Games With Gold: Too little, too late

[DrunkOnEstus]

You'll also note that next to the "free" Fable 3 are some boxes listing the over $15 dollars worth of DLC, not including all the DLC for clothes, dye, and other accessories within your pause menu. When it's Halo Reach, all the map packs are right there. It's kind of a backhanded gift: Games that have come bundled with the console before, are relatively old compared to X-Com, Deus Ex:HR, and Uncharted 3 on PS+, and an immediate request to spend money anyway to get the "true" experience of your free game.

Too little, too late isn't adequate enough to describe the situation. I'm frequently flabbergasted by how generous PS+ can be and actually postpone purchases under the pretense that they'll end up on plus remarkably soon. And the games don't feel cherrypicked to end up getting more money out of you as well through DLC. All I see is Microsoft being Microsoft, acting like they've done a good deed when the ulterior motive is right there in plain sight.

I know that whole thing sounded like Sony fanboy ranting (and because I said that, I'm now a Sony fanboy), but looking at them comparatively one can almost say that Gold even with the free game is objectively worse. I don't see any of the deep discounts on games for having gold either, the games on demand prices are pretty much etched in stone. But it is how it is, and people are welcome to be happy with whatever satisfies them.

 

[saintpinhead]

The DRM only sucked for certain people. We already do this on PC (Steam), phones, and arcade games. I wasn't happy about it at first, but after a while it wasn't to bad. It's childish crying that hold us back from everything. I believe they should of thought of an alternative for people that couldn't be online, but that is a different conversation.

As I was saying in my post wait and see what is to come since you don't have all the information to make a true complaint. You can act like you know everything, and try to belittle people the stand against your views. That still doesn't make you right. If you aren't happy later then tell us why. Don't try to complain and be a pain, because you think every time you do the company is going to swoop in and make everything right.

With the DRM there were tons of people complaining openly about it, but not this time because there are plenty happy with what is going on. Like I said last time stop being childish and wait to find out all the games before complaining. Right now you are coming off as that spoiled kid sitting in the parking lot throwing a fit because mommy and daddy bought you the old iPad and you wanted the new one. It's a game if you don't like it suck it up. Get off your soap box, pop your mother's tit out of your mouth and grow the hell up.

 

[Syzygy23]

None of those games appeal to me, as I have already played them (and found two out of the three to be lacking) On top of microsofts increasingly sleazy behavior and the mandatory evil camera attached to their console, I think I'll just keep saving my money to build a future-proofed PC. MAYBE get a PS4 if the exclusives get good reviews.

 

[saintpinhead]

I agree with the camera, I stated somewhere else that I think there is a court case in the works about it. They are currently saying that it can be turned off, but until I hear more on it, I'll not freak out yet. It seems like something they wouldn't be completely stupid about because that is against our civil rights if it is "spying" on us in any way. That would be a huge hit against the company if they were found out to be doing anything like that. Could you imagine the headlines.

 

[hooksashands]

It's a game if you don't like it suck it up. Get off your soap box, pop your mother's tit out of your mouth and grow the hell up.

This is the same attitude Adam Orth had shortly before he found himself out of a job. Good luck in the real world, where being a condescending prick gets you nowhere.

 

[saintpinhead]

Actually it's this type of attitude that got me the job I have. I don't cry when something doesn't go my way. Once you grow up and get a job you might understand that, until then do as I said in the last post.

 

[Something Amyss]

Because *you* primarily have multiplayer in mind does not mean that everybody else is the same, nor does it necessitate that people be unable to complain about even if it is just a temporary "promotion"

Honestly, could you explain why else one is buying a Gold membership? And why that person would not still see this as a bonus if they're already paying in?

 

[BartyMae]

Because *you* primarily have multiplayer in mind does not mean that everybody else is the same, nor does it necessitate that people be unable to complain about even if it is just a temporary "promotion"

Honestly, could you explain why else one is buying a Gold membership? And why that person would not still see this as a bonus if they're already paying in?

No idea, as I've never used Gold, (and I no longer even have a 360...nor any other "current"-gen consoles). Netflix, perhaps, could be part of the reason. Irrelevant to my point, however...it doesn't matter if it's a bonus if they're already unhappy with the service. The service is still inadequate in their eyes. And, unless I'm mistaken, that's what they're complaining about overall.

 

[Something Amyss]

No idea, as I've never used Gold, (and I no longer even have a 360...nor any other "current"-gen consoles). Netflix, perhaps, could be part of the reason. Irrelevant to my point, however...it doesn't matter if it's a bonus if they're already unhappy with the service. The service is still inadequate in their eyes. And, unless I'm mistaken, that's what they're complaining about overall.

So people are payig 60 dollars a year extra specifically for Netflix when they could buy a video player that's Netflix ready for that price?

Look, don't get me wrong here. I don't particularly have a dog in this fight; I think Gold was stupid in the first place, and only tolerated it because it was the only way to play with friends. I've never particularly liked it, and found attempts to "sweeten the pot" to be kind of stupid, especially since things like "early demos" and "Netflix" are things you can get on competing systems for free.

