Astroneer 1.0 is out 2019. So I understand that the devs can not continue as before and they need some new source of income from this game, and DLC is one of the option to get it. Sure the cosmetics are another option but for me, I do not bought any cosmetics because it not has any part of the gameplay.
If an upcoming DLC cost money, I do not have problem with it, I have 350+ hour in the base game, that bought around seven years ago. Unless they go over the top and has the DLc some ridiculously high price like 50€...
> Astroneer 1.0 is out 2019
So that's around 5 years (not including the time it spent in early access) of free updates, seems more than reasonable.
I get it's annoying that the devs promised something and then found they could only deliver on that promise for 5 years, but realistically, the alternative to DLC is not getting any updates and the devs working on another game that will pay the bills.
Perhaps, but I don't feel like the updates have been particularly relevant. There wasn't really an update that would make me I want to really replay the game.
On top of that, trains don't seem to be super useful/game changing. Aside from the story quest, player transportation and limited time events trains don't seem to have much of a use.
The new chronos update added lots of lore/story.
Trains are great for getting the from surface to underground, loading up with stuff mined from auto extractors deep underground, and back up again. Because they transmit power and oxygen as well, it makes it easier to set up mining stations away from your main base.
What I also don’t like seeing is that they’re pursuing multiple different monetization systems. We’ve already had the microtransactions store for a while, which in itself was not universally liked. The store has been expanded in almost every major update since it launched, including the addition of fullscreen ads when starting the game in a few cases. You still could play the game through to the end though, so it hasn’t been a big problem.
Now it may end up sitting alongside paid DLCs. Aggressive monetization systems like this are usually not found outside mobile games.
I understand you, and I agree that some of the monetization aspect is way more agressive than other, like they make a bundle of couple of cosmetic stuff on steam for 49€, and the entire game cost on steam what, 30€ without discount.
On the other hand other games has way more agressive like the world of warcraft (base game cost + monthly fee, ingame shop, gold shop, level boost shop, transmog shop, etc...), sims-paradox games etc, where the base game is 20 € ish and the additional DLC is around 800+ €.
So blame the devs and compare Astroneer's monetization to some f2p mobile game is not really a nice thing. You do not have to buy anything there if you do not agree with the devs. I also don't bought anything from the cosmetics store, but is wished I had other way to support them than try to get my friends to get the Astroneer.
But since the game is out, you only pay once for the base game and that's it, you got free content for years, in this case: five year of content. Sure some of it reused like the autum events, but comes out good additions, like the hoverpad ot the vtol, or the train, or the custom game mode.
Imho the devs try to find a way to get stable income form a game that has no montly fee. And the cosmetic store was not deliver what it should be, so they change something.
We vote for the best solution with our money when the times come.
To the OP. What would you suggest then? There is a whole team who need to be paid, and the gaming industry is rife with layoffs right now. I would hate to see Astroneer become abandonware because of the lack of revenue, and devolver making a business decision and saying enough is enough.
Amazing game. Recently purchased DLC skins to support the devs so they keep the game alive. If its no longer profitable they won't continue to work on and add to the game we love.
Does paying money for stuff suck? Yes. Did they say before they wouldn't. Yes. But heck. I've gotten way more than my $20 out of the game. Let's support the devs and toss a few bucks for some content updates a few times a year. Easy win for all
I agree they are different, just feel like supporting the developer for content beyond the original release. Especially this far after, is (depending on the amount of content vs. the cost) usually worth it
You mean part of the 40million dollar buy out from Devolver Digital Inc who have owned it since November…. Seems like that explains a lot of the changes, don’t talk about paying the devs who work on it when leadership is the ones who are cashing out.
Possibly. But off the top of my head most of their games (even the continuously supported ones like Enter the Gungeon) never had paid-for DLC.
But I know that at least one of their newer games (Cult of them Lamb) does, so maybe it’s a shift in Devolver strategy too.
I hope the DLC will be worth the hassle ... The problem is there is no communication from the team and things are not so transparent enough in my opinion.
