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IO Interactive explains Hitman release
- Thread starter Messofanego
- Start date
More_Badass
Member
It's unfinished in the same sense a Telltale game is unfinished. Content, not features.
Dyson Industries
Banned
IO has a significant amount of trust to regain after the lorry wreck that was Absolution, but they're certainly saying all the correct things to pique my interest. That Paris clip looked wonderful.
The sole redeeming factor in Absolution, along with refined controls. As I stated, IO is saying the right things to bring me back into the fold.
lotsofotherstuff
Member
Im surprised people are so against it. Telltale has been doing this for years and I haven't heard any real complains about that.
I actually like the episodic way of releasing a game. I dont have time to put in 10-15 hours in a game at once. Give me it in 2-4 hour chunks and I'll be happy.
I actually like the episodic way of releasing a game. I dont have time to put in 10-15 hours in a game at once. Give me it in 2-4 hour chunks and I'll be happy.
They get your $60 without having to make a full game. Then they can scale the post-launch content depending on sales.
I can see it being a viable model for certain franchises, especially ones having to follow up a failure like Absolution. Why risk a normal budget on a niche franchise when you can make half the game, charge full price and then decide how much to spend on the other half.
Juke Joint Jezebel
Member
Waiting for the disc release, then waiting for a big discount. Don't want to have to pay full price for something that's a work in progress. Also, after Absolution, I'm cautious about the gameplay of this one.
which is ironic because it would be a sale on an incomplete game.............
I'll just wait for full release. There is plenty coming this fall anyways.
This kind of model seems to fit the game perfectly. They've already described a massive initial game and are charging no more for ongoing content. Sounds like a much better business model than asking for more money for expansions that your players may not be interested in investing.
This. I'll just wait for the physical release.
This was gross with Splatoon and it's gross with Hitman.
Just delay the stupid game and release it when it's complete. Making people play $60 for an unfinished game when the average gamer does not finish their game is just copping out for maximum cash.
Will buy in December 2016 for half price on Steam.
Just delay the stupid game and release it when it's complete. Making people play $60 for an unfinished game when the average gamer does not finish their game is just copping out for maximum cash.
Will buy in December 2016 for half price on Steam.
TheSpoiler
Member
It was annoying with Splatoon moreso because it was already on the disc, IIRC. It seemed more like an artificial way of extending replay, but you could argue against that since it is a multiplayer game.
As hardcore hitman players have described, this could work well for the series given that this title is moving back to the open-sandboxy nature instead of a trigger-focused narrative.
So, if the game comes out with 15 gigantic levels with many ways to assassinate a target, and THEN drops more continuously, I don't see it as too much of a problem. I feel people on wanting all of the content at once, but if the game is definitely feature complete and we get new shit as time goes on, I'm okay with it.
But this relies on Hitman being so well crafted that the levels have such varied pathways to take on missions that players won't get bored of it and shelve that sucker. Hopefully the beta impressions are a good baseline of quality.
As hardcore hitman players have described, this could work well for the series given that this title is moving back to the open-sandboxy nature instead of a trigger-focused narrative.
So, if the game comes out with 15 gigantic levels with many ways to assassinate a target, and THEN drops more continuously, I don't see it as too much of a problem. I feel people on wanting all of the content at once, but if the game is definitely feature complete and we get new shit as time goes on, I'm okay with it.
But this relies on Hitman being so well crafted that the levels have such varied pathways to take on missions that players won't get bored of it and shelve that sucker. Hopefully the beta impressions are a good baseline of quality.
Chance Hale
Member
I don't understand why people can't wait to see what is in the full game before freaking out. If you aren't satisfied with what they include at launch than go ahead and wait until later before buying it.
Wish they would show the alpha footage so people would realize how incredible this is looking to be.
Wish they would show the alpha footage so people would realize how incredible this is looking to be.
soul creator
Member
It's always interesting to see the debate when defining a "complete" game. We've been dealing with MMO's, multiplayer games, expansion packs, episodic games, DLC, F2P games, etc. for like 20 years now, so it's not like the idea of "base game with more content added later" is some completely new thing. It's just new for the Hitman series specifically.
