Cliffy B: "It's bulls*** that EA has 'scumbag' memes and that Good Guy Valve can Do No Wrong"

Clifford Blezsinski has lashed in defense of EA's microtransaction practices while practically claiming hypocrisy over those he seems are justifying similar practices at other companies like Valve and Blizzard.

[Trenta27]

He sure likes it up there on that high hill.

[Agent Smith]

I guess Cliffy B took a break from making video games to make comments no one cares about. He should just join up with Pachter.

[MikeMyers]

And David Jaffe, Hideo Kojima, David Cage, and Tomonobu Itagaki. All people that have had way too much press time.

[wagnus]

He's trying to overthrow Peter Molyneux as the Dunce of the industry.

[Reverent]

@MikeMyers, ouch, I'm sorry but I'm going to have to heavily disagree with you there.

[MikeMyers]

Reverent, that's fine. I just get tired of seeing them so much in the spotlight. It takes many people to make a game and they seem to get all the attention. Peter Molyneux can be added to that list too but I would take Hideo Kojima off since he is still in his prime.

[hawkeyejonjon]

@MikeMyers Why is David Cage on that list? I barely seen him have much press time. I see stuff from him like once or twice a week. Peter Molyneux should be on the list. He got beyond the limit of press time with Pachter. Peter Molyneux like Pachter is a media whore and he would do anything to get attention.

[MikeMyers]

David Cage gets lots of press. I don't like his arrogance either. I respect him trying to do different things but he always sounds like his games are better without any reference to why people enjoy games he doesn't want to make. It's called having fun, which is something he doesn't really get because he sees himself more an an artist and a visionary. I also don't like the way Hideo Kojima comes across. He too is very arrogant and speaks in third person like he's some God like figure. I guess that stems from fans treating him that way. His games are very good though so he gets a pass from me.

I didn't really like Heavy Rain. To me it wasn't really all that enjoyable. It seemed more about trying to mold a screenplay into a game and I thought some of the acting wasn't very good. I also played Fahrenheit which was also interesting but not very entertaining either. I don't need balls to the walls games all the time. I enjoyed games like Journey but to me it still felt like a game where I was in control. David Cage's games feel more like he's the puppet master and we are just there for the ride. His games are tailored to be played as he wants you to play them and are too structured with their QTE gameplay elements. With that said Beyond looks very cool and seems to be a bit of a departure of the QTE and gives the gamer more leniency.

[SilentNegotiator]

Sounds like he really wants a job at EA.

[mistertwoturbo]

Nah he's up here

http://fc08.deviantart.net/...

[UnholyLight]

All aboooooooooard the Cliff Bleszinski hate train!!

There's a reason why so many people have been contacting Cliff to work for them, the man is one of the best in the industry.

[mistertwoturbo]

There's no denying he's one of the best in the industry when it came to game directing, but that doesn't give him any right to be a pompus douche commenting about anything and everything as if he is some sort of God of knowledge on all subjects.

[UnholyLight]

@mistertwoturbo

Unfortunately, someone has to have the balls to say it, he's just purely that guy that has the balls to say what lots of people are thinking.

And strangely it would appear a lot of people stand behind him in the industry

[zeal0us]

I was almost about to jump on the Cliffy B hatewagon but I actually took the time to read the article and not just the headline. He actually make some good points throughout the article.

Personally I don't think the EA's microtransaction system is totally evil. If you look at ME3 MP the microtransaction was pretty good. It kept the map pack,character packs and weapon packs free. If the microtransaction system keeps map packs and other items for future EA titles free then I would be okay with it. If it doesn't keep those things free then I'll just not use the system or just rent the games or not buy the game all together.

I find it quite funny how some of you guys act like he(Cliff) has no right whatsoever to express his opinion.

[DragonKnight]

No he doesn't. He in fact said "If everyone bought used games, there would be no more gaming industry."

It's literally and factually impossible for EVERYONE to buy used games. All used games were, at one point, new games.

I wrote a blog that's currently in the pending section taking apart his stance on this. It's laughable that he could actually believe what he's saying.

[wagnus]

Cliffy B justifies micro transactions and day one dlc's by saying that it's needed to keep the game "fresh" to avoid the buying/selling of used games. Total bullshit. Minecraft is making PC sales history because of it's everlong series of free updates. We need it to replace whatever the current norm is.

