Microsoft has secured timed exclusive releases for the first two DLC add-ons for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
The exact nature of the add-on content isn't clear, but game director Todd Howard said in June Bethesda wants to launch fewer but "more substantial" pieces of DLC than it has with previous titles, with an "expansion pack feel", so we're not expecting piddly in-game items.
To see the title in action, check out the first in-game footage, which was released last month.
Skyrim launches on November 11 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Here's what you'll get in the Collector's Edition.
Comments
88 comments so far...
Codename21 on 26 Aug '11 said:
But what am I going to do with 2 sets of Horse Armour ?!
stonecold77 on 26 Aug '11 said:
And I hope M$ are so very very very happy. 30 days OMG.
azz72 on 26 Aug '11 said:
it is anoying how they anounce dlc before the game is released.
Codename21 on 26 Aug '11 said:
Didn't they just say in a video interview a couple of days ago that there would be less DLC, but bigger chunks....then again I'm not that annoyed, anything that shows a willingness to support an Elder Scrolls game with additional content is a WIN in my eyes...
Athrun888 on 26 Aug '11 said:
See, it's pathetic tactics like this that are the reason I absolutely despise Microsoft.
Either way, it's timed only, so no big deal really, not considering how absolutely massive this game is, nor considering how bloated the gaming calendar is over the next twelve months.
richard99 on 26 Aug '11 said:
Well I think I'll still get it on PC for the mods. DLC the size of Shivering Isles will be great but it's only 30 days.
TheLastDodo on 26 Aug '11 said:
Hmm....does this indicate that the 360 is the best or the worst console version of Skyrim?
DLC has been used to compensate for poorer versions in the past but it has also been used the opposite way, to give a further edge over the competition.
Whether it's one of these or neither of these, it doesn't take away from the fact that timed exclusive DLC is one of the worst things to happen this gen, no matter who has paid for the exclusivity.
However it doesn't affect me as Skyrim is on my Xmas list so the timed exclusivity will have ran out by time I get my hands on the game so
TheLastDodo 1-0 Timed exclusivity
Samildanach on 26 Aug '11 said:
I'm sure there's enough content in the main game to keep me occupied until its released on the PS3
gmcb007 on 26 Aug '11 said:
Before anybody starts crying about MS always doing this. Sony are just as bad. I mean at their E3 conference they showed off a list of multiplat games they had got exclusive DLC on. Both sides are just as bad. Either way this way probably lure in the usual fannyboys.
badgerpog on 26 Aug '11 said:
30 days early? Quick to shop to but a 360!
Is this what Microsoft is hoping for? What a waste of their money!
metallicorphan on 26 Aug '11 said:
rather have exclusive games MS!!
middle finger on 26 Aug '11 said:
I'm sure there's enough to keep me occupied until GOTY edition will be released with all dlc next year.
RoKuShaKuBoJutSu on 26 Aug '11 said:
Well, what more can you do when your exclusive output is as pathetic as 360s...buy crappy timed exclusivity haha. Nice use of funds there MS, it's gonna make a whole world of difference lol.
Flamey UK on 26 Aug '11 said:
Thats assuming the dlc will be available on release day, which i'm pretty sure it won't be! 1-1?
I agree with you statement about dlc 100%, the 'shop exclusive preorder content' I find particularly annoying.
TheLastDodo on 26 Aug '11 said:
Great point, however release day DLC does happen too.
0-0 or 1-1 it is.
I can't see it bothering me anyway, from what people say, ES games have hundreds of hours of content so there'll be plenty of content to play without including the DLC.
pRM8 on 26 Aug '11 said:
Still wont stop me buying this for the PC, cant wait!
cam123 on 26 Aug '11 said:
Microsoft have to be the hardcoriest, hardcore, hardcore gaming/computer manufacturer.
30 days before everyone else is gangster.
I bet they're proud of their acheivement.
CrispyLog on 26 Aug '11 said:
The only thing that could make this game even better is if the whole game was 360 exclusive.
Can not wait!
pRM8 on 26 Aug '11 said:
How exactly would that make it better?
Or have I just been sucked in by your stupid troll comment.
HarryJack on 26 Aug '11 said:
Most likely was a 5G achievement.
aawells07 on 26 Aug '11 said:
Alot of you guys are acting really immature over this and saying things that you know deep down isnt true. Its just a service to there loyal customers. At least they are trying to offer something since there isnt many exclusives from MS which isnt gonna last much longer its just that those exclusives are in development. So if i get it for 360 than ill appreciate it when it comes.
