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Battlefield Heroes: Pricing restructured
EA implement radical new strategy for their free to play shooter. Some gamers aren't very happy
Written by Andy Griffiths, 02 December 2009
EA and DICE unleashed a dramatic and seemingly successful experiment when they released Battlefield Heroes earlier this year. Their new shooter was aimed at the casual market where gamers would earn XP and VP (Valor Points) to purchase in game items like weapons, outfits and power-ups.
Players could very easily never spend any money to increase their combat proficiency, as the bandages and weaponry could be purchased by using the Valour Points, which you freely accumulated during play. Alternatively you could also purchase Battle Funds from the official website for a premium rate, they offered the immediacy which Valor Points lacked.
The idea behind the revenue model was that the few who were willing to pay would subsidise the many who didn't need to splash the cash as they played the game all the time. It seems as though the free-loading is about to cease though, if the most recent price amendments, found on the official Battlefield forums, are anything to go by:
- All Valor Point items have had their Valor Point price increased
- All Valor Point clothing items and emotes are now also available permanently for Battlefunds
- Items that are available for Valor Points are still available, now for 1 or 3-day rental
-Bandages and Wrenches simplified: levels 1-4 for Bandages and Wrenches were removed. Everyone uses Level 5 now.
PCGZine Issue 39
For our latest Battlefield coverage, click here to download PCGZine Issue 39 for free.-Bandages and Wrenches are still available for Valor Points - in increments of 10 uses
Bandages and Wrenches are now also available for Battlefunds:
- 50 uses: only 35 Battlefunds!
- 110 uses: only 70 Battlefunds! (10 bonus uses!)
These new adjustments seem to suggest that not enough players were footing the bill by purchasing Battlefunds and now even basic items like bandages will require money or substantially more personal investment to earn enough Valor Points.
Understandably many fans are upset and feel that the new strategy invalidates the original aims of Battlefield Heroes, to provide progression without needless grinding.
We are caught in two minds over this, as the price hike is obviously unfortunate for the community, but EA and DICE do need to recoup at least some cash for the investment they've made. It's a very sensitive issue and we can't see an easy solution which will make both parties happy.
We'll keep you updated on this moral tug of war regarding Battlefield Heroes' soul.
Battlefield coverage available in PCGZine Issue 39 - click here to download it for free!
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