Electronic Arts is going out of its way to get consumers to buy Battlefield 3 for PC at its digital distribution service and not at retail, or Steam (which it won't be available at anyway) or anywhere else, for that matter. Besides giving early access to the Battlefield 3 online beta for those who pre-order, and some free in-game items, consumers who buy the game via Origin will get a free game from a list of three titles. Those three games are Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 or Medal of Honor. Here's what EA is telling customers (via Ars):
"As a special thank you for pre-ordering Battlefield 3 early at Origin, we're offering you a bonus PC digital download game. Please apply the code below at the shopping cart to redeem one PC Digital version of one of our recommended shooter titles: Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 or Medal of Honor. The price will be reduced to $0 after applying the code at your shopping cart. Hurry—this offer is only good for the month of August, and is exclusive to Origin customers only. See below for more details."
You can't blame them for trying to attract as many customers to their service as they can - because then they get to keep all the money from the sale..
Source: Ars Technica
Comments
Re: EA Offers Free Game for Buying BF3 at Origin
I have played (by rental) or own all three of those selections. So, tough luck there, EA.
Besides, I'm expecting Origin to crash and burn within a year, so I would prefer to have a physical copy of the game just so I can still play the damn thing after the fact.
Re: EA Offers Free Game for Buying BF3 at Origin
This is a situation where a series is being held at gun point by the publisher to use ONLY the publishers X,Y or Z.
It is forcing a gun to your head if you buy it and come to find it is lacking if not bad.....
I have a dream, break the chains of copy right oppression! http://zippydsmlee.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/what-is-cigital-disobedience/
Re: EA Offers Free Game for Buying BF3 at Origin
You know, if EA doesn't want people to buy their game at retail, why not just keep it exclusively on Origin, and not offer it at retail at all?
Not that this is a good idea, mind you. It's a freaking horrible idea. But it would be a great idea in EA's mind.
Atlanta Video Games Examiner for examiner.com
Re: EA Offers Free Game for Buying BF3 at Origin
No thanks EA.
I bought BF3 from Amazon since you nixed Steam.
Yeah I realize that I have to use Origin still if I buy the game but at least this way I can sleep at night knowing that my eventual use of Origin was clearly "at gunpoint" and not something I could avoid.
Look I am more than willing to use Origin as long as you offer the same features as Steam or better. But Origin is an "unknown" still and your management of that service has yet to be tested.
One thing I am certain of though is that you need to fire the EA marketing department. They aren't helping you at all.
Re: EA Offers Free Game for Buying BF3 at Origin
Nothing in gaming is ever done at "gun point"
If you truly don't like the idea of using Origin, you can just refuse to buy any game that requires it. There are plenty of modern shooters available that don't require it.
You stance of buying the game from Amazon rather than through Origin is making no statement whatsoever.
E. Zachary Knight
Divine Knight Gaming
Random Tower: Game News and Commentary
Re: EA Offers Free Game for Buying BF3 at Origin
I agree actually with everything you said. I should have elaborated more though. I have friends at DICE. I used to be in the game industry myself (Mechwarrior 2, 3) and I want to support their game. The part where I feel "dirty" is the EA/Origin part, not the DICE part. So the "at gunpoint" comment was more my own moral dilemma of wanting to support my friends while also not wanting to support Origin.
I still "folded like a cheap suit" though and again I agree with you. EA knows there are many like me too who want to play for whatever reason and now have Origin forced down our collective throats.
Re: EA Offers Free Game for Buying BF3 at Origin
First, thank you for what is easily one of the best giant robot games ever.
Second and actually on the subject, you're operating on the assumption that everybody who plays Battlefield 3 will be using Origin. There will be ways to play without it.
Not legal ways, but ways. And people who resent Origin will find and use those ways. Which reminds me, in a roundabout way, does Origin still have that "you can download your game for a year, after that buy it again" thing?
Re: EA Offers Free Game for Buying BF3 at Origin
I had nothing to do with the creation of the Battletech IP. That was all Jordan and Mort Wiseman. I did some logo work for the warring houses and some texture work as well. I had a great time working with the FASA guys and miss that whole team greatly. I also did a short stint with the Virtual World guys for the Battletech sim tanks.
I sincerely hope Jordan can someday get Smith & Tinker off the ground and release another Battletech game. Microsoft really pissed away a great IP there and I'm glad Jordan bought the rights back from MS.
See you all in BF3 after I go scrub the Origin off my conscious.