Gears of War 3 'Season Pass' dated, priced

Like every other "AAA" game this generation, Gears of War 3 will have an extensive post-release DLC schedule. However, in an effort to entice more purchases, Microsoft and Epic Games is taking a page from other games, such as Mortal Kombat and LA Noire, by offering a downloadable content "Season Pass"--which bundles all upcoming DLC at a significant discount.

[patrickwlindsey]

This is a trend that really needs to go away. I'm not sure how we as gamers all of a sudden became OK with what is so obviously gouging, but the more we keep buying into this, the more publishers will realize they can keep getting away with it.

Seriously - paying $30 for DLC after already paying $60 for the game? Come on, guys.

[xPhearR3dx]

If it's worth it I don't care. Gears 3 alone without DLC will last me a long time and there's more than enough content in the game already to justify the $60 price tag.

[xPhearR3dx]

@StanLee

Who are you to say it should be free or not? I bet you bought all the DLC for Gears 2 right? Was that DLC worth it because they didn't announce its existence before the game launched?

Everyone knew Gears 3 would have DLC, it was practically a given. This announcement isn't a big surprise to be honest.

4 DLC for $30. Lets see, COD Map Packs $15 a pop. 2 Map packs and you already could have paid off Gears of War 3 DLC. Lets say, there's 3 map packs and 1 SP DLC. You pay $10 a piece for the map packs and get the SP DLC for free. Not a bad deal at all.

[gamingdroid]

***Video game makers are treating its consumers disrespectfully.***

First of all, companies are out there to make a profit not be to be a "respect" me charity.

That said, ask the fans if they want the content and I'm pretty darn sure that is a resounding yes. more so than the "Epic Edition" you are buying. Fans want more not less....

By the way, how did you get the Epic Edition for $100? That is way below MSRP.

[otherZinc]

I'm split a little, however:

@StanLee,

I agree, I'm buying $210 worth of Gears of War 3: $150 edition for my son & the regular for me, just for the co-op. I also, think I'm spending enough money to get some of that DLC for free.

If I'm going to spend an extra $60 on a DLC pack for my son & I: Epic had better include an Act & Horde Maps with every DLC pack or they'll piss me the ****-off!

And I'm a customer that has purchased 2 of every Gears Of War game & DLC just for my son & I; I dont deserve this!

I dont know, all of the prior dlc was worth every penny & more, we'll see what happens. Either way it goes I'm buying Gears is Great, but I wont be to happy.

[Tinted Eyes]

Pay for the game, pay for Live, pay for the pass.

Haha.

[gamingdroid]

I believe DLC on the Xbox 360 can be shared with other gamertags on the licensed Xbox 360 (use the license transfer tool to move it to another console).

Did you try sharing it that way? i.e. one gamertag that owns the content be online and the original console with the license use with another gamertag?

That said, you having to purchase two should have little bearing on if it is worth it to the average Joe. To me I'm happy to get extra content, and if I don't like it I simply save my money for another game.

However, it should come as no surprise to anyone that popular games with multi-player centric portion should have multiple DLC packs.

At least this seems to be a lost less costly, with an option to save some money... in the past you had to buy them separately at full cost barring sales months down the line.

In some ways, this is great because developers have another way to profit (since they constantly complain), and consumers get something extra if customers want to pony up instead of having developers restrict your freedom to use games.

I like options personally and there is no way for you to know if a DLC was planned in advanced if devs withheld that information. However, to me it seems DLC is steadily increasing in quality as well.

[Gazondaily]

To be honest, I found the MK one to be of decent value. I guess it'll all depend on what the price of the pass is and what content is on offer.

[_Aarix_]

They should have it as too you can get free or discounted dlc when you get certain achivements.

[gamingdroid]

I see no problem with that.

For instance, some DLC provide you with very limited entertainment for maybe 2-hours. A map pack tends to last me a lot longer and it is optional, as in if you don't want it, don't buy it.

Especially as it seems each map pack is 800 points/$10 as opposed to the usual $15/1200 points.

The game itself seem to offer plenty of value already... I welcome this, because you get a discount for getting the maps day-1.

