EA has sent word that two all-new multiplayer maps for Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will be “unlocked” on March 2nd when the game launches in North America. This map pack, which is on the game disc and unlocked via a VIP code included with every new copy of the game, features the Laguna Alta map playable in Conquest mode and Nelson Bay map playable in Rush mode, bringing the total number of multiplayer maps up to 10. Of course, those that purchase the game used or those that misplace their code will have to fork over $15 to acquire the additional content.
Later in March, DICE plans to release yet another map pack at no extra charge to players with the access codes, delivering a chance to experience the Arica Harbor map in Conquest mode and Laguna Presa map in Rush mode.
“Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will redefine online modern warfare on March 2. We are deeply committed to the FPS community and Battlefield fans worldwide,” said Patrick Bach, Senior Producer for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. “These first two map packs are just the beginning. We’re planning ongoing support for the community by always keeping the experience fresh and ensuring the best possible gameplay experience.”
So, while nothing new, we’re interested in hearing what everyone thinks about the whole code thing. Does it make a different to you that the content is in fact on the disc and not accessible to those without a code (confirmed via Kotaku). How much different is it than something you would have to download to acquire? Fair, not fair, what? Let us (and EA) know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will be in stores on March 2, 2010 in North America and March 4, 2010 in Europe for the 360, PS3, and PC.
the late march content is already on disc but they don’t want to release it day 1? despicable business practice
Well i dont mind EA’s “project 10$ as it only effects 2nd had market and most of time you cant sell your PC games(CD-key).
And seeing that future map packs are free with this system should be good for evereone.
From http://blogs.battlefield.ea.com/
VIP codes are included in the box for all new purchases. Players that buy used versions and don’t have a code can purchase one via the in-game store for $15. PC players will get the content as a game update.
Ha one perk for being PC gamer.
I like that they are trying to get people to buy the game new but if you don’t it is $15 for 2 maps? I always hate when DLC is announced before a game, especially when they have the name of the map, etc. when they already have it named like above it seems like it is already done before the games out and they are just holding on to it to make more money. Although, if you buy it new the maps are free, so I’m okay with this.
I think this is a legitimate way to combat used game sales, as publishers really get hurt by them. What I would really like to see is the publishers strike a deal with retailers to get a piece of used game sales (the way it should be) so they don’t need to put the financial burden on us via these charges though.
And I agree with Eclipse, $15 for two maps sounds like alot. But maybe this works like the Cerberus network where you pay $15 once, and get all the future content.
Another thought – I wonder if this means ALL future DLC for BFBC2 will be free for those who bought the game new?? Then I am definitely ok with this!!
charging the people who buy used games 15 bucks sounds like a great idea to me
hopefully gamestop will feel it and be forced to make a deal with developers where developers won’t make these kinds of DLC anymore, and developers will actually get money for used games being sold
doubt it…
I see why they’d want to do this but how about a solution that doesn’t screw the customer? Not everyone is excited enough about BC to buy it for 60 bucks, and if they buy it used and grow to like it, they’re going to get ripped off.
I say, encourage day one purchase in more gentle way. Include a one-time code with every new game that will give players a discount on every DLC released for that game, for example. $15 for 2 maps is not encouragement, it says: “oh well, if you don’t buy our games new, you WILL regret it!”
First of all, I understand that some of the publishers want to increase their sales by making people buy new because they don’t get a cut if people buy used. But only the hard core gamers buy day one. So its not going to make a difference, at least not for me. But I’m really starting to feel nickle-n-dimed for every bloody thing and EA is the worst!
It’s only fair if, sometime in the future, these maps become available to anyone at no extra cost.
Right now, they try to attract as many preorders as possible and give consumers a reason not to sell the game to soon. But this policy is justified for about 6-12 months after release, depending on what other DLC plans they may have, or until the first price drop. After that a patch should be released to unlock these maps to all gamers. ThurmanMurman’s idea is also good.
It doesn’t really affect me because I don’t have any way to buy second hand games in my country, but I wish they’d stop doing stuff like this. It ruins the fun factor.
well for those who remember BF2 DICE made the content only originally available in the complete edition or 3 separate mini expansions, available for everyone after a patch late last year. i thought it was fair for those who bought it when it first came out and didn’t wait til a lot later (like me) to get them all in one package at a lower price. especially if like many of you they felt the content (which was only a few maps, weapons, items and a couple vehicles) should have been included with the game in the first place.
[...] play together. Getting the new maps ‘free’ only applies if you purchased the game new; the same unlock codes that got you the first on-disc maps when BBC2 launched will also score you this one for free. If [...]