StokedUp on 26 Aug '11 said:
Well Xbox360 has to have some sort of exclusive for its console even if it is just for 30 days right?......right?.. Nah im just kidding i like all consoles but i definitely wont be rebuying another xbox360 just because it's getting DLC 30days before other platforms.
PS3 version for me.
cburch on 26 Aug '11 said:
Or one of those annoying 2G achievements.
almanac2015 on 26 Aug '11 said:
It's not acting immature IMO, it's moaning about the state of the game industry. Microsoft pay to deny PS3 owners content, which is just f**king ridiculous. It doesn't help the industry, it's just a petty way of getting people to buy the game on your console.
I forgive it sometimes with Sony because (like with Heavy Rain for example) they often help fund the development in return for these favours. It leads to the same outcome but it seems less petty that way. When Sony get content in the same way Microsoft do, I bitch about them as well. Fact is all this 30 day exclusivity does is harm the gamers. 360 owners don't benefit from it, and PS3 owners have to sit about for a month because a ridiculous money deal has ensured they can't yet play something that has already been made.
With any luck PC version for me. If I don't get my new PC...PS3. I can wait 30 days.
AnimaOnline on 26 Aug '11 said:
I don't see how Micrsosoft delaying DLC for other platforms by a whole month is meant to persuade PS3 and PC gamers to get an Xbox 360. Surely if you''re planning on getting the game on PC or PS3 then you're just going to be p**sed off. Oh well, this only makes me think less of Microsoft as a company. I doubt that was the response they were looking.
djreplay on 26 Aug '11 said:
Not quite right there, Sony secure extra games that will fit on the Blu-ray (Bioshock Infinite comes with the original Bioshock like medal of honor coming with frontline), I'd much rather free games then dlc a month earlier.
Fenbops on 26 Aug '11 said:
I'll get whichever version of the game is best! If its better on PS3 i'll wait 30 more days for DLC. Wonder how much MS waste on this kind of thing, this and CoD has got to be biggest paid timed exclusives from them.
Fenbops on 26 Aug '11 said:
I think its more about bragging rights, not sellings 360s. More MS saying, look at us, multiplat titles sell best on our system, even if they did cheat a little with timed exclusives
Pierre2k on 26 Aug '11 said:
That is such a ridiculously selective reply. For one thing, I would say that the Bluray ecxcuse doesn't stack up. There would be nothing to have stopper 2K or EA offering those games on a seperate disc (like the free Quake 2 with Quake 4 on X360) or as a code for download on Xbox LIVE.
However, even if I accept your point, you used two examples of extra games on Bluray. Here are examples where it is nothing to do with Bluray, and exactly the same as this scenario with Skyrim now:
- Batman Arkum Asylum - Joker Challenge Maps (could easily have been included in the 360 version)
- Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - Exclusive "Copernicus Conspiracy" download.
- Maffia 2 - The Betrayal of Jimmy DLC, available at free at launch, exclusively for the PS3 version
- Red Dead Redemption - Solomon's Folly Gang Hideout and a Walton Gang Outfit exclusive content at launch
Just a few examples. Can't be bothered seeing if there is more, but I am sure there is.
All that said I agree with the general view that exclusive DLC is the worst thing to happen this generation. Its one thing to release additional content down the line that adds real value and longevity. Its another entirely to screw one party over (Sony or MS owners) for some exclusive part of a game, when the content should have been part of it on day one anyway.
Mmmmgrolsch on 26 Aug '11 said:
Yes because only owning a 360 would make you feel more loved by M$ for making sure them evil PS3 or PC gamers get it after you
The only people that will think this is good are the 360 fanboys. This benefits no one.
nb_nmare2 on 26 Aug '11 said:
If you have good a good enough system, the PC version wins hands down. It will have several thousand times more "exclusive content" than either console version, in the form of user made mods (many of which will no doubt be superior to the official DLC; this is certainly the case with Morrowind and Oblivion).
gmcb007 on 26 Aug '11 said:
This. It has nothing to do with blu-ray space, just as greedy as microsoft.
flash501 on 26 Aug '11 said:
Yeah, You'd like to have it all to yourself on your little gaybox, wouldn't you? WOULDN'T YOU??!!!
From the sounds of it, it'll have packed in long before this comes out anyway.
Grapple on 26 Aug '11 said:
Looks like the Sony fanboys are having a hissy fit over this one. Even to the extent of getting homophobic. Oh well. Never mind, the little boys that Santa Claus forgot . aaawww
Samildanach on 26 Aug '11 said:
Hahahahahaha!!!! Grapple you tool!! If you ever ventured beyond the stupidity of the article section and into the forums proper, you'd see how idiotic your comment is!!