[DEA Fresh]

I don't understand why people are against this. It is completely optional. But if you know gears is one of those games youll be playing a lot, it is a good deal. You can buy all the DLC a la carte or buy it bundled and are basically getting one free.

Everybody has favorite games they know they'll want to want to extend the longevity of and will be getting all the DLC for sol why not pay up front and save money.

DLC is an industry standard now and is planned for while games are in development. It is a huge part of the gaming ecosystem and isn't going anywhere. It'd be awesome if the content was all released free for every game but it's just not going to happen.

[JeffGUNZ]

I agree 100%. People need to stop complaining about DLC. It's optional. Gears of War 3 will be a game I will be addicted to for at least one year straight, probably 2. If I can get 4 MP map packs for $30, then that is a great deal. 30 dollars is not a lot to keep to longevity of the game running and feeling fresh.

I just don't understand people. It seems like a lot of people have the attitude of a child, insinuating that they should get DLC for free. Last generation, we really didn't have much DLC at all and now it's a common thing this generation. These people are working to create more content for the game, why shouldn't they be compensated? You're saying that extra work should be free? Come on.

What would you people want? They add more content to game before launch and charge more then $60 for the game, or make it OPTIONAL for people to continue to keep the game feeling fresh?

[nirwanda]

I think alot of dlc is a massive rip off, i think the whole concept of planning and making dlc before the game is released is conpleatly wrong, how anyone can think charging 1/4 of the price full game for a couple of maps is stupid and wrong when on the pc people who ain't professional programmers make them for free.

And because of pure greed you delay the production of a proper full game as people get tided up making add-ons to fleese people only to give them away to the less hardcore gamers for nothing when it gets released as a classic game.

[Rampaged Death]

Such a rip off

[Doletskaya]

Get away with what? It's not like we are not getting 60 buck worth of content out of the full game. In fact, a copy of Gears 3 gives us more than that, and so does a copy of Uncharted 3, Battlefield 3 and obviously Skyrim. So what's the harm of having DLCs if they are optional and not taking away anything from the full game?

[Angrymorgan]

Agree, it's a blatant rip off, they have virtually doubled the price of games, devs have you pay for half a game on a disc, the other half is already PRE-PLANNED dlc, (they can't do season passes unless they know dlc is coming)

[user858621]

Relax everyone this isn't the "force you to pay for multiplayer" that sony and the rest are making you do

"The Gears of War 3 Season Pass will entitle gamers to receive the first four installments of DLC "over the course of the next year," with the first release planned for November this year. The Season Pass will be available on the day the game releases"

Its basically preodering future dlc at a discounted price kind of like Rockstar Pass

[Baka-akaB]

that's what people said for dlcs , and here we are ... overflooded with those , and people even hating on some publishers , regardless of the quality of the original game .

So it's natural to remain sceptical

[SoundGamer]

You pay for XBL to play online. So yes, you are forced to pay for multiplayer for both used and new games on the 360 (extra if it's a used games from companies like EA). Stop being a fanboy and open your eyes.

"Sony and the rest" only make you pay for online IF you buy the game used.

Now, getting back on topic - While I'm definitely getting Gears 3, I'm not much of a fan of DLC so I wont get the season pass.

However, people will get the season pass and people will be happy with it. Others will not be. For those who do not think it's a good idea, then don't support it. Simple I would think.

[lodossrage]

lol I don't see how anyone is disagreeing with SoundGamer there.

It's not like you can prove him wrong with what he's saying.

As usual, a fanboy has to throw out "Sony and the others" without facts. Ask the people that buy their games NEW if they'll be paying for the online waseem.

And bro, not only do you pay to play gears of war online, you pay to play EVERY GAME online if you're using the 360. In case you haven't heard, playing online free on the 360 through the silver account died LOOONG ago.

[Hands Up For Games]

Ouch!!!

[Hands Up For Games]

For the people disagreeing out there, how is it not an Ouch!!! moment?

Im going to be picking Gears 3 up on Day 1, but to know that there is already $45 worth of DLC incoming, to me says Ouch!!!

[spacedelete]

DLC, overpriced games, cut content from games, DRM, online passes and mediocre games. why am i still a gamer ?