Minecraft isn't the only game that's doing this with success.

[zeal0us]

@DragonKnight

I was talking about within the article not past statements

@Wagnus
I'm not sure when and where he justified microtransaction and day one dlc that way but that is something I would totally disagree with.

Imho day 1 dlc is just a promotion tool companies used for sales and to hype the game. I'm not sure how day 1 dlc would keep a game "fresh" 1 to 2months+ down the line or prevent someone from buying the game used.

Microtransaction keeping a game fresh is debatable but prevent buying/selling is bs. Heck I sold my copy of ME3 three months after getting bored with MP which had a microtransactions system in it.

Personally I would love for companies to follow Minecraft model and give us free updates/content. I do agree we need to replace the current norm(Day1dlc, Online Passes and cutting content then labeling it dlc)

[DragonKnight]

But the article takes his words directly from his blog, in which he made that used game statement. He doesn't have any valid points. If you read the whole blog, you'll see that he's just putting on a show to support EA. He even takes it far enough that you question if he's getting something out of it that no one knows about. He talks about the engagement ring in Team Fortress 2 yet completely ignores the fact that that's a purely cosmetic thing, and what EA has already done goes beyond cosmetic MTs but straight to selling integral game components like weapons in Dead Space 3. He doesn't know what he's talking about and is merely spouting of a manifesto of greed.

[MrBeatdown]

"It's literally and factually impossible for EVERYONE to buy used games. All used games were, at one point, new games."

Sounds like you're taking his use of the word "everyone" far more literally than he intended.

But if we are going to be that technical about it, it's not impossible. Just because all games were once in new condition does not mean that every single one of them was sold in that condition. One free copy sent to a reviewer or given away in some form would make it possible in theory.

[nukeitall]

@MrBeatdown:

"But if we are going to be that technical about it, it's not impossible. Just because all games were once in new condition does not mean that every single one of them was sold in that condition."

Technically, we could also say if *ALL* game publishers stopped making games or selling new games, there are still plenty of existing used games out there.

However, as you said it's obvious CliffyB did not mean it to be that literal.

[MrBeatdown]

"Technically, we could also say if *ALL* game publishers stopped making games or selling new games, there are still plenty of existing used games out there."

I guess we could, but I don't see how that relates to my point.

[Mocat]

This is EA
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[isa_scout]

Yeah, but i just wonder if he realizes that high hill he's sitting upon is actually a giant pile of shit?

[ATi_Elite]

Valve = dedicated to the Gamers no matter what!

EA = dedicated to shareholders no matter what!

When Each company makes a move you can feel who this move was meant to benefit!

Clifford just go away!!

[BlmThug]

Ex 360 owner of 4+ years, never bought GeoW title so I do not care for your opinion Cliffy

[badjournalism]

Clifford the Big Red Douche

[KwietStorm_BLM]

lmao

[lociefer]

Aaaand the new Greenburg is born

[CaptainYesterday]

It seems like everyday there is an article about Cliffy B on N4G..

[Blank]

Yeah seriously as much as I like to hear people in the industry talk cliffy is now like an annoying backseat driver I think he just has wayyy too much time on his hands now

[Erimgard]

I think Valve is a much better company than EA, but he does bring up some good points. People tend to get into this false mentality that their favorite companies are infallible, when in reality every major video game company has the same basic goal in mind: make money.

If people think EA is the only company trying to squeeze every last dime out of their customers, they are wrong. Complaining about microtransactions won't solve anything. Want your message to be heard loud and clear? Don't buy EA's games. If there's no money to be made in microtransactions, then EA won't use them. It's as simple as that.

[wishingW3L]

is not just about the money, EA ruins game franchises too. Just look at Dead Space, Dragon Age and that new game insomniac are making.

[juandren]

Dragon Age :(

[sjaakiejj]

EA created two of those franchises though, so was that evil too? Will you ever forgive them for funding and creating Dead Space and Dragon Age in the first place?

[Hydralysk]

I think Origin and Westwood would be better examples of why people hate EA.

Good developers who get bought out by EA, and then shut down.

