Downloadable Content

[kevglass]

I'm considering adding downloadable content (integrated into the game since its casual market) as a value-add when the customer registers. Has anyone got any feedback from trying this out?

The game will take a standard format (15 levels for a trial version, 50 additional levels for the full version). I'm wondering its worth adding a download feature inside the game so more levels can be made available later (say a "hardcore" pack, and a "kids" pack).

I'm a bit worried that it'd be just more things that can go wrong for the customer with internet setup and everything. Any opinions?

Kev

[amaranth]

I suggest linking to a page on your website that contains the goodie packs. This way, you can also get players to check out your site, browse the latest news, etc.

[kevglass]

The problem with having the user go to the website (IMO) is what do they do with packs they download? Taking the assumption that technical knowledge is at a minimum with casual games players - is even unzipping the packs to a specific location going to be a problem? Do that packs then need their own installers etc?

Kev

[Sharpfish]

The problem with having the user go to the website (IMO) is what do they do with packs they download? Taking the assumption that technical knowledge is at a minimum with casual games players - is even unzipping the packs to a specific location going to be a problem? Do that packs then need their own installers etc?

Kev


I'm thinking of doing something similar with one of my titles in development. I would personally go with an installer for the bonus packs because it's elegant from the end users point of view. Click the .exe and it installs everything into the correct location with minimal fuss. I also would direct to the website to get the user visiting rather than auto-in-game.. though you could click on a "check for add ons" button in game that minimises the game and goes to the webpage the same as a buy now does.

[kevglass]

Thanks, I guess that makes sense.

Repeat website visits is what its all about?

Kev

[princec]

Yes. Gives them plenty opportunity to discover new stuff on your site.

You know how when you go to the supermarket sometimes and find the infernal devils have rearranged all the shelves for apparently no reason at all?

That's to get you to wander past stuff you've never seen before while you're looking for the things you normally buy. Chances are you'll spot something and buy it on impulse. Same applies to websites I think.

Cas :)

[Expresionista]

I'll also recommend that you send the people to your site and use installers. You will have much more control. On the site you can show ads for your new games, banners, etc. And on the installer you can add quick demos or splash screens. Also you'll have no problems with firewalls on your game (assuming it is an offline game) just opening a url on the browser.

It would be a good idea to send them to a cgi url, for extra flexibility (i.e. you might restructure the site in the future, and with a cgi you can do a quick redirect).

[oNyx]

>It would be a good idea to send them to a cgi url, for extra flexibility (i.e. you
>might restructure the site in the future, and with a cgi you can do a quick
>redirect).

It doesnt really matter where you send em to. You can just use mod_rewrite for redirecting the request (internally).

For example...

www.domain.tld/thegame/extras (seen in the address bar)

can be the same as:

www.domain.tld/foo.php?game=thegame&cat=extras

or:

www.domain.tld/?q=node/4563

or:

www.domain.tld/thegame_extras.shtml

Thats whats so great bout clean urls. You can keep em for all eternity even if the underlying technology changes.

[Teq]

>It would be a good idea to send them to a cgi url, for extra flexibility (i.e. you
>might restructure the site in the future, and with a cgi you can do a quick
>redirect).

It doesnt really matter where you send em to. You can just use mod_rewrite for redirecting the request (internally).

For example...

www.domain.tld/thegame/extras (seen in the address bar)

can be the same as:

www.domain.tld/foo.php?game=thegame&cat=extras

or:

www.domain.tld/?q=node/4563

or:

www.domain.tld/thegame_extras.shtml

Thats whats so great bout clean urls. You can keep em for all eternity even if the underlying technology changes.

mod_rewrite is a lot of fun, make sure this functionality is available though before deciding to use this option :)