[_Aarix_]

Because reality is boring.

[noxeven]

I wish this shipped with the game

[Angrymorgan]

Exactly noxeven. There is no reason why it shouldn't be shipped with the game, unless they haven't made it yet. Dlc is ok in my book as long as it's thought of AFTER the games release, but it's not hence the pass, good moneymaker, not so good for the consumer

Disagree all you want, you know I have a point

[rew182]

I'd never pay that for Gears of War 3... Now uncharted 3, yes I'd get on that. Ergo, to each his own; don't knock it. If there's a market for it, then it'll work, if not then oh well. Think it's dumb? Don't buy it then.

[DevilishSix]

Why the hate? Gears 3 is going to have a ton of content, if you don't want extra content months later, then don't buy the season pass or chose the DLC you actually want when they come out.

Gears is one of my favorite new IP's this generation. My friends and I will be playing a ton of Gears 3 even when MW3 and BF3 come out. So playing $30 up front to get $40 to $45 worth of DLC is a good discount for us Gearheads that play alot of Gears. The added liquid metal skins are icing on the cake.

So I think its a good deal for those of us that play Gears all the time. For those that don't then don't get it. I am sure Gears 3 will have a playlist option much like Gears 2, so you can still play on the other maps.

[Old McGroin]

I think the question is, will the DLC be worth $40 to $45 to begin with? I doubt it will. Epic have been taking notes from Activi$ion.

You're right that there will already be a tonne of content but it's still sad to see that most companies are going down this route now :(

[DevilishSix]

I understand the arguement of paying for DLC, I am an old school gamer. My first console was a colecovision and was first introduced to gaming on my cousins Atari 2600. So I fully understand, but I also understand that development teams cost hundreds of thousands of dollars a week to keep on payroll and if they ask for a few dollars from me to extend an experience on a game I really enjoy then I will support them.

Hey at least they ar offering a discount to those of us that will get the DLC no matter what.

They could have asked for $15 a DLC like Activion does for COD. Now that is a rip off. So if you look at it that way, then its a bargain.

I understand the arguement but the times we live in are different now. Everything in life seems to cost money these days.

[SITH]

So season passes don't come with first day purchases!? I will pass. I didnt like gears 2 online. I will rent this game on gamefly, play the story and say good bye. Rage just got bumped to purchase.

[JeffGUNZ]

Dude, trust me. I HATED Gears 2 multiplayer. I was a diehard Gears 1 player who was super let down by Gears 2. I went into the Gears 3 beta real pissed and nervous awaiting to be let down.

The game is fixed. The dedicated servers are amazing, the shotgun has returned. The game is balanced. That MP Beta was one of the best multiplayer experiences I have had this generation. It was that good.

[SITH]

I hated gears 2 online also. But I never said I didn't like gears 3 online. I played the beta and loved it. But not enough to spend extra cash just to extend the life of it with content that won't be available day one. Where is the customer loyalty? EA started this dlc pass crap and they haven't resorted to charging extra. I will rent the game, and get the brief fun out of it. Too many other games that have the potential to demand way more of my time than gears.

[JeffGUNZ]

To each their own, I hope you enjoy your gaming this fall!

[Mwaan]

It would be nice if all the DLC was detailed and I knew what I was getting. However, I'll probably jump on this.

[Old McGroin]

Hmm. Can't help but think that, seeing as the game was pushed back from April 2011 to September 2011, they had plenty of time to put any extra content in as part of the retail price. I'll probably buy every last bit of it but it looks like Epic is heading the same way as Activi$ion :(

[Urmomlol]

Gamers are so greedy and entitled.

Gears of War 3 has exponentially more content that Gears 2, and the reason it was delayed was so they could do a beta so the online mutli didn't suck ass like it did in Gears 2.

[DevilishSix]

Here, here. The Gears 3 beta felt so smooth and faster. We still play Gears 2, but it feels weak sauce compared to how Gears 3 beta felt. Gears 3 multiplayer is going to be awesome.

[Old McGroin]

Gears 3 will have Beast mode. Gears 2 didn't have that. So how else does Gears 3 have "exponentially" more content than Gears 2?