[wishingW3L]

is Cliffy B making a game for EA or something? lol

[mistertwoturbo]

Yeah interesting how he's defending EA and trying to side bash Valve. He talks about how Valve is a business trying to maximize profits, but then goes on about how public image is important.

That guy is really up his own rear end.

Then again, he's been that way since he was born.

[Erimgard]

He didn't really trash or praise either company. He chose Valve as the comparison company because they are consistently rated as a fan-favorite company.

[ApolloTheBoss]

Hey Cliff. FYI...

[Jek_Porkins]

I don't see why he just wont stop? I kind of used to respect this guy, but since he left Epic and got married he just wont be quiet.

I remember at the video game awards he got interviewed quickly and couldn't help but talk about how he wanted fully digital everything. Now he's all for micro-transactions and talking up EA, which is one of the most disliked companies in the world.

[xPhearR3dx]

That's because now he's allowed to say what ever he wants. Not only that, he says what he wants on HIS blog. These websites aren't interviewing him asking these questions, he's speaking his opinion just like you and I. Only difference it, these journalist keep taking quotes from his blog and turning them into articles. Don't blame Cliffy B because he speaks his mind just like you did right now. Blame the people turning his words into articles.

[Megaton]

This guy is turning out to be a lot more dense than I thought. Either that or he's moving over to EA, and just wants to spend his time as a shill before the announcement is made.

Forgetting about everything Valve does that benefits gamers, everything EA does to hurt gamers, and speaking strictly to microtransactions, the difference is pretty simple. Valve has micros in free games. EA has micros in $60 games.

[Hufandpuf]

“Don’t get me wrong – I’m a huge fan of Gabe and co most everything they do. However, it blows my mind that somehow gamers don’t seem to get that Valve is a business, just like any other, and when Valve charges $100 for an engagement ring in Team Fortress 2 it’s somehow ‘cool’ yet when EA wants to sell something similar it’s seen as ‘evil’.

IS THAT NOT TRUE THOUGH?

[DoomeDx]

Team Fortress is a free to play game..

[Hufandpuf]

So are a lot of EA games now. So where's the excuse?

[Imalwaysright]

Are you seriously comparing Valve's business practices with EA's business practices? Watch the vid in my comment below and you'll see for yourself the difference between Valve and EA. Valve wants our money but atleast they respect us gamers. EA just wants to bleed us dry.

[Rivitur]

Team Fortress 2 isn't a pay to win though and the misc. items such as the ring is enhancing the community involvement. Beside a percent of teh money made from items made by the community goes back to the guy who made it where is the evil in that?

[XXXL]

Cliffy B. What a boner.

[koehler83]

Comparing Valve and EA is a poor choice in any scenario, but especially this one.

EA answers to their shareholders.

Valve has no shareholders. They answer to their customers.

[zeal0us]

If not Valve, what company could he have used to get his point across?

I think $100 engagement TF2 ring was a good example. I would've went $100 ultra-rare limited edition hat.

[papashango]

a $100 engagement ring that does what exactly?

nothing

what does all the hats the get sold do exactly?

nothing

there's a difference between free 2 play and pay 2 win. Cliffy B doesn't seem to understand what that difference is.

[koehler83]

Giving people expensive options is fine. Putting up expensive roadblocks is not.

[Quadraxis]

As boring as those jokes in image macros are, they are a reflection of the costumers and their opinions on those companies. He's on no position to call bullshit.

[Imalwaysright]

Valve is one of the few companies that i respect in the industry while EA are, imo, by far the worst company in the industry. Anyone thinking about buying a game from EA should watch this vid.

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[listenkids]

He is right in a sense, but the people who make the memes and slate the company are the people that don't buy into the shit. Yeah, it is the minority of people, but you can't address these people as if they're all the same and understand the point. yeah blah

[konnerbllb]

That article image is awesome.

[-Gespenst-]

Probably because he's in on this big games industry ponzi scheme. Valve are the only guys in the game industry who actually have a noble and forward thinking vision for the future of the games industry.

Plus Valve don't plan to, nor do they rely on the heavy use of micro transactions. EA have just come forward and unequivocally admitted that micro transactions are going to be a huge part of their future business plans, when everyone knows that they're just cash grabs disguised as content that we might want. All it basically is is giving a company your money for virtually nothing in return.

[Sarobi]

All the articles posted about Cliffy B, is most likely posted by Cliffy B.