And I guess the new thing is that they're saying up front they'll release more content, rather than saving it for a sequel or something. But considering how Hitman is structured (large, self-contained sandbox levels), this model seems to fit. I feel like when people think of Hitman fondly, they don't think of some regular campaign progression with some awesome rollercoaster setpiece at the end. They think of all the cool little player-created moments in each mission that emerge from the interplay of the Hitman mechanics. Something that you can still very much communicate in a game released in a "limited" fashion.
A "complete" video game seems to be whatever you want it to be, and whatever an individual feels is worth the money, since not all games follow the logic of traditional stories with a set beginning, middle, and end. If Hitman comes out this year, and the few base levels don't seem worth the money, that's understandable. But I don't think it's some shock to think that some people might feel the base game is worth it, because it's (ideally) the type of game that's meant to be replayable and open-ended, and can't just be summed up with an arbitrary level count. Numerous other games do this all the time, I guess people are just not used to it with single player games?
And I guess the new thing is that they're saying up front they'll release more content, rather than saving it for a sequel or something. But considering how Hitman is structured (large, self-contained sandbox levels), this model seems to fit. I feel like when people think of Hitman fondly, they don't think of some regular campaign progression with some awesome rollercoaster setpiece at the end. They think of all the cool little player-created moments in each mission that emerge from the interplay of the Hitman mechanics. Something that you can still very much communicate in a game released in a "limited" fashion.
A "complete" video game seems to be whatever you want it to be, and whatever an individual feels is worth the money, since not all games follow the logic of traditional stories with a set beginning, middle, and end. If Hitman comes out this year, and the few base levels don't seem worth the money, that's understandable. But I don't think it's some shock to think that some people might feel the base game is worth it, because it's (ideally) the type of game that's meant to be replayable and open-ended, and can't just be summed up with an arbitrary level count. Numerous other games do this all the time, I guess people are just not used to it with single player games?
VibratingDonkey
Member
The December release must prove its worth. Also by then they need to share a roadmap more detailed than "more stuff before the end of 2016". The December release will be a known quantity. This future content might not be, and the idea of paying for something you don't know how much it is, what it is or when you'll get it, is not very appealing.
Codemasters did the exact same thing with Dirt Rally. Only that's a $30 early access game. I get that S-E-IO needs to make the PR distinction because the early access tag comes with some baggage that'll probably confuse things, but really, Hitman is an early access release, just done in a cleaner, more professionally structured, polished, presentable, episodic-ish way.
Anyway, Dirt Rally arguably had enough stuff on day one to where the price felt acceptable, they did have the entire roadmap of the year ready, and as far as I know they've hit those dates pretty well so far. Don't think anyone was particularly shitting on them for releasing the game this way. So this strategy can work out to where everyone's content.
Codemasters did the exact same thing with Dirt Rally. Only that's a $30 early access game. I get that S-E-IO needs to make the PR distinction because the early access tag comes with some baggage that'll probably confuse things, but really, Hitman is an early access release, just done in a cleaner, more professionally structured, polished, presentable, episodic-ish way.
Anyway, Dirt Rally arguably had enough stuff on day one to where the price felt acceptable, they did have the entire roadmap of the year ready, and as far as I know they've hit those dates pretty well so far. Don't think anyone was particularly shitting on them for releasing the game this way. So this strategy can work out to where everyone's content.
keltickennedy
Member
They have said that the "full" game will be done in 2016. They don't have time to see how much money they make come December then decide on what post-launch content they are willing to make. Especially with how big and detailed they are making the individual levels. IO isn't the size of Ubisoft. I would pretty much guarantee that all the intended content is already in development. What will change is features and maybe tweaks to specific mechanics from community feedback.
Juke Joint Jezebel
Member
Yup. They also need to tell us whether we'll get a coherent complete story upon release too, I think that's one of the main things people want right out the gate. A story with a beginning, middle and end for full RRP. Asking people for full price upon release without a fleshed out, complete schedule and full explanation of what you'll get for that money before launch would be suicide.
MrCompletely
Member
Miles Quaritch
Member
We get multiple locations at launch and considering just how big one of them looks (check the Hitman thread, there's a webm showing just how insanely big it is), I imagine people will be playing fairly regularly during the wait for the next location release.
The Lamonster
Member
Gamers for the most part are so migratory, I really don't know if this method of releasing a game is going to be very successful.
Personally, I tend to 1) get excited about a game, 2) hopefully play it within the following 6-12 months, 3) completely devour its content, and 4) (maybe) return to it several years later.