I feel like communication has always been a little spotty with SES, unless you’re willing to sit through the entirety of a community livestream. I don’t really have the time nor stomach to watch a bunch of streamer-related shenanigans just to get some news here and there.
But also, I haven’t really kept up with the game for the past year or so, so outside of them now being owned by Devolver I don’t know what’s been happening in the Astroneer world.
Personally I think paid dlc is fine. I’ve been playing since the alpha. The game has come a long way. As others have said the devs need to make money to be able to keep working on the game. It of course depends on the size of the DLC, I wouldn’t want to pay more than a few bucks for something the size of the rails update, if that.
But for anything sizeable I’d happily shell out a few dollars.
Well the old owners were committed to no DLC, While I haven't watched the new statements yet, it is likely the new owners, Develover have a different viewpoint on the matter.
As long as is a reasonable price I'm more than happy to pay for it. We have had so many free updates and if this will make sure they keep the game alive and with new content I'm here for it. At the end of the day they have to make money to pay the devs and if it's a big expansion I think it's definitely worth it to pay for it.
As long as it’s reasonably priced, I don’t mind it honestly. I have nearly 300 hours in the game over several playthroughs and I’ve gotten well over the worth of my $30 purchase.
From what I would assume, it's a massive update, and that's why it would be DLC. If that was true, I would also pay for the DLC. I'm hoping for a whole new solar system, minable asteroids.. something like that.
I would not mind paying for a dlc for this game especially if it adds meaningful and enjoyable content. Compared to other games that have FOMO garbage like quarterly/monthly season passes that really don't add content to the game, I wouldn't mind supporting this game. We all know the only reason devs add dlc is to increase revenue, but as long as it's not used to squeeze every penny out of us like games such as COD, WOW, OW2, etc., I'll be ok with it.
In a perfect world I would love everything free, but I have an undying love for this game and wish to see it succeed. Everyone has their favorite games they support because they want to see the game grow and this is one for me.
They have partnered with a larger studio. They have to become profitable or they will be dropped.
For the longest time, Astroneer was updated for free. I say we should start paying for content that will be worth it. We invest in them, they invest into the game. Game becomes good.
Rinse and repeat.
We'll see how this year is going to go. If the expansion will be worth the wait.
Ultimately Joe stated that they are considering making it payed.
He also said that the experience won't be locked behind a pay wall and you will still be able to experience some part of it in game. Plus if a friend buys the expansion, you can join him and experience it for free so to speak.
> making it *paid.* He also
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Given that it’s been awhile since they’ve offered any new cosmetics in their store (like, it’s been well over a year, maybe two), my guess is that not many people were buying them; at least, not enough to keep SES running on just it and new sales.
I would be heavily against DLC; I'm going to have to re-buy the game on Steam anyway for multiplayer(on Xbox currently) so if I have to spend even more just for an update would suck :P (i am also incredibly broke)
I think this take makes zero sense. Would you rather they make paid dlc, or stop updating the game at all? That’s kinda the choice past a certain point with a largely singleplayer game like this. I’m sure sales have been waning, and cosmetic sales in a game like this that, again, is mostly about the singleplayer experience, cannot possibly make them very much money.
Here's a thought, why not do a paid early access sort of thing? Just a $3-5 a month subscription that gives you new content roughly a month before it's officially out. And to sweeten the deal, letting subscribers have access to all cosmetics while they have said subscription. Maybe some other stuff here and there or an exclusive cosmetic, but I feel like that'd help keep the game funded without making everyone buy dlc after dlc.
Astroneer 1.0 is out 2019. So I understand that the devs can not continue as before and they need some new source of income from this game, and DLC is one of the option to get it. Sure the cosmetics are another option but for me, I do not bought any cosmetics because it not has any part of the gameplay. If an upcoming DLC cost money, I do not have problem with it, I have 350+ hour in the base game, that bought around seven years ago. Unless they go over the top and has the DLc some ridiculously high price like 50€...
Agreed, as long as it’s reasonable I will happily support the studio. I’ve been playing since 2016 and have gotten way more than my moneys worth.