But that's the thing. It strikes me as really weird that people would buy into a multiplayer service for fringe benefits, so I got curious when the argument became "people might buy it for other reasons."

And while I won't begrudge people the right to complain, it seems especially weird from people who buoght into the service, as they're the ones who made it possible for Sony to charge this gen. The idea is so acceptable, despite everyone seemingly hating it. This is most likely the reason that Microsoft thought they could get away with daily checkins and used games only at authorised retailers--because we as a body tend to ***** and moan and then buy it anyway.

 

[BartyMae]

No idea, as I've never used Gold, (and I no longer even have a 360...nor any other "current"-gen consoles). Netflix, perhaps, could be part of the reason. Irrelevant to my point, however...it doesn't matter if it's a bonus if they're already unhappy with the service. The service is still inadequate in their eyes. And, unless I'm mistaken, that's what they're complaining about overall.

So people are payig 60 dollars a year extra specifically for Netflix when they could buy a video player that's Netflix ready for that price?

Look, don't get me wrong here. I don't particularly have a dog in this fight; I think Gold was stupid in the first place, and only tolerated it because it was the only way to play with friends. I've never particularly liked it, and found attempts to "sweeten the pot" to be kind of stupid, especially since things like "early demos" and "Netflix" are things you can get on competing systems for free.

But that's the thing. It strikes me as really weird that people would buy into a multiplayer service for fringe benefits, so I got curious when the argument became "people might buy it for other reasons."

And while I won't begrudge people the right to complain, it seems especially weird from people who buoght into the service, as they're the ones who made it possible for Sony to charge this gen. The idea is so acceptable, despite everyone seemingly hating it. This is most likely the reason that Microsoft thought they could get away with daily checkins and used games only at authorised retailers--because we as a body tend to ***** and moan and then buy it anyway.

Hey man, you're preaching to the choir. My last console was (and probably will be) a Wii...which I now use pretty much exclusively for watching Netflix on TV, (which isn't often, because I usually prefer watching on my actual computer)...because there were basically no games I wanted to play throughout the entire bloody generation, and I've discovered since buying one that I despise motion controls. Kind of a pathetic use for a console, huh?

I will note, however, that I didn't say that Netflix could be the ONLY reason...but merely a part of the reason. Obviously, at least in my opinion, you'd be a complete chump for buying Gold just for Netflix.

 

[Something Amyss]

Hey man, you're preaching to the choir. My last console was (and probably will be) a Wii...which I now use pretty much exclusively for watching Netflix on TV, (which isn't often, because I usually prefer watching on my actual computer)...because there were basically no games I wanted to play throughout the entire bloody generation, and I've discovered since buying one that I despise motion controls. Kind of a pathetic use for a console, huh?

I will note, however, that I didn't say that Netflix could be the ONLY reason...but merely a part of the reason. Obviously, at least in my opinion, you'd be a complete chump for buying Gold just for Netflix.

I'd say besides multiplayer, there really aren't enough reasons to purchase gold. I'd also say the opposite of Playstation Plus, that the price is justified by offline content alone. Of course, these are my own opinions, but 4-8 games a month and some handy sales are pretty nice. Though the sale prices rarely match Steam, but If you really want exclusives or console play.

I ended up giving my Wii to my mom and while I still own a PS3 and a 360, I find myself migrating more and more to PC games. I no longer really have a reason to buy gold, because none of my friends play anything but Call of Duty these days. I'm migrating to PC, though it wasn't really intentionally, for similar reasons to you. I upgraded my graphics card to one that will tide me until we start getting heavy "next-gen" hitters as part of my latest upgrade, and now the only thing I really need to run well is a better processor, and my Steam library is slowly growing. Of course, it was growing even before I upgraded, but I had to be careful as my graphics card was cared across the desert by Moses.

In any event, I'm not sure I'm renewing Gold because there isn't much there. And I certainly doubt I'll miss it.

 

[BartyMae]

Hey man, you're preaching to the choir. My last console was (and probably will be) a Wii...which I now use pretty much exclusively for watching Netflix on TV, (which isn't often, because I usually prefer watching on my actual computer)...because there were basically no games I wanted to play throughout the entire bloody generation, and I've discovered since buying one that I despise motion controls. Kind of a pathetic use for a console, huh?

I will note, however, that I didn't say that Netflix could be the ONLY reason...but merely a part of the reason. Obviously, at least in my opinion, you'd be a complete chump for buying Gold just for Netflix.

I'd say besides multiplayer, there really aren't enough reasons to purchase gold. I'd also say the opposite of Playstation Plus, that the price is justified by offline content alone. Of course, these are my own opinions, but 4-8 games a month and some handy sales are pretty nice. Though the sale prices rarely match Steam, but If you really want exclusives or console play.