Personally, I tend to 1) get excited about a game, 2) hopefully play it within the following 6-12 months, 3) completely devour its content, and 4) (maybe) return to it several years later.
JimmyJones
Banned
I don't care about the episodic stuff as long as it's Blood Money 2. It's fucked up this is the way the industry is going though.
Svartafaran
Member
Yes it is a great deal isnt it?
Doctor Decimate
Member
They need to be very up front with the proposed release schedule and the amount of content you get on day one. The fact that they're being rather vague about this is not doing them any favors.
ViewtifulJC
Banned
I think they're still figuring that out right now. I'm sure as they get closer to launch, they'll have more concrete detail over what you get day one, and the timetable for more content.
Primethius
Banned
I'm hesitant about this method of content distribution but I don't think it'll bother me too much if the base game lives up to the impressions which paint it as a Blood Money sequel.
Rebel Leader
THE POWER OF BUTTERSCOTCH BOTTOMS
Bad company did it eariler
More_Badass
Member
It's a game that was revealed last month, and just had a closed alpha test
Game still has months to go. I imagine they'll have more concrete details closer to launch
This really isn't very similar to Splatoon from what I can tell. First, that game has seemingly everything locked on the disc and has a dripfeed out to users, which I wasn't a fan of in an MP centric game that was already lacking maps at launch. This makes repetition set in much faster and already killed my interest in the game before the 'big' update in august which actually lets me properly play with my damn friends.
SP games have mostly done this on a smaller scale with the episodic story based games ala Life is Strange, and all the Telltale stuff, but it works out fine there for the most part. While this approach would be ill suited for a lot of different games, Hitman is one I can see pulling it off due to the sandbox nature of a level and the replayability each one adds--atleast to me, I'm fine with this. Otherwise you can just wait, since as they said here the retail release is held back until the game has the 2016 updates within it. Much like you can also wait and get the Walking Dead for like 2 dollars and marathon that shit instead of anticipating the leadup to finish everything off, which some people don't like.
SP games have mostly done this on a smaller scale with the episodic story based games ala Life is Strange, and all the Telltale stuff, but it works out fine there for the most part. While this approach would be ill suited for a lot of different games, Hitman is one I can see pulling it off due to the sandbox nature of a level and the replayability each one adds--atleast to me, I'm fine with this. Otherwise you can just wait, since as they said here the retail release is held back until the game has the 2016 updates within it. Much like you can also wait and get the Walking Dead for like 2 dollars and marathon that shit instead of anticipating the leadup to finish everything off, which some people don't like.
Doctor Decimate
Member
Probably, but it's not exactly winning them any fans at the moment. If they're gonna try out this business model, they need to have the specifics in place or it invites the extreme skepticism that has pretty much overshadowed everything else about the game. I love Hitman and I hope it all turns out well, but this game's reveal has been a bit of a mess.
More_Badass
Member
Hard to be specific about anything when you're still doing alpha tests and the game is months from release. Would you rather have uncertain answers now or definite concrete details later?
People need to be more patient.
Militaratus
Member
You know you've messed up when you need to explain how the release of your game works.
I'll just wait for the retail version to keep things simple.
I'll just wait for the retail version to keep things simple.
I really like what I see and can't wait to play, but each time they keep explaining the release model, it gets more disappointing. The game already has much more potential than Absolution could have ever had, I just can't shake the feeling that they want to treat this game as a service when it doesn't need to be. Even if it's all free, why is it so important to keep the customer playing a single player game all year round?
Doctor Decimate
Member
I don't think they should have revealed their release plans at all until they knew for sure what their schedule was going to be and how much was going to be available in December. Maybe that sounds a little dishonest, but with the way they've done it, all people are doing is asking questions and wondering if it'll be worth it until they actually reveal those plans. They can show gameplay demos and trailers until then, but people are going to watch them and wonder how much they're going to get and when they'll get more of it instead of just appreciating what's being shown to them.
Basketball
Member
Square probably needed the extra revenue for the quarter and pushed the IO to do this garbage
The game probably would have came out next year completed
The game probably would have came out next year completed
jim2point0
Banned
This... sounds like something I absolutely do not want. WTF?
This sounds awful. How are people even going to review this game?
Delusibeta
Banned
Honestly? It's Early Access the way Infinifactory and Dirt Rally (and Splatoon) did it. The game will launch where it's essentially done, if content-light and during the Early Access period more stuff would be added to it. It's the best kind of Early Access, but it's still Early Access. I can see why they're trying to avoid the label.