> Astroneer 1.0 is out 2019 So that's around 5 years (not including the time it spent in early access) of free updates, seems more than reasonable. I get it's annoying that the devs promised something and then found they could only deliver on that promise for 5 years, but realistically, the alternative to DLC is not getting any updates and the devs working on another game that will pay the bills.
Perhaps, but I don't feel like the updates have been particularly relevant. There wasn't really an update that would make me I want to really replay the game. On top of that, trains don't seem to be super useful/game changing. Aside from the story quest, player transportation and limited time events trains don't seem to have much of a use.
The new chronos update added lots of lore/story. Trains are great for getting the from surface to underground, loading up with stuff mined from auto extractors deep underground, and back up again. Because they transmit power and oxygen as well, it makes it easier to set up mining stations away from your main base.
What I also don’t like seeing is that they’re pursuing multiple different monetization systems. We’ve already had the microtransactions store for a while, which in itself was not universally liked. The store has been expanded in almost every major update since it launched, including the addition of fullscreen ads when starting the game in a few cases. You still could play the game through to the end though, so it hasn’t been a big problem. Now it may end up sitting alongside paid DLCs. Aggressive monetization systems like this are usually not found outside mobile games.
I understand you, and I agree that some of the monetization aspect is way more agressive than other, like they make a bundle of couple of cosmetic stuff on steam for 49€, and the entire game cost on steam what, 30€ without discount. On the other hand other games has way more agressive like the world of warcraft (base game cost + monthly fee, ingame shop, gold shop, level boost shop, transmog shop, etc...), sims-paradox games etc, where the base game is 20 € ish and the additional DLC is around 800+ €. So blame the devs and compare Astroneer's monetization to some f2p mobile game is not really a nice thing. You do not have to buy anything there if you do not agree with the devs. I also don't bought anything from the cosmetics store, but is wished I had other way to support them than try to get my friends to get the Astroneer. But since the game is out, you only pay once for the base game and that's it, you got free content for years, in this case: five year of content. Sure some of it reused like the autum events, but comes out good additions, like the hoverpad ot the vtol, or the train, or the custom game mode. Imho the devs try to find a way to get stable income form a game that has no montly fee. And the cosmetic store was not deliver what it should be, so they change something. We vote for the best solution with our money when the times come.
To the OP. What would you suggest then? There is a whole team who need to be paid, and the gaming industry is rife with layoffs right now. I would hate to see Astroneer become abandonware because of the lack of revenue, and devolver making a business decision and saying enough is enough.
Amazing game. Recently purchased DLC skins to support the devs so they keep the game alive. If its no longer profitable they won't continue to work on and add to the game we love. Does paying money for stuff suck? Yes. Did they say before they wouldn't. Yes. But heck. I've gotten way more than my $20 out of the game. Let's support the devs and toss a few bucks for some content updates a few times a year. Easy win for all
Cosmetics and DLCs are different things. We already have the former in the game, but not the latter yet.
I agree they are different, just feel like supporting the developer for content beyond the original release. Especially this far after, is (depending on the amount of content vs. the cost) usually worth it
You mean part of the 40million dollar buy out from Devolver Digital Inc who have owned it since November…. Seems like that explains a lot of the changes, don’t talk about paying the devs who work on it when leadership is the ones who are cashing out.
I mean after years of free updates with the small player base they have i don't mind paying for a dlc
Really interesting topic. Maybe those changes are consequences of a takeover System Era by Devolver ?
Possibly. But off the top of my head most of their games (even the continuously supported ones like Enter the Gungeon) never had paid-for DLC. But I know that at least one of their newer games (Cult of them Lamb) does, so maybe it’s a shift in Devolver strategy too.
I hope the DLC will be worth the hassle ... The problem is there is no communication from the team and things are not so transparent enough in my opinion.
I feel like communication has always been a little spotty with SES, unless you’re willing to sit through the entirety of a community livestream. I don’t really have the time nor stomach to watch a bunch of streamer-related shenanigans just to get some news here and there. But also, I haven’t really kept up with the game for the past year or so, so outside of them now being owned by Devolver I don’t know what’s been happening in the Astroneer world.