I'm sorry I'm not one of those gamers who likes to roll over and shell out hard earned cash on a game I've already overpaid for.

[lolcatz]

Hm....

[JeffGUNZ]

@ Old McGroin: Beast mode, Horde 2.0 which is a complete upgrade, with a ranking system and build-able defensive structures. 4 player co-op. Dedicated Servers. New game modes. They already announced that Gears 3 is the longest game EPIC has ever created. Right there is much more content then Gears 2 and much more content then a lot of games release with these days.

[Old McGroin]

@JeffGUNZ

Well shut my mouth! I could argue that Horde with cash is still Horde but I'm looking forward to the new approach. I also wouldn't count dedicated servers as new content. I hope they're telling the truth when they say the campaign is the longest they've made, guess we'll find out in 23 days time.

And don't get me wrong, I can't bloody wait for this game to arrive! DLC purchases can take a backseat until I've exhausted every area of this game.

[radphil]

Might as well wait for the price of games to go down then if they are going to go this route.

I mean $15 was ok imo, but now $30?

It wouldn't be so bad if they stated what you're getting, instead of doing the "raincheck" method.

[DlocDaBudSmoka]

damn $30! most online passes are $10. why the 20 dollar price hike?

[jdktech2010]

Your getting 4 sets of dlc for that too...the 10 dollar pass is for ganers who buy used.

So your getting probably 3 map packs and a sp dlc for 30 dollars...not a bad deal really

[DlocDaBudSmoka]

if thats the case that isnt bad. but i know the MK or even SDvsRAW'11 had a 10 dollar pass and it ended up havin alot of content. nothing like this, but still $30.

[GhettoBlasStarr]

Now if a consumer gets this game brand new but doesn't buy the DLC he will be split from the community and the lobbies will get smaller. And that consumer will most likely try and sell the game.

"But what about the hard working developers, they won't get a profits."

Well they should have all FREE DLC, they would make more money in the long run & hurt the used game market.
How you ask???
Because if a game is good, plus had FREE DLC to look foward to, then less people would trade it in, thus making more consumers buy new.

[jdktech2010]

This is no different than other games but your paying for the map packs up front and getting a sizeablr discount. If you don't want to pay upfront buy them seperate like you always have...it's not the end of the world folks

[GhettoBlasStarr]

All DLC should be free on all games.
DLC should be a Thank you to the consumer for buying the game new and encourage others to buy the game as well...
Because if a consumer sells the game, then he wasn't satisfied with the game in the 1st place and they have the right to try and recoup their money back.

[JeffGUNZ]

"Thank you" doesn't put food on the developers table. Nor does it pay the rest of the bills. They are working the provide more content, it's ridiculous to not think they shouldn't be paid for their work.

It's like a contractor getting paid to build a new house. As a thank you, should this contractor be expected to upgrade the kitchen, bathroom, add on an extension to the house throughout the years as a "thank you"? No. That person has a JOB and is working. They should be paid for that.

I really think your attitude would change if you were the one working for EPIC spending hours upon hours every day working on DLC after launch.

[radphil]

@jeffgunz

And YOUR attitude would change when you realize the higher ups are the ones that gain this benefit, not the actual hard-working people.

Also this whole "money for the devs" thing really needs to stop. It's a job like everyone else's. If you're going to do this, then you should fight for "money for cameramen in films", or "mechanics for factories".

[TyrionL]

You know what, you people whining about this don't have to buy it. It really is that simple. I really can't believe you people actually get upset by stuff like this. There will be plenty to do in the game without this content. Do you really have so little going on in your lives that you have to worry about Epic putting out DLC passes? I mean if you don’t believe in DLC or don’t like EPIC that’s fine. I have no problems with that, ignore it, but to let it get under your skin enough to get angry that just makes no sense to me. There is just too much stuff going on in the world, hell even just in the gaming industry to let something like this bother you SO much. You think they’re greedy, you think they’re money grubbing, fine DON”T BUY IT. It’s for the people that do think it’s worth it. If you feel you are missing out, then it might just be worth it to you. I do know crying about it on the internet won’t do a damn thing.

