Dragon Age gets 'Warden Keep' DLC at launch

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9:00 AM on 10.08.2009, Jim Sterling

59 comments | 8199 views

Dragon Age gets 'Warden Keep' DLC at launch photo

#BioWare #DLC #Electronic Arts #PC #PS3 #Xbox 360

Everybody loves launch-day DLC, right? It reminds them that content has been included and withheld from the disc, which means is a good thing because of reasons. Anyway, what I really need to tell you is that Dragon Age: Origins will be "supported" on day one with the "Wardens Keep" DLC, along with the "Stone Prisoner" content we already knew about.

"Wardens Keep" brings a whole new dungeon to the game, along with six abilities, new items, and a base where players can trade with merchants. The storyline will be "supernatural" in theme, with the ghostly Grey Warden keep being the setting. It'll cost 560 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360, or $7 via PC and PS3.

Seriously though, I'm all for DLC, but give players some time before buying the full game and buying the content you've already made, right? I'm otherwise really geared up for Dragon Age: Origins, but day one DLC gets on my nerves.

EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced that it has crafted special bonus content for Dragon Age™: Origins to be released on launch day. The award winning developer will release several packs of downloadable content (DLC) for the highly anticipated RPG including The Stone Prisoner, the Blood Dragon Armor and Warden’s Keep.
“BioWare is dedicated to delivering at high quality for our fans, and we’ve created something quite special here, some really cool new downloadable content. A brand new party member, fresh adventures and environments to explore, plus powerful new items and abilities – together these will enrich and extend the core game experience, and enable our fans to dive even deeper into the dark, heroic fantasy universe of Dragon Age,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder of BioWare and the Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group at EA.
In Dragon Age: Origins, players take the role of a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancient order of guardians. Now, as a rising evil threatens to destroy all life, it is up to players to unite the shattered lands and slay the corrupted dragon known as the Archdemon. To restore peace, players must make ruthless decisions and be willing to sacrifice their friends and loved ones for the greater good of mankind. On this journey, players will need to make critical choices that affect the various members of their party.
The Stone Prisoner will give players access to the mighty stone golem Shale who can become one of the most powerful party members in the game. Shale comes with its own personal back-story and unique quests for the player to discover. The Stone Prisoner DLC will also include new environments, items and hours of additional gameplay, further deepening the epic Dragon Age experience. The Stone Prisoner will be available to original purchasers of new copies of Dragon Age: Origins at no additional cost via a code* on an insert card in the retail version or as provided by the retailer for digital purchases. The Stone Prisoner can also be purchased separately for $15 on the PlayStation® Store, the PC via the in game menu or for 1200 points on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace.
The Warden’s Keep premium DLC will provide players of Dragon Age: Origins with a new dungeon-exploring adventure, new loot including a set of ancient Grey Warden armor, a chance to gain two of six mysterious new abilities, a new base complete with merchants and a party chest to store their hard-earned items. The Warden’s Keep adventure is based on an ancient myth in the Dragon Age universe, where two centuries ago the legendary guardians known as the Grey Wardens were expelled from the land amidst a storm of blood and betrayal. Until very recently, the Wardens have been in exile, while their fortress remains overgrown and reportedly haunted. Over the long years, legends of great treasures and forgotten lore have been told of this hidden location, but no one has ever ventured there and returned alive. Warden’s Keep gives gamers the chance to unearth this lost chapter of Grey Warden history. With their trusty party and a new guide, Dragon Age: Origins players will have an opportunity to unravel the mystery behind the fall of Warden’s Keep, and finally reclaim it for the order. Warden’s Keep will be available for $7 on the PlayStation® Store, the PC via the in game menu or for 560 points on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace. It is also included with the purchase of the Digital Deluxe Edition via a code provided by retailers.
In addition, BioWare will release the Blood Dragon Armor DLC, a set of themed armor that will give players additional protection in combat. This DLC is available to players who purchase a new copy of Dragon Age: Origins (original or Collector’s Edition) via a code* included with the game. This armor will be available for use in both Dragon Age: Origins on the PlayStation 3 computer and entertainment system, Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and PC and in Mass Effect™ 2 on the Xbox 360 and PC.
Dragon Age: Origins will be released on November 3^rd in North America and November 6^th in Europe on the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and PC. The PlayStation®3 version will follow later in November. Dragon Age: Origins is rated M by the ESRB and 18+ by PEGI.
*One-time use code available with full retail purchase. Expires April 30, 2010.

