Game Expansions

So as we approach 1.0, I can see a lot that devs wanted to get in there isn't going to make it. How would you feel if they were able to add more to the game in the form of expansion packs like so many other games do?

 

...I thought constant expansion was the plan all along.

 

I assume they will sell some kind of expansion pack at some point.

 

If you're referring to the list of released changes -- keep in mind that the list is just that. Released changes. There's still a number of items done that are not on the list AND a number of items that are being worked on that will eventually be on the list in time for "1.0".

Additionally, the devs have already stated that they plan to update Starbound in the form of patches after it's release. I wouldn't rule out an expansion, but it would seem unlikely.

 

If they made expansion packs after the game is finished it would probably have to be for free seeing as how they've already delayed the original game.

 

I doubt we'll see paid expansions any time soon. With our large modding community and Tiy's recent statement about making SB open-source, there won't be much incentive for Chucklefish to release new, paid content. There's very little in the way of mechanics that they could add that the community won't have already thought of and attempted.

Lore-wise, I suppose it's possible that we could see some additions, though I can't see them being worthy of their own DLCs - they'll probably just take the form of free content updates. That all depends on how compelling the lore turns out to be in the finished game.

Given those facts, I can't see how developing DLCs for SB makes financial sense for the company. They'd be better off re-allocating much of the talent they had working on Starbound to the development of a new game, while keeping on some core team-members to roll out regular updates.

 

The way a lot of games like this work, is to release continuous updates, even after release. Look at games like Team Fortress 2, Minecraft, even Terraria to a lesser extent. These games hit full version a while ago, yet continue to update for free. Expansion packs and DLC are more like optional content additions for a price. Chucklefish has already stated that the only money they're charging for Starbound is the initial purchase price of the game. No DLC, no "expansion packs". It's all free updates.

 

Do you think they will add select mods to the official game after 1.0?

 

Well, they already HAVE added some mods to the game. Skyrails were a community mod.
I definitely see it happening in the future, especially with Metadept on the team, who started out just making mods for the game before Chucklefish hired him.

 

In an immediate case it doesn't, but in the long-term?

It builds goodwill and trust in the consumer that Chucklefish is gonna stick with a product and deliver a hefty amount for the dollar. More people are more likely to buy a future new game from them if past experience tells them "they' put out a ton of stuff for a long time... and also makes people more likely to buy the game in the first place for a long time after its initial release if it's still "live" and they see "holy wow I get all THAT?".

(Team Fortress 2 is probably the perfect example, thanks SeaMichelle.)

 

the biggest problem with them making paid updates is they have said that they are doing free updates
when they gave a estimate for an updates release and missed it, people went crazy, threatening to kill the devs among other things.
if they change the "free updates" policy they have... I dont want to think about what people will do

 

I'll start by saying I think it's highly unlikely that they'll do paid updates. However, if they finish what they set out to do, then decide to charge for anything after that mark, no one has any right to complain. (but yea, they totally would)

 

I don't recall ever saying anything about the updates being not-free.

 

The one you quoted was. That's probably why he assumed you were. /shrug

 

Fair enough. Bit of a reading bungle on my part.

But yeah. I can see this getting free content updates for a fair while on into the future.

 

Actually they've gone on record to say that they ARE.
Tiy's even recently said that the team currently has enough money to fund Starbound for another 9 years at least, and that's just their current balance, nevermind the money they're bound to make when Starbound updates, when Wayward Tide starts up, etc.
With that in mind, I don't think they'd ask for money for updates.

(reference: http://blog.chucklefish.org/?p=327 )