Jim Sterling Rips 'Black Ops IIII' Apart for Exploitative Pricing

4.1
Black Ops IIII is in the hot-seat. If you've ever seen an episode of The Jimquisition, then you know that you're in for some really rough language. If you've never seen The Jimquisition, then Warning: There is some really foul language in the video above, which is also soul-crushingly cynical, and makes no apologies for tearing to shreds a game that you're likely very excited to play. In this episode, Sterling is taking on Call of Duty: Black Ops III.

Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII is making its way to consoles and PC on October 12, and while reception and anticipation has been largely positive, there are a few serious issues upon which Sterling shines a glaring, revealing spotlight. The primary issue? Exploitative pricing.

Black Ops IIII won't be the first game you guys have played or even pre-ordered, so you know exactly what you're getting into. The base, $60 package is not in fact the full Black Ops IIII experience, and if you want all of the maps and modes that your contemporaries will be enjoying over the course of this game's roughly-one-year lifespan, you're going to have to dish out for the season pass.

While that's not unheard of, it's notable that Black Ops IIII's season pass was originally planned to be exclusively acquired by purchasing one of the deluxe editions of the game, meaning that it would not be available to purchase and download separately. After swift and unrelenting backlash, Treyarch backpedaled a bit, assuring players in its FAQ that the pass would "be available as a standalone offering at a later date."

Very likely this means that they're taking the same approach as they did with Modern Warfare Remastered, which originally could only be obtained by purchasing the deluxe version of Infinite Warfare. At the time Activision insisted that this would be the only way to get the game. Now, we can find it as a standalone product.

Of course, the issue then is that all of the extra maps that were released for Modern Warfare, you know, things you would expect to be included in a remaster, were sold back to loyal fans separately for a hefty fee. Additionally, loot boxes and microtransactions were added to the game as well, shifting the meta entirely.



Sterling sees Activision taking the same approach with Black Ops IIII, and is understandably spiteful.

But what do you think? Have you pre-ordered Black Ops IIII and, if so, did you dish out for one of the deluxe or enhanced editions? Do you take issue with the way that Activision monetizes its games, or or is this simply par the course in 2018? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted:
Related Forum: Call of Duty Forum

Source: http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/06/25/call-of-duty-black-ops-4-iiii-pass-jimquisition/

Comments

"Jim Sterling Rips 'Black Ops IIII' Apart for Exploitative Pricing" :: Login/Create an Account :: 19 comments

If you would like to post a comment please signin to your account or register for an account.

JOEYKMODSPosted:

this game is way to much lets be honest cod should be a 40 buck game on release

Miko537Posted:

There's so many editions that they bring out every year. I remember when it was all much simpler :( I dont see an issue with the pricing though.

NickPosted:

Where is there an issue here? lol

SaxbyyPosted:

Why only now? This has been the CoD season pass for ever but now we get more zombie maps, dont really see the issue to be honest

TOXICPosted:

kamilca I dont understand, you are getting multiplayer and one zombie map. You buy the season pass you get maps for zombies and multiplayer? just like every other season pass? I dont see the problem?

It's just to make you spend more money lol, just like every Cod.

kamilcaPosted:

I dont understand, you are getting multiplayer and one zombie map. You buy the season pass you get maps for zombies and multiplayer? just like every other season pass? I dont see the problem?

TOXICPosted:

What a complete rip off lol, just another reason for me not to get it this year, anyways ill be busy with Battlefield V, and Read Dead 2 so yeah, Screw You COD!

-ORML-Posted:

Save your money fellow ttg members. If you really want the game just wait a couple months after it's out because it eventually will go on sale.

Paying 80$ for a game is ridiculous and especially when it only includes the game.

I feel like when game companies create a new game it should include everything in the game instead of robbing people of their money.

SR20DETPosted:

I think I'm passing up this game this year, nothing about it interests me and the want for money over a game that's fun is what will ruin it.

nnota333Posted:

i allready pre order normal version wtfff i dont gonna pay 120 too playy to won like EA fuc king activision getting sucksssss