It's amazing how finicky the die-hard gaming public is. Actually, it's not amazing at times; it's embarrassing. A recent item for Bethesda's Elder Scrolls title has caused controversy, the type that makes you sit back and shake your head while you reflect on other hobbies you'll be taking up.
The item in question is armor. Horse armor, to be specific. To reiterate:
Horse armor. For a horse that doesn't exist. Armor.
Now that we're clear, this specific item costs 200 Microsoft Points. These are the types of micro-transactions Microsoft let us know would be part of the Live experience. 200 Points comes in around $2.50. The PC version of the game offers the same item, only for $1.99.
This was apparently the breaking point for some people. After spending $60 (or more for the Collector's Edition) to purchase a game, why should they be forced to buy more? It's a logical standpoint.
The problem is that this has to be some of the most ridiculous whining this industry has ever dealt with. It's so minor and trivial; it's baffling how anyone can turn this into an issue. If you don't want your horse dressed in shiny new armor, then save all of us the trouble of reading about it and DON'T BUY IT.
Most of these people seem to have no trouble with laying down cash for new quests to extend their experience or open up the world in the game. Regardless of what you paid for the game initially, things like $2.50 horse armor will fund those extra quests. Whether or not you realize it, this is an industry, and the people who slaved away for years to bring you Oblivion have the right to earn a few extra bucks. If the experience and delays were all worth it to you to buy the game in the first place, then it's unreal that there are complaints about a single meager item.
Article comments
1 - Victor Plenty
How much is the barding patch for Barbie Horse Adventures? That's what I want to know, and Gabe wants to know it too.
2 - sal m
good point matt...people should be making fun of those who want to spend the money on this, not on the companies who offer the opportunity for people to waste their money.
3 - joe bob
hiiii mom! hiii bob! hiiii!
horsey horsey!
4 - Hayabusa
Those who enjoy a fluent pace in storyline’s to hold their attention might throw Elder Scrolls: Oblivion to the side very quickly. You are completely in control of the pace of the plot in Oblivion, which is what I love because the game is essentially letting you craft your own destiny however you like it. As an escaped prisoner, the Emperor Uriel Septim VII places the task of seeking out his illegitimate son Martin as he is the heir to the throne (after Uriel Septim VIII himself is killed). As the son of Uriel Septim Martin is the only one that can help you close the portal gates to Oblivion(hell) that have opened all over Cyrodiil.