Downloadable content Pack 1 [Archive] - Team17 Forum

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Pickles
25 May 2007, 14:47
For those of you that skip past our home page it may be of your worth to check Here (http://www.team17.com/news.html?date=Latest%20News)
The first downloadable content pack will go live next Wednesday (30th May) at 0900 GMT.
I'm opening this thread to give you a place to see some screenshots of the available content as well as answer any questions you may have about the release pack.
So... here are some screenshots of the Space landscape to wet your appetite...
30014
30015
30016
30017
30018
I'll post more soon - please feel free to add any questions you may have to this thread and i'll do my best to answer them :)

Pickles
25 May 2007, 14:53
Hell
30019
30021
30022
30023
30024

Pickles
25 May 2007, 14:57
Jungle
30025
30026
30027
30028
30030

Pickles
25 May 2007, 14:59
and finally some the desktop themes and gamer pictures
Desktop Theme 1
30031
30032
30033
30034

Pickles
25 May 2007, 15:00
Desktop Theme 2
30035
30036
30037
30038

Breed43214
25 May 2007, 15:02
Kool they look good. Pitty I don't pay for DLC. I'll be getting the free ones though. Any chance of the pay-for packs becoming free in the future?

Pickles
25 May 2007, 15:04
Gamer Picture Pack (x5)
5 pack
30039
12 Pack
30040

Pickles
25 May 2007, 15:06
Hey Breed - no unfortunatley not ... we have tried to provide as much free content as is allowed - there is also a free soundbank pack that i can't show screenshots off
The other landascapes have been offered for as low a price in points as possible and you'll still be able to play the game online without them so you shouldn't experience any adverse effects :)

Breed43214
25 May 2007, 15:10
Hey Breed - no unfortunatley not ... we have tried to provide as much free content as is allowed (there is also a soundbank pack that i can't show screenshots of!) available for free but that is it.
The other landascapes have been offerred for as low a price in points as possible and you'll still be able to play the game online without them so you shouldn't experience any adverse effects :)
Kool thanks! I know Microsoft has a lot to do with the pricing and i know you put a lot of effort into these things so i may change my mind about purchasing some. I still have 200 points left over from buying worms.
Keep up the good work!

thebatman
25 May 2007, 15:37
i think the content looks really cool, well the landscapes and sound banks i mean. not really interested in the other stuff. Ive got 200 points left over after buying worms so i might as well get a landscape with them. i would have thought 100 points would have been a fair deal considering (in my opinion) the game should have really been released with these landscapes at the start. xbla worms is quite feature and content lacking compared to other worms efforts.... dont get me wrong though, its balanced and fun. just felt short changed with it. i hope we get another freebie landscape at some point, i think it would help the game alot.

ninjarat
25 May 2007, 17:43
I was expecting the new backgrounds to come in packs. Didn't know it would be 150pts per theme. Hmmm....decision time now, don't know if I'll download them or not.
Do the new themes have their own individualized music and sounds? Or is it just the background?

DarthSmurf
25 May 2007, 18:54
OOOOHHHHH.... pretty.

Dodgymat
25 May 2007, 19:07
Sounds like a good deal.
I use my own pic for the dashboard (cheaper and infinitely more customisable) and wouldn't indulge in buying gamerpics unless I had ''a bit of odd'' MSP left over, which hasn't happened yet.
I must say 300 MSP for the 2 landscapes seems reasonable when you add in the free one, works out at 85p for each, which I find more than agreeable. 22 free soundbanks is very cool. I'll be there Wednesday morning with my virtual wallet in hand :)
Good job Team17

lightsup55
25 May 2007, 20:16
I added 4000 Microsoft Points to my account just yesterday.
Now I have something to spend it on.

cjc3uwm
25 May 2007, 20:39
if I purchase, say the Hell stage, and if my opponent on ranked doesn't have it, will I be able to select it in the game setup? are these stages valid on XBox Live?

Edwin
25 May 2007, 21:58
Hey Breed - no unfortunatley not ... we have tried to provide as much free content as is allowed - there is also a free soundbank pack that i can't show screenshots off
The other landascapes have been offered for as low a price in points as possible and you'll still be able to play the game online without them so you shouldn't experience any adverse effects :)
There are rules to how much free content you are allowed to offer for customers? After a certain amount Microsoft forces you to charge for them?

ninjarat
25 May 2007, 23:20
There are rules to how much free content you are allowed to offer for customers? After a certain amount Microsoft forces you to charge for them?
This pretty much sums it up for ya.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/fun.games/05/24/xbox.360.price.reut/index.html
I was hoping the themes came in packs. Splitting the gamers is inevitable when you charge for add-ons but i figured if it was bundled then people who are willing to pay will be ok. But with it separate the community gets split even more...for instance I'll probably get the Hell theme b/c it looks so very nice, but now someone else who decided to pay and get jungle can't alongside me. :(

Edwin
26 May 2007, 02:45
We have a discussion going on here (http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/32245) about it.

hobbzinio
26 May 2007, 03:08
team 17 you rock, not only do i get the cool lookin backgrounds, but i can finally give my beatles team scouser accents with the sound bridge update :D thanks

Bouncybhal
26 May 2007, 07:38
I suppose the only major question I have is this...
Will the Space Level have the gravity effect that previous Worms titles have?
Oh and will the Worms sizzle as they did back in the day, when they fall into the flaming fires of hell?