I ended up giving my Wii to my mom and while I still own a PS3 and a 360, I find myself migrating more and more to PC games. I no longer really have a reason to buy gold, because none of my friends play anything but Call of Duty these days. I'm migrating to PC, though it wasn't really intentionally, for similar reasons to you. I upgraded my graphics card to one that will tide me until we start getting heavy "next-gen" hitters as part of my latest upgrade, and now the only thing I really need to run well is a better processor, and my Steam library is slowly growing. Of course, it was growing even before I upgraded, but I had to be careful as my graphics card was cared across the desert by Moses.

In any event, I'm not sure I'm renewing Gold because there isn't much there. And I certainly doubt I'll miss it.

Actually, I migrated to PC years and years ago. I received both my 360 and Wii as gifts of sorts. I had little to no interest back when THEY were new - and now I have absolutely none in the new generation. Consoles just aren't for me anymore, I guess.

Even WITH multiplayer, I think there's little reason to buy Gold, unless that is literally your only choice...which, it unfortunately is, if you want to play multiplayer on your 360. That, combined with Gold not being worth it overall, (as you mentioned), even with so-called temporary "fringe" benefits which they PAY for, (regardless of what certain other users say), is what I feel is the OP's actual complaint.

 

[hooksashands]

UPDATE

Xbox Live appears to have pulled Games With Gold. As of this writing, all traces of the promotion have vanished. There is no mention of any giveaway for this month. Poof. Gone.

Microsoft can't even deliver on their own lackluster promise, thus I won't be renewing my Gold service if this is true.
Edit:
UPDATE UPDATE
My bad. I was mistaken.
http://majornelson.com/2013/06/30/games-with-gold-for-july-1-defense-grid-the-awakening/
(Big thanks to Daveman247)

Actually it's this type of attitude that got me the job I have. I don't cry when something doesn't go my way. Once you grow up and get a job you might understand that, until then do as I said in the last post.

I love how you assume I'm A) not an adult and B) don't have a job. Those are both wrong guesses, but good try. =)

EDIT: Also, there is a clear difference between crying when something doesn't go your way and realizing when you're being taken advantage of as a paying customer.

 

[daveman247]

snip

Well actually the game they are giving away next is going to be defense grid - a live arcade tower defence game.

Source - http://majornelson.com/2013/06/30/games-with-gold-for-july-1-defense-grid-the-awakening/

I know you can't really complain over a "free" game but this "offer" hasn't really started with a bang has it? :/ Can't really compare to playstation plus. Defence grid is a good game, but its not exactly the same as battlefield 3 is it? Maybe something great next time?

 

[hooksashands]

snip

Good eye. Just a tad suspicious that the promo link is now 404.

What they ought to do is have people vote on games from a list. The one that receives the most votes will be first for the month, then the one in 2nd place will be next.

 

[daveman247]

snip

Good eye. Just a tad suspicious that the promo link is now 404.

What they ought to do is have people vote on games from a list. The one that receives the most votes will be first for the month, then the one in 2nd place will be next.

Yes a great idea. In fact the top comment on the article I linked is just that

The other comments... mostly disappointment. It seems many thought halo and ass creed were next on the list.

 

[hooksashands]

Ouch. Yea, some of those comments make my thread look like... a gentle lashing in comparison. I don't hate MS, but I'm seriously starting to wonder who's charge of their marketing division, and how they decide to throw out their offers/deals. When I read that PS+ members get Sleeping Dogs (a game that's barely been out a year) my jaw came unhinged. Where's our Mass Effect 1 or 2? Red Dead Redemption? Hell, I'll even take a grade C that didn't sell very good (Timeshift for example), or oh my goodness, there's hundreds to choose from on the best seller/game year of the year list alone! How do they possibly screw this up?! I can name at least 5 Arcade games that wouldn't mind owning with no price tag (Scott Pilgrim, Geometry Wars 2, Bastion, Hard Corps: Uprising, Monday Night Combat). I don't think it's greedy to ask for a game I already got with the friggin' Humble Bundle!

*foams at mouth*
=/~

Everyone please recommend a game you want to see in Games With Gold before the year is up.

 

[Troublesome Lagomorph]

Really? You people are going to ***** about being given free games now? It's fucking free!!!!

I don't have copies laying around of any of those titles, and even if I did I'd download them anyway. They're fucking free.

Totally free. Yep. Except for the part where you have to subscribe to the service to receive them - i.e. pay.

You mean the service I was going to pay for anyway, and as a paying customer am very satisfied with?

Yeah I'm totally getting fleeced, bro.

I've never understood how someone can be satisfied to pay to access the multiplayer for the game they already bought. It blows my mind.
Also, Halo 3 and Fable 3 are really, really, really, REALLY bad games. Seriously. AC2's alright, though.

GoG gives you better freebies, and they're ACTUALLY free.
Seriously: Ultima 4. Nuff said.

 

[Gone Rampant]

Yes, because I obviously want a ten dollar tower defense game over something of value, like, I don't know, an actual frigging Game? Like the ones you promised, Micro$oft?

 

[Guy from the 80's]

Give me a second for I need to pick my jaw off of the floor with this banquet of generosity on Microsoft's part for giving us free games that came out in 2010, 2009, and 2007 respectively

Would you expect them to give you new games?