[Crazay]

Valve makes some great games. No question about it. COunterstrike is crazy fun after a very VERY long time people still talk about it and play the game, Left 4 Dead 1 and 2 are in my xbox every weekend. Why? They made an incredibly fun game but they're games are buggier than a prostitute with herpes and they kinda just give up on games too early.

I like Valve's games, but I call Aholes far more often than i do EA.

[Rask]

I completely agree with Cliff B.

[TemplarDante]

Are you also trying to get hired by EA , Rask?

[RememberThe357]

Douchebags are notorious for not realizing they're douchebags. If he can't figure out why gamers aren't happy with the big publisher then it's probably good he's out of the industry.

[TemplarDante]

Cliffy is practically on his knees begging EA for a job when he wrote this.
Bet he was on a leash to.
When he makes anything other than dude bro shooters, maybe then his opinions may count.
Then again, maybe not.

[sjaakiejj]

Yeah, because someone with Cliffy's reputation and CV needs to beg for a job.

[TheOneEyedHound]

He's on a roll.

[TheOneEyedHound]

I believe if Cliff joins a studio, it will be a valve first party studio.

It seems he is tired of milking games and dlc, he wants to do something new.

[PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt]

why is this guy raging at us? everyone boycott this man! from what ever he makes in the future.. hes trying to be the badass of this industry.

[yewles1]

*tin-foil hat* I believe Cliff may be trying to become a mediator for that rumored EA/MS partnership for the next XBOX.

[h2omelon93]

The difference between value/blizzard and EA is that the first almost always offer quality products while EA's games are typically subpar( not Bioware ). The DeadSpace micro transactions that charge 5 bucks for a gun is too much.

[brich233]

Valve is the good guy. Look at how many deals they offer at steam. Does EA do the same?

Although his view on the micro-transactions is correct "dont like it, dont buy it"

[MooseyXTC]

EA does deals too.
They still suck as a company, but they are making an effort.
Just a lousy one.

[mochachino]

For a guys that 'retired' from game development, he can't seem to shut up about it.

[Tzuno]

Break his teeth :)

[TABSF]

Yeah but the difference is Cliffy

EA pull servers
Have crappy limited Beta
Charge $60 for everything
Charge heavily for DLC
Remove services what you could of put money in
Crappy micro-transactions (for stuff unobtainable any other way)

Valve still have servers for games over a decade old
Have extensive on going beta for games already out (patch betas)
Price their games fairly
Usually release DLC FOR FREE
Have added services and improved old ones, oh wait for free
micro-transactions (for stuff obtainable by playing the game)

[WeskerChildReborned]

Yes but Valve justifies their microtransactions with free games you can download and also great deals on games in Steam.

[kupomogli]

People bash EA, but what are they really bashing them for but riding the hate train that all their friends are on?

Because they close down studios that would be gone today if they haven't purchased them? Look at how many studios have been closed by other developers. Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft closed down gaming studios and laid off workers. It's a common practice, especially after games are completed.

If you're a PC gamer from back then and your favorite studio got purchased and shut down shortly after, or you were a gamer during the PSX PS2 era where EA was just releasing the same games over and over, running some of our favorite franchises in the ground. Then you'd have a right to complain at that time frame. I was one of the people who complained then.

However, EA has been putting forth the effort to turn themselves around. They've got a lot of AAA development studios working under them and give those studios a near unlimited amount of funding when creating games. Pogo.com is an EA owned website that has hundreds of free to play multiplayer and single player games. If they like the idea of a game, they'll partially fund and publish the title for that third party developer.

Even if I disliked EA as a company, I don't have any sort of vendetta against a company which prevents me from purchasing any of their games that interest me. I'm not a fan of Ubisoft but Watch Dogs is one of my most anticipated next gen titles. Whether you like EA or not. They push out great quality new IPs as well as solid franchises, and they're a publisher that really pushes this business forward.

[KontryBoy706]

It's time for Cliffy to STFU really....

[MasterD919]

Coming from a guy who forced people to buy skins for their guns this means nothing.

I'm not a fan of Gabe at all over at Valve (I think he's a fat, pompous jerk), but at least he throws out free DLC and is against the industry practices that EA and Activision love to promote in the gaming industry.