SpaceInsom
26 May 2007, 07:59
Darn near the cost of a full (low priced) XBLA game, for two purely cosmetic changes that do nothing to enhance actual game play, and arguably should have been included in the initial download (I’m sure I could probably find at least five reviews that mention the low number of graphic themes in the game). If you could have had that 150 Mb limit in the first place, more content would have been included in the game. Instead, Worms is developed with a 50 Mb limit, and we get extra graphic updates piecemealed to us at 150 points a pop (goodness forbid they even package the two together. No, it's 150 EACH).
I’ll be voting with my wallet, but I know not everyone will do the same, and I know I’m fighting a loosing battle. MS will take whatever money they get, and screw anyone unhappy with their actions, and those who look for logic in these decisions and find none. It’s bad enough that we pay MS to host games on our own connections and using our own bandwidth, but they’ve just got to milk us every way they can.
I don’t blame Team 17 for this one bit, but if MS continues to bind the hands of every developer no matter what they want to charge for content, if they keep allowing EA to charge for cheat codes and unlockable content that’s free in the last-gen versions of the same game, if they keep forcing the exploitation of their customers in terms of what last generation content was offered and sold for, I hope Sony destroys them.
[edit] Oh, and I'd just like to say, I called it: http://forum.team17.co.uk/showpost.php?p=572894&postcount=79
Wow, and I thought 50 points each would have been bad.

Thilli
26 May 2007, 10:29
When we got new weapons? This game is so much better if team17 makes dlc weapons pack or something like that. I hope new weapons are super sheep, minigun, napalm strike, mine strike, old woman or grandma, mad cow(holy ****! that was crazy), holyhand granade, parachute and drill.
And much better map editor.

AndrewTaylor
26 May 2007, 10:33
That is pretty harsh pricing, to a point. The game looks gorgeous and the new themes are excellent, but when the game cost 800 points and three landscape graphic packs costs 450 then it's hard to see that as anything other than overpriced DLC or the game being subsidised to create a market for DLC.
Personally, I think £1.28 is a bit expensive for a landscape pack, but then, compared to other roughly equivalent media such as mobile phone wallpapers and the like it's pretty average. I think really people's views are slanted slightly by the fact that "Microsoft Points" don't readily translate into real money in their heads, and they think of 800 of them as being "the price of a game", but when "the price of a game" is £6.80 it's hardly a useful comparison point. Saying "these landscape packs cost over half as much as the whole game did" is true but misleading: the whole game cost less money than a round of drinks, so in this case "half of that amount" is still a little under £3.83, or roughly one tenth of "the price of a game" in general console terms.

Bouncybhal
26 May 2007, 12:51
I can see the point of people questioning the pricing choices, but ultimately if you combine the free content with the two priced items it is only 300 points for all of it.
Hardly 'Celebrity price tags', and optional. Not like you are at a disadvantage if you decide to 'vote with your wallet'.

hobbzinio
26 May 2007, 14:24
personally the only thing that i think sucks ass, is the lack of new map designs - im gettin bored of the current ones...

SpaceInsom
26 May 2007, 14:56
To those still defending the pricing, we've been told there are at least seven new map styles on the way. We know that the space one was free. Going from here:
If 300 = 2 maps, 600 = 4 maps, and 900 = 6 maps. Assuming the price point continues, do you think it's right that you pay more for the new maps than you paid for the game? Think of this as a matter of value. I paid 800 points for Worms XBLA, 800 for Castlevaina, 800 for Assault Heroes, 800 for Marble Blast Ultra. Now I should just gladly pay 900 for six maps? I can go to Wal-Mart (large store in the US) and buy older PS2 games that scored 9.0 or higher when they were released, and I can buy them for 10 dollars (10 USD = 800 MSP), so why on earth would I want to pay 900 MPS for 6 worms maps that don't even change the game play, and that Spadge himself admited more would have been included in the main game if they started with the 150 Mb limit?
All the defenders of the price point, please explain this to me.

ninjarat
26 May 2007, 15:27
SpaceinSom: I totally agree with you on ever count. Like you said though, we're in a losing battle. I've decided as well not to download any of the new themes. It annoys me that Worms missed the XBLA limit expansion by a mere week or so and now we the consumers are forced my MS to pay for these cosmetic changes. My reasoning for not buying them also stems from what you said. If say 6...or heck lets double that and say 12 themes come out in the future...what's gonna happen? No one is gonna buy all of them, so people will pick and choose the ones they like (for instance I like "Hell") Pretty soon you're going to have people running around with all random schemes and then the chances of running into other players on Live at the exact moment you're on Live with the same themes to use in a game become pretty slim.
Along those lines, these new games like Shadowrun and Half Life Orange also show MS's cold blood. They are both $59.99 on the 360 yet for the SAME exact game it's $49.99 on the PC. Valve has gone on record saying they will not charge for maps for either Team Fortress 2 nor Portal. But we all know as the game on the 360 is being published by EA and being played over Live that we WILL be charged for it. Instead use Steam which is infinitely better then Live I won't be charged for it. So we're paying more to play games on peer to peer connections. I for one am done with MS and their Xbox. After my Live subscription expires it's back to PC gaming for me. This nickel and diming is getting out of hand. Developers (and I'm not saying Team17) are essentially acknowledging that they will leave content out of their future games for us to pay extra for later. Just look at Ubisoft in that CNN article...they are pretty much admitting that their games will be $80-$90 in the future if you want the complete experience.
""If you're a 'Rainbow' guy and you don't have the maps, then you can't play a match," said Key[Ubisoft vice president], referring to online competitions. "I doubt there will ever be a Clancy game without the Xbox Live component any more." Gee...thanks for letting me buy your $60 game and now I can't play online without being dropped unless I give you another $10.

AndrewTaylor
26 May 2007, 16:06
It annoys me that Worms missed the XBLA limit expansion by a mere week or so and now we the consumers are forced my MS to pay for these cosmetic changes.
That's simply not true. By any reasonable definition, Worms missed the size increase by months.
If 300 = 2 maps, 600 = 4 maps, and 900 = 6 maps. Assuming the price point continues, do you think it's right that you pay more for the new maps than you paid for the game? Think of this as a matter of value. I paid 800 points for Worms XBLA, 800 for Castlevaina, 800 for Assault Heroes, 800 for Marble Blast Ultra. Now I should just gladly pay 900 for six maps? I can go to Wal-Mart (large store in the US) and buy older PS2 games that scored 9.0 or higher when they were released, and I can buy them for 10 dollars (10 USD = 800 MSP), so why on earth would I want to pay 900 MPS for 6 worms maps that don't even change the game play, and that Spadge himself admited more would have been included in the main game if they started with the 150 Mb limit?
That's perhaps a little misleading -- you can pay 900 points for that, or you can pay 450. Or 150. Or none, technically, although obviously you won't get any maps then, aside from Space. I mean, you don't get peope saying "I'm not buying a Playstation! I'd have to pay thousands of pounds to get all the games and if I don't I won't be able to use it to its fullest!"
No, you get what you want and no more.

