Expansions?

[Grim.Reaper]

As I am getting ready to place my order, trying to determine if the expansion pass is a good option for me. Has there been any speculation as to how many expansions there will be and the rough expected cost of each? If there is another thread with this info, I would appreciate a link if possible.

I keep going back and forth as to whether to get standard or premiere, or standard with expansion pass. I kind of want premiere to get additional content sooner, but would have to talk myself into that at least $100 of future expansions will be released

 

[StarTux]

Taken from newsletter 29:

"We do intend to release small, free updates after launch, but expansions that include significant new features and content will be charged for separately. For example, our current roadmap is to add (in no particular order):

Landing/ driving / prospecting on airless rocky planets, moons & asteroids
Walking around interiors and combative boarding of other ships
Combat and other interactions with other players and AIs in the internal areas of star ports
Accessing richly detailed planetary surfaces
Availability of giant ‘executive control’ ships to players"

With the expansion pass you won't have to pay for any of the above, without it they will be charged for and well the price is unknown. The more successful Elite is the more expansions we'll see thereby improving the value of the pass. I doubt if you purchased all of the above that will be the same price or cheaper than the expansion, this is a special for people getting the game now. Much like those MMO's which offered a lifetime pass at a set price, over time they became more valuable.

What I quoted is the best source, and as the game is still a few months away from final release I doubt the pricing is even firm yet, and the amount of expansions again depends upon Elite's success, imagine if we're still playing in 10 years time and that they're still releasing expansions?

You have to make up your own mind, based on available information.

 

[Cmdr Andy B]

that's a tough one as the only 2 expansions I've heard anything about are the 'walking around/FP' expansion and 'Landing on Planets,' as for cost, not seen any mention of that either but i cant see them charging much more than £20 for an expansion if the game itself is being sold for £35.

I think the EP is a bit of a gamble TBH, but not much of one as i fully expect to see at least the 2 mentioned above - its just a question of will there be an expansion number 3, and if so what will it contain?

Personally I'd take a punt anyway and look on the EP as a bonus as while standard beta gives you access to the combat build there isn't really that much there, not really enough to keep you occupied for the next 2 1/2 weeks at any rate.

 

[Grim.Reaper]

Thank you, this was exactly the type of information I was looking to receive, knowing nothing official has been stated. It certainly is a gamble with all the unknowns but I would certainly assume we would at least get our $50 worth for the basic expansion pass, otherwise I am sure they would have some upset customers The gamble/question is, whether there will be an additional $50 worth to go for premiere, but like you have said, something I have to decide for myself.

 

[fourty6to3]

If I recall correctly, shortly after the Kickstarter days FD have said that they would actually be losing money by selling the expansion pass over time, if that gives you any indication as to how many are planned/what they will cost.

 

[Grim.Reaper]

If I recall correctly, shortly after the Kickstarter days FD have said that they would actually be losing money by selling the expansion pass over time, if that gives you any indication as to how many are planned/what they will cost.

That's what good sales people say all the time....your getting the deal of a life time and we will take a loss on it...but we want you to be happy customer

Just kidding, in the end I do think it likely will be worth it, especially if this game is supported for many years.....I am guessing the total amount will be greater than $50 and I could justify whatever difference by the fact I get to play a little earlier

 

[KickahasTier]

I'm hoping for a partnership with Bethseda for the extra vehicular ship landing environment. Full on RPG.

 

[Praevarus]

Unless you're feeling generous, I would just get Standard Beta and the pass. It'll cost less to do that and there isn't really enough time left in Premium Beta to make it worth it, if you ask me. Even though we don't know how much expansions will cost or exactly how many there will be, I trust them to do right by those of us that have the pass. Frontier hasn't been around for 20 years by ripping people off. (even if some might say Alpha and Premium Beta are rip-offs)

Personally, I'm proud to have bought Alpha.

 

[SAB380]

I'm hoping for a partnership with Bethseda for the extra vehicular ship landing environment. Full on RPG.

haha I was thinking about this as part of an ultimate fantasy game.

I would actually pay for this as a full stand alone game within the Elite: Dangerous universe.

