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Since 1994, Bethesda software has continued to redefine the RPG genre with its hit "Elder Scrolls" series. They have cashed in on the recent success of "sandbox"-style games, finally culminating with the latest work, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Oblivion has opened up new heights of customization in the one-player RPG market, allowing players to tweak their gaming experience to fit their own unique style. But recently, updates to this game have created a ripple through the internet community, and may well change the face of RPGs forever.
I am, of course, talking about the much-touted Horse Armor "plug-in." For a small price (US $1.99 for PC users or $2.50 for Xbox360), you can give your mighty warsteed an upgrade by adding barding. That's horse armor for the non-medieval enthusiasts in the crowd. It offers some small degree of protection...and a new look for your trusty hooved friend. Since then, four new pay-to-play maps have been released, and more content has been hinted at. But the horse armor is what's really causing a stir.
Downloadable content upgrades in video games aren't a new topic, nor are ones that require payment. Many software developers have been releasing extra content such as maps for years now, either free or for a small fee. And those familiar with the MMO market (especially the Asian MMO market) are no stranger to this idea either. But the growing trend in console games to add content for pay is becoming alarming, and Bethesda's Horse Armor is the keystone of that trend.
Why, you ask? Simple. Because it's no longer adding to the gameplay experience that matters. It's all about vanity. An item like this armor has limited use at best. It protects your horse, and that's probably a good thing. It's not intrusive enough to imbalance game play, and that's another good thing. However, in the long run, the defensive bonus it grants is fairly minimal. The real impact is on the eyes. The horse armor (either steel or elven, your choice) gives your mount a distinct look that stands out in the game. In an MMO, I can understand this. Playing with hundreds of other people and a (usually) limited design palette, many players like to stand out in the crowd even at a cost. But in an offline console RPG? Who's going to see it? You, your mother, and a couple of people you upload screenshots to on the web? Is it really worth hard-earned money for a game you play be yourself at home and no one else may ever see? Is standing out or looking cool that important? What price is your vanity?
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