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IGN reports that game analyst Michael Pachter has come away from a meeting with EA’s Chief Operating Officer, Nick Earl, with details concerning an interesting/controversial “PDLC” strategy. According to the article, EA will release extended demo content, for about $10-$15, which will serve as a beta and perhaps a prequel to upcoming full retail releases. Those gamers that simply can’t wait for the full title to hit store shelves will be able to slap down some cash, get several hours of early gameplay, and even be able to shape the final packaged product with their feedback. Specifically, Michael Pachter told IGN, “The PDLC would be sold for $10 or $15 through Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, and would essentially be a very long game demo, along the lines of 2009’s Battlefield 1943. A full-blown packaged game would follow shortly after the release of the PDLC, bearing a full retail price. Mr. Earl believes that the release of the PDLC first limits the risk of completing and marketing the full packaged version, and serves as a low-cost marketing tool.” While we admire EA’s creativity in producing new streams of revenue, we’re not sure how well this will be received by the gaming community. Of course, these extended, premium demos supposedly will not affect those who just want to play the full game, but many will essentially feel EA is trying to gouge them for access to preview content they effectively get for free now. If EA uses this tactic in such a way that gamers will be missing out on bona fide game material unless they purchase the pre-launch content, this will blow up in their face. Time will tell; we’ll keep you posted.
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