So, the reason they gave the Marketplace its own blade is so that crap like this can be purchased more easily.
Awesome.
I'm surprised about why they're charging for this sort of thing. A quick search of the Net would probably turn up a number of strategies for any games not long after it's released. It's like charging for bottled tap-water.
True, these videos are probably by the devs; however I doubt there's many games out there at all where the devs are the best at the game for long after release.
Still, if enough people want it...
I wonder if these things really sell? I suppose they do since they keep making them! It's Pretty sad though.
Microsoft why do you keep doing this?
You're turning the Marketplace into a joke. Put some quality content up there. Don't charge for crap like this.
Guys no one is forcing you to buy it, so chill.
MILKITPLACE
My guess would be these probably aren't targeted toward the demographic of gamers that would actually actively search for strategy guides to play the game better.
Although it seems to be the trend among most games having the developers not being the most skilled at it Shadowrun might differ. I'm sure they spent a tremendous amount of time balancing the game to level the playing field between the PC and Xbox 360 gamers and through that process had quite a bit of strategy development to go through in order to make that balance happen, so 100 points doesn't seem like such a bad price for the video. Although I can say I won't be purchasing it, as I prefer to learn to play games well independently.
"I wonder if these things really sell? I suppose they do since they keep making them! It's Pretty sad though."
They'll keep making them whether they sell or not. They cost virtually nothing to make or distribute, so if only a few people buy them then it's all profit.
I'm in the same boar as Litheon as far as having no need for the videos BUT i can see their value to someone having a hard time getting a grip on the game and looking for a little help.I MIGHT buy one just to see how much help they actually provide.To that extent i am a little curious.
I think for the first time ever, I would probably disagree with your response, Litheon.
While I understand your thinking in believing this might not be aimed at the demographic who would search for tips, I think that the likes of Youtube and Google are that popular these days - way more so than Xbox Live - that even the most casual, every-day-gamer would think of Google for game tips before Xbox Live - and that's with the payment issue aside.
I would also say that, although yes, devs do spend ample time on game strategy development (something this dev should be doing right now instead of chatting on comment boards ;) ), the sheer size and dedication of the gaming community will often supersede that very quickly.
Having said that, from a business point of you, ease of access will likely be the seller of these sorts of strategies. Why move from your sofa when, for a relatively low fee, it's accessible in front of you on Xbox Live! :) That, too, will likely be regardless of whether someone is a hardcore gamer or the most casual web user, and personally what I think will be the biggest seller of things such as these.
Still, these videos will have incurred virtually no overheads, so I suppose that it's only profit that they can make :)