Economics of Hitman games in the modern day

[Happy_Squirrel]

@wincenworks

Such a product is too theoretical to speculate upon because it has no viable explanation for how it could exist.

I’m not sure you’ve grasped the concept of a hypothetical. It’s a thought experiment, not a viable product.

@wincenworks

Without those two maps the scope of story and production shifts so far you are essentially looking at entirely separate game.

Yes, that’s the point. It’s a very different game, with less entertainment value for the player.

@wincenworks

The only way this has any conceptual value is if you define a map as an objective quantative value rather than a piece of an overall production.

Okay, we’re getting warmer…

@wincenworks

This is why it is comparable to the Absolution outrage where they tried to argue the value of the game by counts of types of maps and “real” maps (always with arbitrary criteria)

Nope. Absolutely not (pardon the pun). This thought experiment very clearly compares Hitman 3 to a hypothetical lesser version of Hitman 3 (released with only Dubai, Chongqing, Mendoza & Carpathian Mountains). It’s really simple. No assessment of “map types” is taking place.

@wincenworks

So no it doesn’t serve a purpose. It is detached from purpose and reality.

A hypothetical is, by definition, detached from reality. That’s the point.

An imaginary version of Hitman 3, released without Dartmoor or Berlin, would provide less entertainment value. This is not a controversial statement. Your intransigence speaks for itself.

@wincenworks

You just said you were only talking about your personal decision to not buy the DLC.

I hope you don’t think this is some sort of ‘gotcha’. I was explicitly clear about this from the very beginning. I am giving my subjective view about this DLC model, which informs my personal decision not to buy the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ DLC. This is now the third time I have had to labour the same point.

@wincenworks

That’s because games are increasingly expensive to make and the box prices have stagnated for thirty years. Also literally every industry has been shifting models to adapt to technology and social changes.

Yet Hitman 3’s development costs were recouped within a week. You’ve neglected this point twice now. In fact, I will just copy/paste the question from above, because it was already perfectly clear:

I notice you did not address the question about IO’s financial situation. Do you stand by the view that it is “gibberish” to describe IO as being in a stronger financial situation than they were before H3’s release?

@wincenworks

Actually you are saying they are bad because you assume they are, not asking for improvement at all.

At no point have I said IO Interactive is bad. Criticism of the DLC in its current state implicitly seeks improvement to the post-launch content. But I have gone further, and directly stated that I think Bonus Missions provide more entertainment value thant Escalations. That’s literally asking for improvement.

@wincenworks

Specifically calling their work low effort and anti-consumerist, now trying to pretend that you were being nice and kind.

Again, your comprehension skills have failed you. I stand by my view that Escalations, specifically, are lower-effort than other post-launch content such as Bonus Missions. I also stand by my view that this particular DLC model is anti-consumer in nature. You should take more care to avoid misrepresenting other people’s views, it hinders the discussion.

@wincenworks

If you did the actual scrutiny you wouldn’t have to do this plea about your personal purchase decision.

Again, this is a swing and a miss (see meme above).

@wincenworks

I have little patience for this kind of over simplified nonsense that generally leads to exponential toxicity and appeal to reactionary groups.

I must take issue with this characterisation of my posts as ‘over simplified nonsense’. My view has been carefully thought out and I have taken the time to express myself clearly and respectfully. If other people decide to use toxic and reactionary language, I denounce that behaviour. I am not responsible for it.

@wincenworks

Actually criticism doesn’t depend on assuming the least charitable scenario

I have not assumed the “least charitable” scenario. I have considered the merit of this DLC within the context of the WoA triolgy, and deemed this worthy of scrutiny. I do not owe IO Interactive the ‘benefit of the doubt’ regarding paid DLC. If I have concerns at this stage, I will express those concerns.

@wincenworks

this is a forum for civilized conversation

I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to participate in civilized conversation here. You have built a wonderful forum. Like so many here, I have been a Hitman fan for many years. I have purchased all of the games multiple times on various platforms. I usually sing IO’s praises from the rooftops and recommend their games to my friends. My current concerns are specifically about this DLC model.

@wincenworks

IO Interactive is not going to rebutt speculation about their finances and are certainly not going to “be better” in response to people making uncharitable assumptions, because their business would not survive it.

Exactly. That’s the key power inbalance in this situation. I can give my view about this DLC model, but IO are free to ignore me. Power is entirely in their hands, unless enough customers share my interpretation.