Bouncybhal
26 May 2007, 16:15
I think it is also important to remember that this content is being added to a game that has a huge shelf life. How many Live Arcade titles will you still be playing in a years time?
As a result the original price of 800 reflected the lack of levels, and I know I would gladly have paid 1200 for the game post-150 meg limit. But I don't have to.
Ultimately this is not a case of money grabbing on Team 17's part, and instead offering choice to fans and gamers, at apretty small cost.
Plus let's not just jump to the assumption that Space will be the only free map. With more on the way the potential for one free, and two paid for maps again is not so unrealistic.
For now the matter is clear, if Worms had been a retail title it would have cost upwards of £30/$50. So this is not so bad.
Well, I don't think so anyways...

Squirminator2k
26 May 2007, 17:18
The pricing doesn't bother me. It's on a par with a lot of other DLC on the Marketplace.

Pagoda
26 May 2007, 23:21
It is unfortunate that this version of worms is so stripped down in the first place. A fairly good size weapons pack for the more advanced users is really what is needed. The new maps and voice pack are cool and all but I have to agree that it is a bit on the pricey side with all things considered.

Squirminator2k
26 May 2007, 23:23
It's stripped down for a reason, bud.

Pagoda
27 May 2007, 18:18
I know why it is stripped down. I can read. That still doesn't take away from the fact that this game could and should be much more than it is.

cjc3uwm
27 May 2007, 19:09
can someone please answer my question... will these maps work on ranked multiplayer games? and does each player NEED to have the map downloaded? what if I play someone who hasn't paid for the map, will it be available to use in a ranked game or not?

ninjarat
27 May 2007, 20:14
cjc, yes i believe you CAN use them for ranked games. however, if your opponent doesn't have the background you downloaded then he can't join your hosted game.

Turboman
28 May 2007, 11:58
You guys at team17 are great. This will for sure bring some life back to the old girl. I'm buying all the maps and the 12 pack picture pack. ^_^

MC_MERKERY
28 May 2007, 14:50
pickles
is it 150 per theme or a pack of all of them for 150?
i aint bothered either way microsoft are calling me tomorrow to give me 6000 in points which i lost in arcade games from trading in my xbox =P
perfect timing

zeDuffMan
28 May 2007, 19:27
Screw the landscapes. 150MSP for a change in the colour of the land and the water, and the animation in the background? Don't think so, sorry.
How much will the gamerpics be?

slysy
28 May 2007, 20:09
If I buy a landscape, can I use it online with people who do not have it? If not then they are pretty useless. What are the chances that all 4 people in my game have bought it?

Chebab
28 May 2007, 21:20
Team17,
The CNN article cited earlier in the thread stated that Microsoft probably charges a royalty fee of 30% for the DLC. Can we, the paying fans, count on that you at Team17 get at least 70% of what we pay for the DLC?

Wormetti
28 May 2007, 21:27
The prices and pictures of what you get are displayed on team17.com (http://www.team17.com/news.html?date=Latest%20News). The Space theme is free, the other themes are 150 each. All players in the game will need the theme for you to be able to use it.
Gamerpics:
100 Microsoft Points (5 Pack)
200 Microsoft Points (12 Pack)

Failsafe
29 May 2007, 01:24
I'll probably pick up the two premium themes. I'd like to have the official word as to whether people who haven't purchased the maps can still play them if the host has purchased them (ranked or un-ranked).
I know the premium Uno decks can be used by everyone as long as the host has paid for them.

SpaceInsom
29 May 2007, 03:48
I'll probably pick up the two premium themes. I'd like to have the official word as to whether people who haven't purchased the maps can still play them if the host has purchased them (ranked or un-ranked).
I know the premium Uno decks can be used by everyone as long as the host has paid for them.
This is not going to work like Uno did, Spadge has already said. If you buy the maps you're going to run into a bunch of people who didn't buy them, so most of the time you won't even be able to use them. If you don't buy the maps, you're sometimes going to run into games where you make people who bought the maps unable to use them. I'm betting that people who do want to use the maps will get sick of this, and either start booting those who don't have the maps, or rehosting over and over again until everyone has the maps. It's either that, or rarely get to use the content you paid for. Am I the only one who can see this coming?
Great move, Microsoft. Nice going, Team 17. While you're at it, why don't you make another simple change and put bridges back in the game? Oh, but only on ranked games, of course. :rolleyes:

ninjarat
29 May 2007, 03:54
This is not going to work like Uno did, Spadge has already said. If you buy the maps you're going to run into a bunch of people who didn't buy them, so most of the time you won't even be able to use them. If you don't buy the maps, you're sometimes going to run into games where you make people who bought the maps unable to use them. I'm betting that people who do want to use the maps will get sick of this, and either start booting those who don't have the maps, or rehosting over and over again until everyone has the maps. It's either that, or rarely get to use the content you paid for. Am I the only one who can see this coming?
Great move, Microsoft. Nice going, Team 17. While you're at it, why don't you make another simple change and put bridges back in the game? Oh, but only on ranked games, of course. :rolleyes:
you can't blame Team17 for this one. it's MS and their greed creeping into every aspect of gaming. they even have Live Anywhere now so that PC gamers can sign up to play. i bought rainbow six vegas when it came out and paid $60 for it...last month they came out with a map pack for $10. since i refuse to download it, i can't play online anymore b/c every other match i get dropped when the host switches to the new map. these microtransactions are horrible, they divide the community and ruin the experience for a lot of people. had worms come out with a 150meg limit i'm sure these 3 new themes would have been part of the package.

