- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
I doubt new weapons will be downloadable, in fact, I sincerely hope they aren't. I think it would unbalance the finely-tuned arsenal.
Multiplayer maps, sure. I suppose if there is a fee of less than $4 I'd be fine, but otherwise I'd probably just stick with the maps that come with the game.
Mechassault had lots of maps and mechs to download, all for free. Even gametypes. There was eventually a whole new gameplay mode that they charged for. If Bungie did THAT, I think that would be reasonable. For example, if they provided new maps and maybe even vehicles for free, then after a few months offered Co-op over live for a $4-5 fee, I would probably go for it.
Another thing, you can't transfer downloadable content to another Xbox unless the developer allows you to. Mechassault (its my best example in many cases) wouldn't let you transfer new maps or mechs to another Xbox, or even a memory card.
I bet that Bungie will take more of a spread-the-love/carnage approach and allow this; but if not, no big deal.
As long as they don't charge for every new map, weapon, or vehicle.
Hopefully MS won't force Bungie into charging for downloads, they already have a cash cow that's produced two killer apps (which have essentially single-handedly carried the console), and I think they'd really turn off some of their installed user base by doing so.
On the other hand, from a scrabbling-to-the-top-of-the-heap-and-grabbing-as-many-dollar s-as-you-can point of view, it wouldn't be a bad idea. You've already got people subscribing to XBL for $10 a month, and then you've got them paying $50 for the killer app, you know your customers are going to want to play where everyone else is playing, so you charge a couple bucks for that map that they just have to have. Its a smart business idea, but kind of a jerk move if you ask me.
Cheers!