@ radphil
So the higher up's stop paying the workers when they work on DLC? Do they suspend their wages? I was under the impression they get paid to do this stuff. I would like some kind of proof that developers are not paid to make DLC at all. Also we are on a game site talking about game stuff, why would anyone bring up "money for cameramen in films", or "mechanics for factories". That doesn't even make sense.

[radphil]

"Also we are on a game site talking about game stuff, why would anyone bring up "money for cameramen in films", or "mechanics for factories". That doesn't even make sense."

Yes it does, because they get screwed over just as much as devs do, so then why should people throw around that specific statement and act as if they are of a dying breed. I agree they should be paid for their work, but it's to the point that companies are getting cocky now.

Also it's way too late to keep this site on track, when there's been many articles that didn't relate to gaming or had a small relation to gaming find its way here.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

I hate the path DLC is going down, and the whole EA pay to play stuff really sucks. That all said...if I had to vote one way or another... I would vote this way. I like the idea of paying upfront for what amounts to episodic dlc releases at a discount or have the option to just buy as I go and not get the discount. Bundling the planned DLC is smart, keeps me vested in the game, keeps me from selling my copy and its a good enough discount that it has some attraction. .

[mrlonewolf]

The season pass is for future dlc. So many thinking u need it to play online.wrong. U could buy gears 3 second hand after launch and still be able to play online. Season pass for dlc. Not online pass for multiplayer

[MasterD919]

I didn't think all of these season passes would catch on like wildfire the way they have....Its ridiculous.

We've got DLC already...there really isn't a need.

[Doletskaya]

Lol, people are pissed as if Gears 3 was the only game that was going to have DLCs post-release. I can guarantee that big games such as Uncharted 3, Battlefield 3 and Resistance 3 will all be having DLCs in the year following their releases which will cost you more than 30 bucks if you buy them all. And do you honestly believe that Epic is the only devs that have DLCs planned before a game's release?

[jetlian]

passes Soon i'll be done with gaming! this stuff is getting out of hand. Asking for 30 dollars after 60 is a slap in the face, 10 maps ain't nothing.

And having 4 DLCs only gonna split up online.

Dole: Asking for and giving notice of 30 dollar DLC is a problem. Before you never knew what you were gonna get now they telling you your not getting the whole thing. Then complain when you wanna buy used!

[Dart89]

*bring on the
passes Soon i'll be done with gaming! this stuff is getting out of hand. Asking for 30 dollars after 60 is a slap in the face.

Why stop a hobby you like i mean there's probably games you wanted to play from older generations that you never got to play due to certain reasons i sure as hell would i mean right now i just bought a few games from ps1 days i never played so now i will get the chance to.Just my opinion but if you want to quit then who is to complain about that.

[jetlian]

up and coming. old games didn't have dlc. gaming is getting to costly

[zod]

ITS OPTIONAL GUYS,

Gears 3 is already jam packed with 60$ worth of awesome contents...There are already 10-20 weapons skin, character skins & 1000 medals to unlock in the game.....Game will last you forever.. :)

No need of this season pass...

[_Aarix_]

But im still getting it..

[ddelella]

Season Passes are the best way to do DLC but the main problem is that you have no control over the DLC. Gears has had good DLC in the past with maps, skins, and new campaign chapters. This will be a far better deal than MK's which is 1 character for around 400 points each. That is a major rip off.

[TheDivine]

Even without dlc it has more content that most games. Campaign, 4 player co-op, beast mode, hoard mode, multiplayer 10 maps. This isnt a beat it and shelf it game this will be most peoples go to game for at least a year so imo its good to know it will have regualar support and content added. Look at games like homefront and kz3, all u get is a 5 hr campaign and multiplayer. Gears 3 is worth every penny.

[typikal82]

This is the type of stuff that should be included with the epic edition

[CommanderWTF]

I really hate this season pass thing. Come to think of it I hate most DLC in general. Most DLC isn't even worth the price in my opinion.

[clockworkrazor]

The original Gears of War 3 content will be enough for me. I dont by DLC for games like COD , Battlefield or Gears of War anymore.

Ill buy the game and enjoy as long as it lasts.