SpaceInsom
29 May 2007, 04:10
you can't blame Team17 for this one.
I didn't think so at first, but it turn out I can. I know it's not their idea, but they're still going along with it. I remember reading the Marble Blast Ultra guys wanted to put out some free extra content, and when MS told them they'd be forced to charge for it, the MBU guys decided not to release any content. MS owns the lion's share of the blame here, but Team 17 share some blame for allowing it to happen, as does everyone who buys this content.
I bought the Crackdown content, because it doesn't pull this crap. If you play with someone who didn't buy the content, they get to use it as long as they're playing online with someone who did. It was 800 MS points, but it includes new game modes, new vehicles and new weapons. I felt the time and effort in creating the Crackdown content was worth the price asked, and I was happy to see they weren't dividing the community, so I bought it. New graphic themes for 150 points each, and that do divide the community, are very much NOT worth the asking price.
Unless Team 17 announces they're giving away their share of the DLC money to charity, they’re making money off the mistreatment of their customers, and they are entitled to their share of the blame.

ninjarat
29 May 2007, 04:18
Space, i read about that Crackdown DLC. Even that is a scam to me. All of that content should have gone into the sequel. the problem with crackdown has always been that there was nothing to do in the city. compared to other sandbox games with plenty of side missions crackdown had none. so they charge $10 and add some new vehicles and weapons...yet there is nothing to use those weapons on. the CNN article pretty much gives it straight, this is just easy money to be made. once you got the game up adding these cosmetic changes (yes even crackdown content is cosmetic when you boil it down) is just high profit to be made. however, you are right in saying at least it didn't divide the community.
2 other games i'm looking forward to this year. left 4 dead from valve and half life orange...coincidentally also from valve. valve has stated that they will not charge for new maps/weapons on either game but on the 360 i think it'll be out of their hands as well.

beermonkey
29 May 2007, 04:35
Unless Team 17 announces they're giving away their share of the DLC money to charity, they’re making money off the mistreatment of their customers
If $13.75 for Worms with the extras is mistreatment, getting the same game (minus online) for $39.99 on the PSP must have been highway robbery.

SpaceInsom
29 May 2007, 05:09
If $13.75 for Worms with the extras is mistreatment, getting the same game (minus online) for $39.99 on the PSP must have been highway robbery.
Does 13.75 get you everything in the PSP version? No. Does the PSP version divide an online community? No. Assuming the rest of the maps are the same price point, is it fair to pay more than the cost of the actual game for 6 new graphic themes? No. We could be talking about 1700 MSP, which is a lot more than 13.75.
And if 13.75 is fair for a game with sold online without a disc, book, or box, and missing all but three (soon to be four) graphic themes, this must be a fantastic deal. http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=190222
Even better, here's a game with about 500 percent more content, and it's online too!
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=D000964
I feel burned by all this. I've been buying 2D worms games since Worms 1, but it's going to take a considerable amount of effort and good reviews to get me to pay money for another version of Worms again.

ninjarat
29 May 2007, 06:20
Does 13.75 get you everything in the PSP version? No. Does the PSP version divide an online community? No. Assuming the rest of the maps are the same price point, is it fair to pay more than the cost of the actual game for 6 new graphic themes? No. We could be talking about 1700 MSP, which is a lot more than 13.75.
And if 13.75 is fair for a game with sold online without a disc, book, or box, and missing all but three (soon to be four) graphic themes, this must be a fantastic deal. http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=190222
Even better, here's a game with about 500 percent more content, and it's online too!
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=D000964
I feel burned by all this. I've been buying 2D worms games since Worms 1, but it's going to take a considerable amount of effort and good reviews to get me to pay money for another version of Worms again.
wow, now this is an eye opener for me. your first link is a game called worms open warfare. from the screenshots it seems to tell me that these new themes coming out on wed are from that PSP game. so are they really just porting over the themes they already had ready? how many themes are in open warfare? say there are 12 themes for arguments sake...150 pts per theme. by the time you get to the last one the online community is going to be so fragmented that you may as well fire up the game with one of the original themes. :mad:

Wormetti
29 May 2007, 08:23
Worms Open Warfare has 6 landscape styles (Arctic, Hawaii, Hell, Jungle, Space and London).

Lebowski
29 May 2007, 10:23
I'll probably pick up the two premium themes. I'd like to have the official word as to whether people who haven't purchased the maps can still play them if the host has purchased them (ranked or un-ranked).
I know the premium Uno decks can be used by everyone as long as the host has paid for them.
The host can only select themes that all players in the session have. So everyone needs to have a theme pack for it to be selectable.

Turboman
29 May 2007, 12:12
The host can only select themes that all players in the session have. So everyone needs to have a theme pack for it to be selectable.
That ruins it abit? Wish you could kick people then. :confused:

cngodles
29 May 2007, 13:25
I'll probably just buy Jungle. Just don't have 300 points to waste right now. And you don't even guarantee use of it. I wish that when finding a new game, it would look for those who match up with map content.
I'm really thinking of not buying it actually, as I play so many first timers and they don't even know how to throw a gernade, let along download new content.
I still think that charging for backgrounds and gamerpics is so odd. I wonder how well they actually sell. The gamerpics promote the game in a way.
So, if you buy Hell, your never get to use it if you face me, because I'm not buying it. Ha!
I'll NOT see you in hell!

SpaceInsom
29 May 2007, 13:45
wow, now this is an eye opener for me. your first link is a game called worms open warfare.
Worms XBLA is a port of the PSP game Worms Open Warfare. I will fully admit that they're not just direct ports of the landscapes, though. Worms XBLA is an HD game, so Team 17 does need to remake all the art. I still think we're being asked to pay an absurd price for new graphic themes, though.
While I wasn't sure how many themes are in Worms Open Warfare, I know they've announced a total of seven new themes for Worms XBLA. Space is free, so that leaves six more. We know for two of them we will be charged 150 MSP each. If the others continue to cost 150 each, we're looking at 900 points.

Squirminator2k
29 May 2007, 15:05
I still think we're being asked to pay an absurd price for new graphic themes, though.
It's consistent with prices for other such items on the Marketplace. If you want to moan at anyone, moan at Microsoft.

