd cars, and 40 episodes of Top Gear (which is by far the best motoring show in the world) for $40/£20 is really something else, especially for a game so pretty. Considering that there are many racing games that will give you 50 vehicles (or less) and then charge you $60/£40 (ripoff Britain for you) fullprice for it, Polyphony really are being quite generous. So I’d cut them some slack.
@Manuva: “full version”? This is a title in and of itself. GT5 will be a complete (and different) game. Yeah, I’m sure it’ll contain at least the same cars and tracks, but I think you’re still selling this short by looking at it that way. You’ll be waiting a LONG time if you take that attitude when you could realistically be playing GT5P for (I’m guessing) over or close to a year before GT5 is out.
@Shadders: I believe the price will be the same for download and physical media (with the benefit of the disc having a “making of” video or something like that, it’s mentioned in the press release.
@Slashlen: The only DRM “issue” (that may not even be an issue to you) is that Warhawk for example, can only be played by the “profile” that purchased it. Meaning my son can’t log onto my PS3 and play Warhawk as himself, he has to log in as me. On the disc version, anyone can play. I _can_ do Gameshare to take my game with me to another PS3, but I can only play online on one PS3 in any 24 hour period (from what I understand). It’s a lot less friendly than Sony’s typical (amazingly friendly) DRM restrictions, but it’s not necessarily a deal breaker either IMO.
And on the subject of digital distribution, I don’t mind it for little games (Blast Factor, Everyday Shooter, Toy Home etc etc) but when it comes to moderately-sized games such as Warhawk and GT5P, it’s nice to have disc-based media purely in the interests of resale.
You can’t exactly trade in a digital version of GT5 Prologue, can you? If someone bought it on disc and found it wasn’t their thing, they could get a refund or if they’re out of the time period they can just get some store credit for it to spend on something else. As for the digital version? In the words of Uncle Sony, “funds are not refundable.”
@Youlikeyams: Yep, you’re right. But as I said, I never seem to sell my games anyway and I value the slothness I’m provided by simply choosing games from a list and having them launch instantly.
@ Rothbart
Oh no wait I didn’t explain why. My main reason I buy GT is the career mode. This is why I didn’t buy GT4P.
I can see both sides. If you know GT5 is coming out and GT5P come out for 2/3 the price, but with less than half the features, I can see people saying it is a demo or a cash in. But as many have pointed out, this game is actually much more robust that many 50$ games that came out last gen. It’s really a problem of perspective. The GT series is one of the gold standards of video gaming, and feels like it has almost an infinite amount of content. Any number less than 100% will feel small compared to what gamers expect from a GT game. Fortunately for us, purchasing this game is not mandatory, and if you don’t feel it’s worth it, save your money and do what you like.
Now if I were in charge of Sony, I might not want to make a GT5P because it may tarnish the GT name. But it would be very hard to resist getting some early return on investment from a team that takes 4 years or so between releases. It is also worth considering that the feedback they get from this lower cost title will help make GT5 that much better.
@ Rothbart
If that’s the only thing, it’s annoying but not a deal breaker. If there’s a disk version, I’ll probably go for the disk to spare the headache.
I’ll not worried about it at the moment. It’s not going to affect my decision to get a PS3, and the bundle won’t be out until June.
id rather like physical disks,
unless its m rated
even though ive seen them sell devil may cry to 9 year olds with their mom who doesnt even know what the hell their buying, they make me bring in my freind rick (whos 18) just to buy call of duty 4
anyway, back to topic
i prefer physical disks in a way
even though i have an elite (TAKE THAT)
so im never short on mermory
im just so lazy that im reverse lazy
if you catch my drift
@Slayer50513: You brag about having an elite and never being “short on mermory” (I assume you meant “memory”). You do realize that the “memory” on all 360s is exactly the same. I think you meant to indicate “hard drive space”. (TAKE THAT)
Apparently you’re lazy in multiple ways…
I think naming it GT5P is a bad idea. It leads the consumer to believe that the game is just a sort of demonstration, and that it is coming out sooner than later. But for what it is worth, GT5P is well worth the money, and offers enough for the price.
“When the Xbox 360 game out, disc-based games just “became†$60.”
Well, just like how the PS3 has sub-$60 games (Warhawk) the 360 does have sub-$60 games as well (Table Tennis).
I definitely prefer having games on a disc. For a start you don;t have to download them, which can take a while on a slow internet connection or with a large file.
Secondly it’s nice to physically own the product and not be relying on a server to remember you’ve bought the game, it’s near impossible it will forget, but by owning the disc there zero chance.
And I love the smell of a freshly opened box.
As faster internet connections come in, downloadable games will be the only method of buying, but until then I prefer a disc.
I just kinda think its silly to have a $40 demo/beta (whatever you want to call it) and then 6 months release an expanded pack or the “full version” for another $20-$60 more. Just seems like your paying for the game twice or its on layaway or something.
You make a good case but, how “different” will the GT5 release be from prologue? This is the determining factor for me. Also, I hadn’t heard about online in the prologue that is a nice bonus. I thought it was going to go live well after the release of GT5P.
@Bono Hit My Car: Get back to me in six months (that’ll be October) and let me know how the “real” Gran Turismo 5 is. When you do, do you mind if I borrow your time machine? I only ask because there’s no chance in hell GT5 will be out that soon. I guess it’s one of those things some naysayers won’t be convinced of until after the fact.
@Eoco: Frankly I think Microsoft’s lousy DRM has done the whole “digital distribution” idea a disservice by being SO restrictive. If you’re playing on a system you didn’t buy the game on, you have to be connected to the net… oh, and by the way, the majority of 360s are going to need replacing so you know what that means… LOL!
Is there ever a post you make where you don’t throw in some lame Xbox bashing? You should join Gamepro’s staff so you can fanboy post together.
On the topic– Digital distribution is the way of the future which MS is leading the way in. If a game is cheaper as a download than physical disc I might purchase it but at the same price? No way. Physical media has value to everyone (friends, trade-in, ebay, etc.) but downloads are only of value to you personally and that’s where you take a loss (especially if the game sucks). As far as GT5P goes…. I’m not interested in appetizer games. Just release the FULL game and don’t try to get my money twice for mostly the exact same product.
@ Sean:
Even if its not out until ‘09, it’s still a waste of money. What could they change that much in 10 months? more tracks? more cars? Here’s my finger… now watch in twirl. Seems like a sucker bet almost. No matter what though Sean I still love you, I just don’t agree with you
Couldn’t they just come out with a free GT5p….Prologue?…j/k.
90% of the xbox live arcade games at $10 are better than the real xbox 360 games.
Come to think of it that is why i spend more on 8/16 bit consoles than i do on xbox 360 junk.
and if they come on Disc then all you get is a bunch of talking and videos nobody wants to hear anyway.