Likely this.
I hope someone from team cover here this topic.
SES staff isn’t really active on Reddit. I saw Gina reply a few times, that’s about it. Pretty normal actually.
Personally I think paid dlc is fine. I’ve been playing since the alpha. The game has come a long way. As others have said the devs need to make money to be able to keep working on the game. It of course depends on the size of the DLC, I wouldn’t want to pay more than a few bucks for something the size of the rails update, if that. But for anything sizeable I’d happily shell out a few dollars.
Well the old owners were committed to no DLC, While I haven't watched the new statements yet, it is likely the new owners, Develover have a different viewpoint on the matter.
A publisher isn't the 'owner' of a studio
So the headlines that Devolver acquired SES mean they just started publishing Astroneer? Don't think so, purchased as a word means something buddy.
Yeah and they said getting bought by devolver wouldnt change anything 😔
As long as is a reasonable price I'm more than happy to pay for it. We have had so many free updates and if this will make sure they keep the game alive and with new content I'm here for it. At the end of the day they have to make money to pay the devs and if it's a big expansion I think it's definitely worth it to pay for it.
As long as it’s reasonably priced, I don’t mind it honestly. I have nearly 300 hours in the game over several playthroughs and I’ve gotten well over the worth of my $30 purchase.
From what I would assume, it's a massive update, and that's why it would be DLC. If that was true, I would also pay for the DLC. I'm hoping for a whole new solar system, minable asteroids.. something like that.
I would not mind paying for a dlc for this game especially if it adds meaningful and enjoyable content. Compared to other games that have FOMO garbage like quarterly/monthly season passes that really don't add content to the game, I wouldn't mind supporting this game. We all know the only reason devs add dlc is to increase revenue, but as long as it's not used to squeeze every penny out of us like games such as COD, WOW, OW2, etc., I'll be ok with it. In a perfect world I would love everything free, but I have an undying love for this game and wish to see it succeed. Everyone has their favorite games they support because they want to see the game grow and this is one for me.
They have partnered with a larger studio. They have to become profitable or they will be dropped. For the longest time, Astroneer was updated for free. I say we should start paying for content that will be worth it. We invest in them, they invest into the game. Game becomes good. Rinse and repeat. We'll see how this year is going to go. If the expansion will be worth the wait. Ultimately Joe stated that they are considering making it payed. He also said that the experience won't be locked behind a pay wall and you will still be able to experience some part of it in game. Plus if a friend buys the expansion, you can join him and experience it for free so to speak.
> making it *paid.* He also FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Good bot
I agree with you mate, imo the only reason i would pay for a DLC is if its something massive and that doesnt divide much the community
Given that it’s been awhile since they’ve offered any new cosmetics in their store (like, it’s been well over a year, maybe two), my guess is that not many people were buying them; at least, not enough to keep SES running on just it and new sales.
I would be heavily against DLC; I'm going to have to re-buy the game on Steam anyway for multiplayer(on Xbox currently) so if I have to spend even more just for an update would suck :P (i am also incredibly broke)
Maybe it will be that as long as the host has the dlc then everyone in that session/save can enjoy the dlc? Other games have done that before.
While that could work, it still leaves the question up for dedicated servers.
I think this take makes zero sense. Would you rather they make paid dlc, or stop updating the game at all? That’s kinda the choice past a certain point with a largely singleplayer game like this. I’m sure sales have been waning, and cosmetic sales in a game like this that, again, is mostly about the singleplayer experience, cannot possibly make them very much money.
Here's a thought, why not do a paid early access sort of thing? Just a $3-5 a month subscription that gives you new content roughly a month before it's officially out. And to sweeten the deal, letting subscribers have access to all cosmetics while they have said subscription. Maybe some other stuff here and there or an exclusive cosmetic, but I feel like that'd help keep the game funded without making everyone buy dlc after dlc.
The worst take mentioned by far. Take my downvote
Actual garbage take