Whet Wurm
29 May 2007, 16:45
I don't frequent the forums very often, but I thought I'd sound off a bit...
There is apparently a huge divide between MS's policies and what publishers/developers want. MS wants paid to host items (that's understandable, servers aren't free; unless you're Google :p ) and developers want to give their work away for free. Being an artist, I too would give away work for free if it meant making a more complete masterpiece. Publishers want to make money on their games so they are siding with MS on this bit. Here's the rub: how do you make everyone happy? Answer: You can't. But a compromise is feasible. If the developers want to give away their work for free, they should be allowed to simply revoke the ~70% collected from XBLM sales. This way, content is *cheaper* (not free), the publishers can have their 20% slice, and MS gets their hosting percentage.
It's obvious that MS is open to compromise (at least for big franchise games) because they are making the GoW maps free in September. But they are very adamant about not making much else free unless there is a sponsor. So I say, the developers should stand up for themselves or just stop developing for MS. When MS realizes they are screwing the customer and denying the developers what they want, then amends can be made. It's surely not that simple, but one way or another, these microtransactions are going to destroy the industry if left unchecked.
I do have one question: If MS takes 30% and the publisher/developer gets the other 70%, why aren't the themes 45MSP (150MSP *30% = 45MSP)? Surely MS would be OK with allowing developers to forfeit their earnings...
I think someone is lying about this whole Marketplace pricing thing and it needs to stop.
Thank you Team17 for making a great game better. I will be getting the sounds and Jungle/Hell backgrounds to support the developers (and they aren't THAT unreasonable of prices when coupled with the freebie) but I sincerely hope that you take a note from your consumer base and bring more weapons to XBLA Worms. It's the only way to make people satisfied with an admittedly lacking game. Thanks for what you do, I hope you do more of it!
Cheers, Wurm

ninjarat
29 May 2007, 17:07
But Whet Worm, shouldn't our $50-$60 a year subscription for Live pay for the servers hosting these downloadable content? It's not just our fees either, what about the game and movie ads I see on Live? Surely those have to cover something as well. The way I see it, our Live fee does nothing other than pay for download servers and leaderboards because in the end we are playing one another through peer to peer connections [Yay MS! let me pay you so that I can use my internet connection, my game, and my system to play someone else.] There is not one dedicated server for us to game on and unless it's a turn based game like Worms, the host always has an advantage which is pretty annoying. Sites like CNET and Google can have downloads for free using ads. Gaming sites like Gamespot can give you T1 speeds if you subscribe to them for <$50. MS somehow has both yet gives us the rewards of neither. So to reiterate, 30% hardly justifies what MS needs to upkeep their "servers".
Along those lines, the article mentions MS saying these microtransactions pay for game development and whatnot. Are they freakin kidding me? Games are $60 a pop now, that all of a sudden doesn't cover the costs anymore? MS are a wily bunch, they know if they had charged $500-$600 for their system no one would buy it. So they sell it for a loss and then make up for the loss through this shady Live Marketplace that nickel and dimes all its users. I for one will be voting with my wallet and won't be coming back to 360. It's PC gaming for me after my Gold subscription on Live ends.

Whet Wurm
29 May 2007, 17:28
I can see your point ninjarat, but I'm sure there is a bit more to it than that.
MS is constantly upgrading Live for free, they are host to all forms of content, and they must offset other costs. I'm not defending their shady Marketplace tactics or Live fees and I think they could get away with an advertising program (a la Google) to supplement costs, but the Xbox division has NEVER been profitable and I'm hoping they relax on their policies this coming year.
Once they start making profit, then I'll grind my ax a bit harder, but for now, I'm simply curious about 2 things: my bolded question above and why Team17 won't add weapons.

NinjaMonk
29 May 2007, 19:30
Does seem quite pricey, but then it's not like the game costed much in the first place so I'm not bothered about paying 150 for a level theme.

Skandil
29 May 2007, 20:32
Hey guys, how with the DLC work with people who have it and people who don't? Let's say I buy the "Hell" one, and invite people who don't have it to my game - will they be able to play with me on it?

Wormetti
29 May 2007, 20:53
Hey guys, how with the DLC work with people who have it and people who don't? Let's say I buy the "Hell" one, and invite people who don't have it to my game - will they be able to play with me on it?
Read up a few posts (http://forum.team17.co.uk/showpost.php?p=581637&postcount=51), this has been answered. If someone without the landscape joins your game then you won't be able to select that landscape.

SpaceInsom
30 May 2007, 04:02
Here's the rub: how do you make everyone happy? Answer: You can't. But a compromise is feasible. If the developers want to give away their work for free, they should be allowed to simply revoke the ~70% collected from XBLM sales. This way, content is *cheaper* (not free), the publishers can have their 20% slice, and MS gets their hosting percentage.
I LOVE this! Sort of "Oh, so you wish you could charge nothing for the content, eh? Then put your money where your mouth is." I'd gladly pay 30% of the current price for the new graphic themes, especially if Team 17 refused to take money for the content sold.
Speaking of downloadable content, read this about tomorrow's XBLA title, Mad Tracks:
Mad Tracks features 12 cars to put to the test in 15 challenges split up into nine mini-games and six races. A dozen power-ups can be collected to assist drivers in games with up to three other players across Xbox Live.
Also announced today were two upcoming expansion packs for Mad Tracks. The Bravo and Encore expansions will come soon and bring new races and mini-games for 350 Microsoft Points each. Each pack will add 15 races and mini-games to the rotation.
So either pay 150 points for one new graphic theme in Worms, or 350 points for 100% more races and mini-games in Mad Tracks. Which sounds better to you? There's no logical defense for the price of these graphic themes, there just isn't.