Have Bethesda create a full game with main storyline and side quests across the galaxy (with the ability to drop in and out of the game seamlessly), using their in house engine down on the planets.

Not going to happen of course ...but fun to dream

 

[SAB380]

Thank you, this was exactly the type of information I was looking to receive, knowing nothing official has been stated. It certainly is a gamble with all the unknowns but I would certainly assume we would at least get our $50 worth for the basic expansion pass, otherwise I am sure they would have some upset customers The gamble/question is, whether there will be an additional $50 worth to go for premiere, but like you have said, something I have to decide for myself.

The other way to look at is to consider what 'expansion' means.

This won't be like other games DLC that adds a few hours content.

At this stage, its pretty guaranteed that planets and atmospheric flight/landing will be the games major expansion. That essentially broadens the scope of an already essentially infinite universe... um... infinitely

That on its own is worthiy of a full price game I think.
I don't think in 3 years time anyone will regret having paid an initial fee for 'free expansion access forever'

 

[SuperG]

Well for better gaming support paying full expantion price will support the game better. Giving them more funds.
But I always want game with every expantion. So a season pass for all expantions is more convinent to me. Don't care much on price.
Espacialy for very good games. I would even pay more for special editions.

 

[forger]

do not forget thargoids! they will have their own expansion

 

[lysan]

that's a tough one as the only 2 expansions I've heard anything about are the 'walking around/FP' expansion and 'Landing on Planets,' as for cost, not seen any mention of that either but i cant see them charging much more than £20 for an expansion if the game itself is being sold for £35.

I think the EP is a bit of a gamble TBH, but not much of one as i fully expect to see at least the 2 mentioned above - its just a question of will there be an expansion number 3, and if so what will it contain?

Personally I'd take a punt anyway and look on the EP as a bonus as while standard beta gives you access to the combat build there isn't really that much there, not really enough to keep you occupied for the next 2 1/2 weeks at any rate.

Just to add one tiny thingy! We are supporting a game being build, not buying a complete game. FD gives us, as a thank you, a little pat on the back.

You buy it to support, thats the purpose of it all.

 

[Patrick_68000]

A few months ago Michael had declared that to make one pre-order with the pack of expansion, would be more profitable that to buy the elements separately later. I also think that the retail version of the game will be more expensive that currently in pre-order

 

[Patrick_68000]

In my opinion the planetary landings will be just as expensive as the retail version of the first version of the game because the planetary landings will be a very large and complex development

 

[Druid]

Its not exactly bank breaking and you are supporting the game development. Buy the expansion pass now then get the standard beta in 3 days time and have the expansion pass money refunded on the price of the standard beta. You get to test the game for £15 quid then.

Biggest gamble I took was buying a lifetime for LOTR online for £75 on a special offer . Was the best £75 quid I spent on a game. I have had years of free gaming and recouped all the cash many times over.

If you think ED is going to be a great success and you can afford £35 quid its a no brainer , buy it. If it fails to last then ok you have lost a night out at the curry house and a few beers /shrugs

 

[Rog]

At this stage, and seeing what FD have already delivered, I think that the expansion pass is a total no-brainer.

The expansions will be *major* works - landing and walking about on planets would be worth the money on its own.

 

[Zak Gordon]

Does anyone have info on when FD plans to stop selling these 'lifetime passes'? I read on another forum that this was going to happen, but haven't been able to see when exactly that will take place?

I got mine already during the Kickstarter stage, but for people like the OP this might be good info to know about?

 

[Cobbler]

......

 

[forger]

Does anyone have info on when FD plans to stop selling these 'lifetime passes'? I read on another forum that this was going to happen, but haven't been able to see when exactly that will take place?

I got mine already during the Kickstarter stage, but for people like the OP this might be good info to know about?

from latest newsletter #30:

Premium Beta
Immediate Premium Beta Access + Lifetime Expansion Pass - To be withdrawn from sale 15th July.
Lifetime Expansion Pass
Access to all future paid-for expansions - To be withdrawn from sale 29th July.
Upgrade
From your current level to Premium Beta - To be withdrawn from sale 15th July.
Beta
Pre-Order open now - Beta available July 29th.
Elite: Dangerous full game
Pre-Order open now - Release date to be announced.