TheLastDodo on 26 Aug '11 said:
If theres gonna be exclusive DLC then it should be developed for all sides like Visceral did with Dead Space.
Visceral created platform exclusive suits for Isaac Clarke based on the consoles themselves, the 360 suit was silver and green (the colours of the original 360) and the PS3 was pure black.
In otherwords create something for everyone so no-one gets p**sed off.
Grapple on 26 Aug '11 said:
Really? Where?
I cant see anywhere more idiotic than here
wwinterj on 26 Aug '11 said:
I'm buying this for the 360 anyway. However won't buy any DLC until a Game of The Year version comes out or something like that. Both Sony and Microsoft do things like this. At the end of the day that's just how Business works.
Grapple on 26 Aug '11 said:
I'm exactly the same, the 30 day lag makes no difference to me at all. Storm in a teacup all this.
Mmmmgrolsch on 26 Aug '11 said:
allygray69 on 26 Aug '11 said:
Nice to see another ignore for us PC gamers by Microsoft, good job
KippDynamite on 26 Aug '11 said:
Create cult XBLA game? Pass
Secure 30 day exclusive DLC on a 300 hour game? Invest!!!
Grapple on 27 Aug '11 said:
Looks like the Sony fanboys are having a hissy fit over this one. Even to the extent of getting homophobic. Oh well. Never mind, the little boys that Santa Claus forgot . aaawww
Flash you aswell you you stuck up git.
You havn't understood my post. I'm trying to get away from the fanboy stuff . There is a thing called irony which which you have totally missed so get a grip and I dont understand the vehement posting on this site. And I dont understand the insults either.
So get off my back
middle finger on 27 Aug '11 said:
Oh dear grapple.
flash501 on 27 Aug '11 said:
I genuinely don't know what came over me earlier. I feel like I've let my family, my friends, and most importantly, my fellow CVG'ers down.I've been a very naughty boy, and I'd like to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone.
Everyone except Crispy. Screw him and his little gaybox. The smelly Wiganer!
Grapple on 27 Aug '11 said:
Looks like your mates have deleted their comments to avoid the banhammmer, not for me to comment tho. Wipe your bottom and get off my case . Sayonarah Japanese goodbye
KMakawa on 27 Aug '11 said:
But seriously now, Don't you think if Microsoft actually wanted First Party titles, they'd actually of bought some up by now? Do they actually need first party titles to "power its console along"? not really, its doing just fine.
All in all, if they wanted to.. they have millions to do it. They just dont see no reason in it, it seems.
Would love to know how much they threw at this deal, but guess we'll never know as thats mega secret stuff.
middle finger on 27 Aug '11 said:
Read everything one more time, carefully. They can't be banned, they're mods.
aawells07 on 27 Aug '11 said:
Nah i own a PS3 Xbox360 and a PC and for someone to have the train of thought to think a owner of a certain console or whatever is evil or wish that they couldnt have a certain game or DLC is just childish so thats not me. I barely play my consoles i play PC. Ill no doubt get it for PC for alot of reason one being the mods and imo mods= all the DLC one could want. I wasnt saying it was a good thing for the industry but beings X360 owners havent had any exclusives lately this helps a lil.
Samildanach on 27 Aug '11 said:
Eh......what?! You've completely lost me Tonto! Flash was ripping the p**s out of Crispy and you started attributing homophobic comments to him!! He deserves it too, theres a nice little video of him doing his little gay dance in the off topic forum!! Don't take everything you read to be literal man, especially on here!!
Ali_ on 27 Aug '11 said:
In the same week as the story about M$ refusing to release games that are PS3 timed exclusives? How ironic. My loathing for their corporate willy waving continues to grow.
voodoo341 on 27 Aug '11 said:
Come on... it's a typo... it's 300 days! They wouldn't be that stupid! Correct it as quick as you can there CVG. Thanks.
Mmmmgrolsch on 27 Aug '11 said:
I wasn't implying anything like that you're a fanboy or anything and agree with you 100% fella. But you said Microsoft is just giving a service to their loyal customers. My question to you how is that delivering a service to their customers? I just don't get that statement at all. This does not benefit anyone in the industry or the 360 owning loyal fans. The only thing it does is give the ultimate fanboys something to have a wank over. "haha PS3 gamers have to wait 30 days oh yeh baby oh yeh 30days argh yeah!!!"
Same goes to Sony! Why spend millions on getting timed exclusive DLC
What is M$ planning now that people go out and buy a 360 to play it on? DLC won't be a facter to anyone deciding to buy the game.
flash501 on 27 Aug '11 said:
At the end of the day, you'd be surprised how many multiplatform owners will opt for the 360 version now after hearing about this.
