Thoughts on online gaming

What initially started my thoughts on this obviously was the whole uproar over being charged for themes, gamerpics, and of course, the hottest item of debate, the horse armor for oblivion. I find it very surprising myself that a lot of companies seem to "not know" what they should be charging for a product over download. What these people have in front of them is an opportunity for independent thought. Before you place something up for download, ask yourself these questions.

1)What would I pay for this item?
2)Is it something that is merely cosmetic, or functional
3)Is there more that could be added to this to justify a higher price tag?
4)Has this company tried running a multiple choice poll on the website to get a "feel" for how the gamers think about the cost of said item/items?

Next gen console wars are starting to heat up quickly guys. You need to start putting more serious thoughts on what you want to put out, and how you are going to distribute the product along with what size download. The oblivion horse pack would not have been so controversial if it had come with a few extras. While this does require more work and getting paid less, we as a gaming public are more inclined to actually pay for things when we feel we are getting our moneys worth.

On the topic of themes and gamerpictures, you guys seriously need to cut the charging out for this. These are ways for gamers to support and speak out for their favorite games. Consider it marketing or promotional material. If for example a gamer happens to like the idea of the new tomb raider game, has played the demo, has seen the trailer, and wants to make himself more into the game, then the pictures or themes for free wouldnt be that bad of an idea. I can understand charging for the themes, but its a little on the highside at the moment. People will pay for skins, extra quests, but you also might want to consider (after costs have been recouped of course) making them free eventually. Mechassault for the original xbox still is up for download for the obligitory cash of 5.99 this is a prime example of what Im speaking of. Its not to say that the content isnt worth the extra cost, but the cost of developing this extra content has no current leg to stand on so to speak. My reccomendation would be a minimum of six months for charged downloads, then cut the cost to a discount followed finally by a gratis download after full costs have been recouped.If you believe this to be a bad idea, historically speaking I merely will point out to you that bungie did it rather well with the halo 2 map and autoupdates. Bungie recieved more than enough financial reimbursement for this idea, but once the costs and profit margines were settled, they were offered for download at no cost.

Give us what we want, at a reasonable cost for the content, and we will continue to play and play happily. There will always be price gouging no matter where you go or what you do, but I think its going to be interesting when you look overall at the picture of gamers vs developers when things start to settle down on the marketplace and a meetingpoint between the two is finally made.