moco64
30 May 2007, 05:19
Is 300 Points too much for 2 Themes? Even if you work a job at mcdonalds, no $3.75 is NOT a lot of money, but if they continue to release 3 themes here and there it DOES add up.
Don't say that it should have been included in the game originally. Why? Because you agreed to pay 800 points for what was shown to you, not to what was promised to you. Wait hear me out:
With that said, I will gladly pay 300 points to support the developers, THIS TIME ONLY. I think this would have been 100 times more attractive and not so problematic if they didn't give anything away for free and just sold the whole package for 300 points. Then it would seem like a great deal to everyone.
Think about it. 300 Points for 3 themes and 22 SoundBanks. Thats 15 cents per item. It just seems like a great deal. BUT, since we are getting so much for free, what we do have to pay for seems like a lot. And that is why I will only pay for it this time. Unless of course team17 releases more free stuff with the next DLC.
I honestly think that you guys should have put more thought into this, you really are splitting up the community now, and in the future it will only split further and further. It just makes a lot more sense/cents to release a bundle of things in low priced packs. even if that means not giving anything away for free. In the end I think the majority of people on this forum will be against paying 150 points per theme. I also think that we represent a very small minority but I know that team 17 listens to their fans (and that is a great thing) If we actually make a difference, now that is something to be seen. But thats just my opinion.

Turboman
30 May 2007, 09:23
9:25 and nothing yet?
EDIT~ They are up as of 11:30

worms360x
30 May 2007, 11:33
now they have added
its on and i have got the maps and soundbanks

Squirminator2k
30 May 2007, 12:38
I LOVE this! Sort of "Oh, so you wish you could charge nothing for the content, eh? Then put your money where your mouth is." I'd gladly pay 30% of the current price for the new graphic themes, especially if Team 17 refused to take money for the content sold.
You're dealing with percentages there, not final figures. What's to stop Microsoft from saying, "Put your money where your mouth is! Revoke your 70% stake! Done? Good. We're going to sell these at 150 points anyway, the publisher can have their 20% cut and we'll keep the rest. Hat. Hat. Hat."

Whet Wurm
30 May 2007, 15:08
You're dealing with percentages there, not final figures. What's to stop Microsoft from saying, "Put your money where your mouth is! Revoke your 70% stake! Done? Good. We're going to sell these at 150 points anyway, the publisher can have their 20% cut and we'll keep the rest. Hat. Hat. Hat."
That is indeed the biggest problem with that. The only thing I can say is we would have to trust Microsoft to take advantage of this 30% pricing scheme as a way to say "hey, we love gamers so much we're offering this at a bargain bin price" and force Sony/Nintendo to make similar concessions in there marketplaces. This price setting would only help them in the long run. Of course, MS is a corporation and their end goal is a black bottom line...

ninjarat
30 May 2007, 15:36
Are we still getting the background music that Spadge talked about? For the people that downloaded the new backgrounds, do they come with their own "hell" or "jungle" themed music?

Wormetti
30 May 2007, 17:55
I don't think they include music. The PSP version has different music for each theme. You could put MP3s on a flash drive, networked PC or rip some audio CDs and use the dashboard to shuffle music. Not as simple as if they just included more music but better than only have the one ambient tune.

ninjarat
30 May 2007, 18:42
Thanks Wormetti. I just wish it included either ambient music, level specific sound effects, or unique landscapes (as in shape of the batteground not eye candy). I guess I'm just trying to find an excuse to spend 150pts on them even when I said I wouldn't. This makes my decisions easier though.

zeDuffMan
30 May 2007, 22:21
You guys really should have put previews of the Gamerpics on the Marketplace. It's all very well having a banner saying 'new content available' but people want to see what they're buying. Not every person who buys Worms on XBLA comes here regularly.

myGogs
31 May 2007, 00:01
I gotta keep my buddy Spadge and family in the kind of luxury he desreves...
XBOX Live : Gogs

cocomonkeh
31 May 2007, 20:51
I bought them. For some reason it makes me think it will support a Worm XBL2 or something.

Plasma
31 May 2007, 21:21
Look, it's simple. You either decide to buy the product or you don't. The company may charge a price for the product because that's how companies work. As you are neither forced to pay for it nor working for the company, you get absolutely no right to determine the price of it.

SpaceInsom
31 May 2007, 23:54
Look, it's simple. You either decide to buy the product or you don't. The company may charge a price for the product because that's how companies work. As you are neither forced to pay for it nor working for the company, you get absolutely no right to determine the price of it.
I've made several good points as to why the price for these landscapes is insane, and so far no one has been able to refute my points other than to say "well then, don't buy it". And this goes far beyond just the price, into issues like dividing the community, and strongly limiting the use of the maps for those who do buy them.
If you think the price and limitations of the content are fair, buy the content and be happy with it, but don't come here and tell me I have no right to voice my opinion.

Coys
1 Jun 2007, 09:40
I didn't have the time to read all the threads, sorry if it has already been posted.
I love XBLA Worms because I mostly played the original one on PS1 and both versions are very similar. One thing I liked in Worms PS1 was the possibility of setting the life meter of each worm from 100 to approx. 500. Do you think it will be available in a new update ?
Thanks for answering and sorry for my English for French is my first language
See you on XBLA !

Spadge
3 Jun 2007, 20:15
I'm just back from holiday, but 2 main comments:
1. We gave away as much as we were allowed. Microsoft have to preserve their economy and their system does carry charges and costs. I am not defending either Microsoft, their costs or getting into that argument. We simply maxed out what we could give away - we will continue to do this for this title - as we have promised since the start.
2. Regarding charges, Team17 did not set these and discussions about the pricing (bearing in mind the stuff we wanted to give away for free) were implemented based on the DLC pricing mechanisms in use throughout the service.
I hear what people are saying about there could have been more data had we had a lot bigger download in the first place (150mb instead of 50mb) but we'd have included a ton of sound banks and audio had that been the case. There's no point arguing that the game SHOULD have been 150mb simply because at the time, it couldn't be - and we can't change that now.
We have always insisted that weapon DLC would not be happening - we realise that's disappointing for some folks, but that's the end of it.
At the end of the day, this pack extends Worms to 6 backgrounds and 22 additional voices (with another bunch of free voices coming later) for 300pts, or about $4/£2.50.
The choice literally is yours to make should you wish to have the new content that is chargeable and we trust you'll gratefully enjoy all the free stuff nonetheless.