Anyway, enough about the 30 day delay, I want to hear about what they're planning for dlc itself. They're saying that this time around they're planning on releasing more substantial dlc than they have for their previous games. Surely it can't get much more substantial than Shivering Isles?!
Mmmmgrolsch on 27 Aug '11 said:
I realised this point but surely most people would be buying it on the 360 anyway in this case for the better control pad? I really can't see this earning them millions more in sales. Almost everyone I know buy all their multi platform game for their preferred console anyway.
djreplay on 27 Aug '11 said:
It cost's more money for extra disc's on 360, that's why they chuck an extra game on blu-ray because it doesn't cost any extra and makes it a better deal.
That stuff was exclusive though, not just for 30 day's but forever, try and find me an example of Sony securing content exclusively for 30 days, you won't find anything because they've never done it. They must realise that it's a stupid idea like everyone else.
ricflair on 27 Aug '11 said:
If the games are identical on both systems, something like this could sway me. But if the 360 version didn't run as well as the PS3 version, I'd still get the PS3 version. And if the PS3 version didn't run as well, I'd get the 360 version anyway. I bought Brotherhood on PS3 because of the Copernicus missions and I should have got it on 360 because of the pad and it performs a little better.
I think exclusive DLC is pretty pointless whatever it is, if it's timed or not - as I'm not sure that big a percentage of the 360/PS3 user base have both consoles. I'm sure MS have their reasons behind this, and they know what they've paid etc and whether it's a good deal and how it effects their figures.
The only exclusive DLC that's really worked for me is the GTAIV stuff. I don't know if the $50m payment is bulls**t or not, but I know people who bought consoles for GTAIV and they all got 360s, me included.
ianson on 27 Aug '11 said:
Yeah, but Sony have exclusives too. MS have slowly lost all the exclusives. They have got Halo, Gears, Forza and Fable which is shooter, shooter, driving sim and softcore rpg. Whereas Sony have Uncharted, Syphen Filter, Resistance, Gran Turismo etc etc there is now a better mix of exclusives on ps3. I used to play EVERYTHING on 360 cos it is the better platform imo. But, Sony just have better games now...
AJDarkstar on 27 Aug '11 said:
I hope there's no delay on PC, as I've opted for that version, but 30 days is hardly a killer (or worth it, in fact!)
rbt2 on 27 Aug '11 said:
^^^^^
Wadda c**t!
jim2wheels on 27 Aug '11 said:
I'll second that! Even though you're a Palace supporting gutter swimmer.
Grapple on 27 Aug '11 said:
Thats a lot of hate. What have I done to you? I was only being lighthearted in a joshing kind of way. But you have chosen to call me a c**t .
So F**k you ya misrable b*stard and stick your insults up your a*rse.
Grapple on 27 Aug '11 said:
I'll second that! Even though you're a Palace supporting gutter swimmer.
F**cking a*rse licking C**nt
rbt2 on 27 Aug '11 said:
^^^^^^
Wadda c**t!
CrispyLog on 27 Aug '11 said:
Why you all fighting? 360 the best you know it! c**ts play PS3 and say it good!
No more fighting please, 360 win, elder scrolls win, we all win!
rbt2 on 27 Aug '11 said:
^^^^^^
Wadda c**t!
Grapple on 27 Aug '11 said:
Another internet hardman bites the dust
rbt2 on 27 Aug '11 said:
^^^^^
Wadda c**t!
Grapple on 27 Aug '11 said:
^^^^^
Wadda c**t!
rbt2 on 27 Aug '11 said:
Likewise.
Grapple on 28 Aug '11 said:
Cheers and good luck to you . I'm not your worst enemy. If we get banned then so be it
Grapple on 28 Aug '11 said:
Cheers and good luck to you . I'm not your worst enemy. If we get banned then so be it
rbt2 on 28 Aug '11 said:
You said that twice!
One thing you should know about me, Grapple....I never take nuffink on here serious or in real life either.
In actual fact, I am one take nuffink serious c**t. Well I'm definitely a c**t, anyhoo.
And why should we get banned? Anyone tries to ban us then I'll set the old woman on them.
She can strip paint with her voice.
The old c**t.
Grapple on 28 Aug '11 said:
My Mrs kills at ten paces, she's got a heart of gold aswell, .. I'm well lucky very lucky . I've fallen on my feet
Legend Turtle on 28 Aug '11 said:
Maybe there is a benefit to this because Bethesda get the profits from the timed exclusive rights as well as selling dlc on every platform so can re-invest in the next es or fallout or whatever.
Also, wouldn't it be great if they used kinect or webcams etc to subtly alter the features of your character over the course of the game to look like the player?