Of course, the big questions will be how much content will be available day one, and how much will be available at the end (i.e. before they start charging extra for it). With that said, I don't really understand why people are upset about this, since there's been several AAA games that launch content-light and never add anything to them (hello, The Order), and at least IO is being upfront about it being a bit on the light side initially (unlike, say, The Order)
Of course, the big questions will be how much content will be available day one, and how much will be available at the end (i.e. before they start charging extra for it). With that said, I don't really understand why people are upset about this, since there's been several AAA games that launch content-light and never add anything to them (hello, The Order), and at least IO is being upfront about it being a bit on the light side initially (unlike, say, The Order)
Messofanego
Banned
Other games have done live events, basically daily or weekly challenges that you can miss out on. Rayman Legends and Spelunky were some, and I'm sure multiplayer games have done that too. It's never affected the ability to review a game, because it's just side content.
This is my most anticipated game. I look forward to the evolution of challenges, new weekly hits, and just keeping Hitman levels fresh. If they are scaled properly massive like in Blood Money, it could be something absolutely spectacular. I like that there'll be new contracts, and challenges. I just want it to have enough creativity and a great disguise system, to ensure replayability.
jim2point0
Banned
My comment about reviewing the game was more or less about the fact that it's not shipping as a complete game. But I guess people will just review it as is when it ships.
Splatoon was reviewed at release, much to the chagrin of some people.
I'm totally fine with them doing the Early Access model or Episodic model but they need to price accordingly.
$60 is insane. If the game launches with half the content of a normal game with a "promise of more content" it should be like $40.
Because, you know, they can totally just make half a game, take everyone's money at $60 and not bother putting anything but the minimal amount of time and effort into the rest of the game with some back up small team that usually does DLC while the main team moves on to their next project. The big publisher game industry is not usually known for being charitable and giving you more than you pay for.
$60 is insane. If the game launches with half the content of a normal game with a "promise of more content" it should be like $40.
Because, you know, they can totally just make half a game, take everyone's money at $60 and not bother putting anything but the minimal amount of time and effort into the rest of the game with some back up small team that usually does DLC while the main team moves on to their next project. The big publisher game industry is not usually known for being charitable and giving you more than you pay for.
Messofanego
Banned
But wouldn't shipping technically mean when it's as a retail physical disc version, so critics shouldn't have a problem reviewing at that time in 2016? It'll depend on the outlets, whether they want to review the game as is when it's released on December with the first piece of content like episodic game reviewing or when it's fully done like when a game comes out of early access. Either way, I'm not an editor of these outlets, so it doesn't bother me so much when there still will be impressions.
More_Badass
Member
Maybe it's just me, but sometimes the game community seems way too jaded.
Then again, I rarely buy AAA games.
NullPointer
Member
This game is its own season pass. Yikes.
No thanks for now, but I might jump in once the released content seems worth it.
I don't see how this model is in any way better than buying the game for $60 and having the entire thing. Feels like we're doing the dev a favor by paying full price early but giving them a year to actually create the game - for that convenience there should be at the very minimum some kind of discount for the user.
No thanks for now, but I might jump in once the released content seems worth it.
I don't see how this model is in any way better than buying the game for $60 and having the entire thing. Feels like we're doing the dev a favor by paying full price early but giving them a year to actually create the game - for that convenience there should be at the very minimum some kind of discount for the user.
What I foresee--
Release schedule:
HITMAN will be released December 8, with installments oh lets say four “locations” released every three months in 2016: March, June, Sept, December (final)
What will happen:
HITMAN will be released December 8 with a buggy launch, location one bumped to May 2016, location two bumped to October 2016, location three January 2017, location four March 2017.
This game will not be finished at release, otherwise why not release it all at once. Hope I’m wrong, sounds promising and I enjoy the series.
Release schedule:
HITMAN will be released December 8, with installments oh lets say four “locations” released every three months in 2016: March, June, Sept, December (final)
What will happen:
HITMAN will be released December 8 with a buggy launch, location one bumped to May 2016, location two bumped to October 2016, location three January 2017, location four March 2017.
This game will not be finished at release, otherwise why not release it all at once. Hope I’m wrong, sounds promising and I enjoy the series.