Spadge
3 Jun 2007, 20:18
I've made several good points as to why the price for these landscapes is insane, and so far no one has been able to refute my points other than to say "well then, don't buy it". And this goes far beyond just the price, into issues like dividing the community, and strongly limiting the use of the maps for those who do buy them.
If you think the price and limitations of the content are fair, buy the content and be happy with it, but don't come here and tell me I have no right to voice my opinion.
Your voice has been heard and responded to many times. I'd read my post I just made and leave it at that. Your constant grumbling about this is NOT going to change the system and we can only do so much within the restrictions of the marketplace which is created by and owned by Microsoft. We worked hard with them to ensure we provided good value where we can but we have limited control on the pricing policies - and limited scope for providing FREE content too. As we have discussed prior to all this thread but you continue to dismiss and ignore.
If you feel so strongly, simply don't get the content - that's all we can say really.

Spadge
3 Jun 2007, 23:18
Are we still getting the background music that Spadge talked about? For the people that downloaded the new backgrounds, do they come with their own "hell" or "jungle" themed music?
I believe this is the case (I'll double check!) I've been out of the office for a while.

ninjarat
3 Jun 2007, 23:19
I'm a bit confused about the new DLC. If the goal was to change or improve the gameplay couldn't the new backgrounds have come with new landscapes as well instead of the original landscaping? If the goal was to improve the game aesthetically then couldn't some unique level music and sound effects have been added to complete the experience (maybe congo drums for the jungle level, industrial for hell, new age for space)? I just feel that with the original game at 800points, 150points for a mere 'wallpaper' is a bit of a letdown.
I mean if you take away the original 3 backgrounds at 450 points...that means the core of the game only cost 350points? With all the animations, weapons, physics, menus, etc.....it just doesn't seem right. I understand about the whole MS pricing structure, I just think it's extremely unfair and unfortunate that you guys/the developers are powerless to do anything about it.
Anyways, hope you guys have another Worms game in the pipeline for the PC because I'm heading back to that front after my Xbox subscription expires.
[EDIT: just saw your post about the music for each level, sorry Spadge.]

cjc3uwm
4 Jun 2007, 00:04
im glad my purchase wasn't in vein... so far im 0 for 15 in getting a game where someone has downloaded either hell or jungle....

SpaceInsom
4 Jun 2007, 03:39
Your voice has been heard and responded to many times...
I’ve had my say, and I won’t be discussing it further. I probably haven't been the easiest voice to hear on the forum, and I thank you and the admin staff for not editing any of my posts, and letting me voice my opinion. Such courtesy is not always given on official forums.
I think I’ll take a break from this forum for a while, and I’d sincerely like to say congratulations for Worms XBLA being a huge success. I know I’ve taken issue with certain aspects of the game, but I still play it often, and I most certainly don’t regret buying it. Best of luck with Worms Open Warfare 2, and the likely port to XBLA.

Wormetti
4 Jun 2007, 10:54
I finally caved in and bought Hell and Jungle. I felt like I went against my principles since I believe they should have been free. In comparison to the price of Worms, it's poor value but I spend a lot more on lunch or just when I'm out and I don't think anything of it. Most people don't have the landscapes but a few games I've joined, I was the only one without them and I didn't like stopping others from using them. My gamertag is also Wormetti, so people expected me to have them :)

cngodles
5 Jun 2007, 17:02
What we need is a forum where Microsoft employees, execs, etc can see how much we hate paying alot for DLC.
Again, gotta hand it to Team 17 for being involved in development like this. Giving us this forum, and actually posting messages daily or almost daily.
Also, the update, I'M STILL PICKING UP AIRSTRIKES in cave levels! :rolleyes:

AndrewTaylor
5 Jun 2007, 19:25
What we need is a forum where Microsoft employees, execs, etc can see how much we hate paying alot for DLC.
You have that. It's called Not Buying It.
If you hate it but do it anyway, Microsoft probably don't care. It's all money.

santosc
5 Jun 2007, 20:47
Those of you complaining about the price, why? You have no right.
Even if Microsoft were out of the picture, Team 17 has developed a great game and it is their right, and their right alone to set whatever price they want. They should sell it at what they think they can get. At the end of the day, something is worth as much as people are willing to pay for it.
Then again, fighting this side of the argument is futile. In the software industry, people will always complain about something. If there isn't enough to complain about, they will complain about that.
I dont understand why the "just don't buy it" argument doesn't stand. The truth is, you bought a game for 800 pts, and you still have that game and some updates which didn't even need to be given by team17.
Above that you have the option to get some content for an extra price...
You dont NEED the content, so what does it matter if you dont get it? Why dont you look under your couch and find change amounting to the cost of this update?
So much fuss over $4. The only thing I see odd about the pricing scheme was how much of a steal the original game was considering how much use I have gotten out of it. $10, what a bargain.
What we need is a forum where Microsoft employees, execs, etc can see how much we hate paying alot for DLC.
A lot, really? Come on, 300 points? If you get this, will you never be able to afford a meal ever again. Is this so much money to someone like you that can afford an xbox 360 and associated maintenance costs? You can find this kind of money under your couch.
Besides, you say that as if MS employees were watching a big marquee labelled "suckers" as it counted up the number of people that purchase DLC. MS employees are gamers just like you and are subject to the same costs...and they have all the same range of opinions that everyone has. What do you want it for? 50 points, is that like $0.60? Give team17 some credit, it's great artistry work and developmental integration...they should get paid for their efforts.

