The current DLC policy Paradox has is presumably making a humongous profit, seeing as they keep doing it despite very vocal backlash from their fanbase. I however, think it could be a destructive business decision for Paradox in the long-term. I’ll explain why.
Most Paradox games are notorious for their complexity. Some of their hallmark games such as Europa Universales or Crusader Kings are presumably the most complex games I have ever seen. It is *not* easy for new players to start playing such games that have such a steep learning curve. It is for that reason Paradox is dependent on fanbase retention far more than other gaming companies.
This is why I am skeptical of the long-term effects of the current DLC policy. It may have an impressive profit margin, but it is also very effective at upsetting the fanbase. The general impression of Paradox has changed over the past two years. It went from well respected, to humorous DLC spammer, and is now beginning to reach disrespected and untrustworthy. How long until Paradox start to lose more fans than they can regain (due to the difficulty of adopting new players for Paradox specifically)?
Paradox has to have an income if it is to survive as a company. Releasing DLC is a good way of earning money, as it has a great cost-time ratio. However, there can be a way to release DLC whilst simultaneously not upset the hard to acquire fanbase. The only thing that matters in terms of how a DLC pack is received, is its perceived value. Not its actual value, as in time / money spent to develop it, but its perceived value. The #1 complaint I see regarding the DLC is that it is overpriced. I urge Paradox to review its DLC policy, as it seems to be destroying the hard to aquire fanbase of Paradox.
(Keep in mind that “DLC spamming” is not the only way to make money. Take the Diablo series from Blizzard for example. Many of the features sold as DLC from Paradox would be added as free updates in Diablo.)
Most Paradox games are notorious for their complexity. Some of their hallmark games such as Europa Universales or Crusader Kings are presumably the most complex games I have ever seen. It is *not* easy for new players to start playing such games that have such a steep learning curve. It is for that reason Paradox is dependent on fanbase retention far more than other gaming companies.
This is why I am skeptical of the long-term effects of the current DLC policy. It may have an impressive profit margin, but it is also very effective at upsetting the fanbase. The general impression of Paradox has changed over the past two years. It went from well respected, to humorous DLC spammer, and is now beginning to reach disrespected and untrustworthy. How long until Paradox start to lose more fans than they can regain (due to the difficulty of adopting new players for Paradox specifically)?
Paradox has to have an income if it is to survive as a company. Releasing DLC is a good way of earning money, as it has a great cost-time ratio. However, there can be a way to release DLC whilst simultaneously not upset the hard to acquire fanbase. The only thing that matters in terms of how a DLC pack is received, is its perceived value. Not its actual value, as in time / money spent to develop it, but its perceived value. The #1 complaint I see regarding the DLC is that it is overpriced. I urge Paradox to review its DLC policy, as it seems to be destroying the hard to aquire fanbase of Paradox.
(Keep in mind that “DLC spamming” is not the only way to make money. Take the Diablo series from Blizzard for example. Many of the features sold as DLC from Paradox would be added as free updates in Diablo.)