And by "great" I mean deeply tragic and harrowing in a darkly comical way.
jim2wheels on 28 Aug '11 said:
F**cking a*rse licking C**nt
In that order, and she loves it.
cam123 on 28 Aug '11 said:
That is such a ridiculously selective reply. For one thing, I would say that the Bluray ecxcuse doesn't stack up. There would be nothing to have stopper 2K or EA offering those games on a seperate disc (like the free Quake 2 with Quake 4 on X360) or as a code for download on Xbox LIVE.
However, even if I accept your point, you used two examples of extra games on Bluray. Here are examples where it is nothing to do with Bluray, and exactly the same as this scenario with Skyrim now:
- Batman Arkum Asylum - Joker Challenge Maps (could easily have been included in the 360 version)
- Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - Exclusive "Copernicus Conspiracy" download.
- Maffia 2 - The Betrayal of Jimmy DLC, available at free at launch, exclusively for the PS3 version
- Red Dead Redemption - Solomon's Folly Gang Hideout and a Walton Gang Outfit exclusive content at launch
Just a few examples. Can't be bothered seeing if there is more, but I am sure there is.
All that said I agree with the general view that exclusive DLC is the worst thing to happen this generation. Its one thing to release additional content down the line that adds real value and longevity. Its another entirely to screw one party over (Sony or MS owners) for some exclusive part of a game, when the content should have been part of it on day one anyway.
Well, MOH FRONTLINE Hd remake with MOH is definitely my favourite. And all that content is a middle finger to MS for having GTA exclusivity.
CJG on 28 Aug '11 said:
Why do we never see crying and b!tching from Xbox or Nintendo fanboys when Sony gets their own exclusive content?
gmcb007 on 28 Aug '11 said:
Well we do have the odd illiterate post from JJthegame but in general, the PS3 to Xbox 360 fanboy ratio is very uneven on this site.
julioaragon on 29 Aug '11 said:
getting exclusive dlc for the call of duty series have made the games sell more copies on the 360.. what ever works thats why the 360 is the leading console in the united states,not just of the cod but the prices on the console and xboxlive
Fr33Kye on 29 Aug '11 said:
Yea exclusive dlc is really directed at those with both consoles. If your looking for another xbox fanboy there is one right above me. There aren't many but whenever the time comes they make themselves known.
Sony's conference had a section on third party content but the only one that i can see people being mad at was the entire mountain in ssx. Irrational was there because they put the first bioshock on the disc, the star trek game they put a prequel on the disc, and the same for battlefield 3. It's just filling up extra bluray space. Not a huge deal. The mountain kind of is, the only real excuse is if they actually ran out of space and dont want to spend more money on a second 360 disc so they decided to sell it to sony. Retailer exclusive is the worst though.
FatChickThriller on 29 Aug '11 said:
All DLC is evil we are being ripped off. It's customary to get taken out to dinner before getting f**ked. I am sick and tired of all this DLC bulls**t I just don't get it. I'm old school you see, Back in the day you bought a game and played it. The if the developer wanted to continue the story the would produce an expansion pack and that was it END OF STORY. All of this Exclusive DLC, Pre Order DLC, Limited Edition DLC Bulls**t Crap has to stop. Don't bully me into buying s**t that should have been included in the first place. I can't really blame The greedy publishers for this nonsense it's down to us the consumer for absorbing this ridiculous practice in the first place we all should take a stand and stop fueling the fire so to speak. DLC today equals lesser gaming experiences tomorrow. Wake up people this practice must stop. If you disagree with my post then feel free to discuss. Thanks for reading......
greggamer on 29 Aug '11 said:
well i read this news and it just annoys me!! £130.00 collectors edition,£15.00 strategy guide, total £145.00 and what will i get for my money? yet another incomplete game that im then expected to pay more to get the rest at a later date!! seriously this dlc business really takes the biscuit!!
MattyR95 on 29 Aug '11 said:
All the comments on here make me laugh, most of you are idiots and give games a bad name.
I still hate Microsoft. I also hate DLC even being talked about before release. In fact, I just hate DLC...
ffcoppolla on 29 Aug '11 said:
Seeing your missus in the flesh, I'd say she landed on her face.
KippDynamite on 30 Aug '11 said:
I'm really glad that this article is still the banner headline.
Lady Gagagged on 31 Aug '11 said:
*Shakes head*
I come in here expecting the usual fan boy wank but notice in real terms there has been a twenty percent growth in proper discussion of DLC under the coalition government. Under the former Labour government we'd have been frittering away our time playing games.
Sammy_bham on 1 Sep '11 said:
LOUD NOISES!