KRD
6 Jun 2007, 17:11
Even if Microsoft were out of the picture, Team 17 has developed a great game and it is their right, and their right alone to set whatever price they want. They should sell it at what they think they can get. At the end of the day, something is worth as much as people are willing to pay for it.
That's the thing, though. T17 weren't allowed to set their own price for the content, Microsoft did it for them. At least that's what I've gathered from reading this sub forum.
The only reason they have issue with it is because they want it all for free. That I dont agree with. Where people gather up all this entitlement, I do not know.
It doesn't split the community if it's free. Further along the line when online activity perhaps becomes a problem, it could matter.

santosc
6 Jun 2007, 22:26
True, but I haven't heard a single person complain about that issue because of genuine concern for Team 17 and their control over the pricing scheme (which from what they have said seems standardized throughout all xbox arcade games).
The only reason they have issue with it is because they want it all for free. That I dont agree with. Where people gather up all this entitlement, I do not know.

*J*
7 Jun 2007, 14:10
Although I see how its not Team 17's fault about the pricing, I really dont think it's fair that you shouldn't be allowed to play with people who have downloaded the landscapes if you havent. Cant it be like on Crackdown where if you co-op partner has it you can still play (Until they updated it :( )? In the end, you either have to buy it or put up with getting repeatedly booted frommatches for not having the right stuff =(

Wormetti
7 Jun 2007, 19:17
Although I see how its not Team 17's fault about the pricing, I really dont think it's fair that you shouldn't be allowed to play with people who have downloaded the landscapes if you havent. Cant it be like on Crackdown where if you co-op partner has it you can still play (Until they updated it :( )? In the end, you either have to buy it or put up with getting repeatedly booted frommatches for not having the right stuff =(
If you haven't downloaded the landscapes, you can still play against people who have, they just won't be able to use them. Worms doesn't have a kick option, so you aren't going to get booted out. I would be happier if only one player in the game needed to buy the content for everyone to use it (obviously they all need to download it at least once). It would mean I could use the landscapes more often. I don't expect that to be added though, it would probably mean less content sales.

ninjarat
7 Jun 2007, 20:01
Hey Wormetti, now that you've gone against your principles I must ask. Was it worth it? I'm on the fence on the Hell background. If Spadge confirms music will be coming along for each unique theme that will push me off the fence. Also, will it be possible to have DLC that allows us to get more landscapes in the future (not wallpaper)?

Spadge
8 Jun 2007, 03:27
Actually we'd planned for audio with the b/g, not sure why that didnt happen but it will come next time as part of something.

Wormetti
8 Jun 2007, 06:07
It only cost me $4.95 AUD for both themes, not exactly breaking the bank. It adds slightly more variety to the game and it helps to identify the players who really like worms. It was worth it to me.
There is much better value DLC out there for the same price, like the pack for the game Band of Bugs that adds 10 new levels and some new characters/graphics.

worms360x
8 Jun 2007, 17:59
Theres nothing you can do,just buy it or leave it but i just got it because at the end microsoft will just care about the money they make not to lower it. And music well i think you can put music on your 360 so if you wanna hear landscapes music from open warfare 1 or any other thing :cool:
oh and the levels are good keep it up
and i hope you will add more lanscapes in future next year or bit after :)

ng3000
9 Jun 2007, 18:02
It only cost me $4.95 AUD for both themes, not exactly breaking the bank. It adds slightly more variety to the game and it helps to identify the players who really like worms. It was worth it to me.
My thoughts exactly.
Hey Wormetti we keep leapfrogging each other on various leaderboards. >_>
I can't get to a 27. ;-;

777atty
19 Sep 2008, 10:45
Hey guys, sorry im new to these forums.. but im sure this is a very frequent asked question... is there going to be any DL content like new weapons? i dont care so much about the landscapes.. just weapons.. oh god plz give me the holy grenade back...

Squirminator2k
19 Sep 2008, 19:24
Team 17 have already stated that they won't be making new weapons available as DLC, but that's not to say that if there's a sequel they won't increase the artillery.

LeReidy
21 Sep 2008, 20:28
Im really hoping a sequal to the arcade worms comes out. I love the 1st one.

Kiwi AUT
28 Dec 2008, 13:33
Hello there!
If have downloaded the new landscapes a few days ago, but I can't choose them when I am playing a local game. Are the landscapes only available on X-Box Live? If so, there should be a notice before you buy the landscapes...I only play locally with 2 controllers and I do not have an gold-account to play Live.
Hope you can help me!
Greetings from Austria,
Kiwi AUT

Wormetti
31 Dec 2008, 11:19
I think you can use those landscapes in offline local games but only on the system you bought the landscapes on. If you are playing on a different 360 then I think you need to be logged into xbox live with the account that purchased the DLC (you don't need gold). You can migrate all purchased content from one 360 to another but only once every 12 months.

Livlig
18 Jan 2009, 12:29
Since there's apparently no hope for DLC to Worms, what about Worms XLA: 2? I for one would like to see some cooperation with Epic or perhaps Bungie. Just imagine executing a worm with the chainsaw bayonet, or using a needler as small homing missiles. The day this is incorporated in a Worms game is probably also the day hell freezes over. But I can always wish!

imhome24
19 Jan 2009, 21:29
Yeah we could only hope for a sequel....but you never know. One of the best games on live still.

Criminal
17 Feb 2009, 23:11
Is there ragdoll (or ragworm) physics in thi game ?

Plasma
19 Feb 2009, 14:29
Is there ragdoll (or ragworm) physics in thi game ?
...
It's a 2D game. Using solid sprites.
In other words, no.

Squirminator2k
19 Feb 2009, 20:55
Actually the worms are vector graphics. Good jorb, Plasma.

Plasma
20 Feb 2009, 22:34
Actually the worms are vector graphics. Good jorb, Plasma.
What, seriously? As in, rendered in-game? I never knew that, I presumed they were the usual plain sprites.

Squirminator2k
20 Feb 2009, 23:35
They're sprites on the DS versions of WOW and WOW2, but they're vectors on the PSP and Xbox versions (and presumably the Wii and PS3 versions as well).

Extremist2
19 May 2011, 05:21
I've got 50 MS points left over. Does anyone have pictures of the third dashboard theme?

Extremist2
23 May 2011, 08:53
I went for it. It's alright. A few minimalist shots of worms posing. :p

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