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next 50 comments

59 comments | showing # 1 to 50

artha14

Isn't it awesome to know that this was finished and could have been included but wasn't because they love there money?

DarkMagic56

I find this awesome! It looks like they are deviantly adding alot DLC to this game! How is this a bad thing?

Zeushbien

Honestly surprised Bioware would do this, thought they knew better than that..

Draxxlith

"[Warden's Keep] is also included with the purchase of the Digital Deluxe Edition via a code provided by retailers. "

Does this mean we lowly retail deluxe edition purchasers do not get it?

Kylius

Same, Zeushbien.

Honestly didn't think nthis was Bioware's bag at all!

That said - if a already complete dungeon/level of a game doesn't fit in with the story or 'feel' of the game and gets cut, I can see why Dev's include it as Day 1 DLC.

Like a deleted scene from a DVD, or a B-side/Bonus Track on an album.

Insanity-Oo

@DarkMagic56 It's a bad thing because they're charging you extra for something that comes out at the same time as the game. Think about it: content completed within the schedule of the normal game, but not include it within the package so to speak. Not to mention that the content is out before you even get a chance to play the game and determine if you want additional content. It's like buying a 5 scoop banana split and then having the store charge you a little more for an extra scoop that you may not want.

Korinthian

Or could it be that there simply wasn't enough space on the discs?

Ask yourself if you would have wanted them to pretend that they didn't have a DLC ready for you to buy until a few weeks/months down the road.

Gift horse's mouth and all that.

SedeoInedus

Oh dear, aren't we jumping in at the deep end? Well, I think it's only fair that Bioware gets the defence it deserves. Firstly, the paid DLC content- The Warden's Keep- had been in development since the original release date for the game. As we all know, the game was pushed back several months and, as a consequence, the DLC is now finished....finished by a separate team that were not a part of those staff comprising the main body of the game. As for the other two bits- well, they are free provided you purchase a new copy of the game. That is pretty much a by-product of capitalism. Trying to circumvent the used games market is about as dispicable as charging a booking fee on a concert ticket. That is, technically speaking, fair game under the rules of free-market capitalism. So let's not all jump on the OMGBIOWARESELLOUTSWTFBBQ bandwagon, eh?

Ganjookie

I'm in agreement that this DLC comes out too soon with launch. It's nice to have extra content for the players to grab, but give it some time (30 days even) after launch so that you don't upset your playerbase.

Sure it may have been created by another team, and the game was pushed back, but give players some time before releasing extra PAID content that is not released with the standard edition game.

Also please, no horse barding for sale.

SedeoInedus

Please just read up on the subject before moaning, it's distasteful and utterly unforgivable.

MrSadistic

Just because Bioware couldn't have time to put the DLC on the disc, doesn't mean they didn't have to be douche bags and offer to price it. Since it is release day content, they could have at least maybe go the Mass Effect route and be generous and give one piece of DLC for free before obeying their video game overlord masters (EA).

hpv

"*One-time use code available with full retail purchase. Expires April 30, 2010."

It's just another silly anti-used game move.

Draxxlith

@Gnajookie
Do you suggest you would leave your horse unprotected? It's only like $2 to protect your horse, you know, from stuff, and things...
But yeah, I can't see Bioware pulling a horse armor, and I think Sedeolnedus hit it on the head.

Sonvar

My only issue is regardless of having been done or not pace out the DLC for a bit after the game is released. Unless this is Bioware's way of saying that there is going to be a lot of DLC for this and that's why it's coming with the release.

Shadowiii

Bioware...how far you have fallen. I've been seriously seeing EA influences all over that company.
Speaking of DLC...where's my Mass Effect DLC? You know, the non-sucky kind that actually works with my Platinum Hits edition? The kind you promised?
Man, release day DLC just pisses me off.

SedeoInedus

As I have pointed out elsewhere- once a game goes into post-production there is very little that can be done. Bioware cannot recall thousands of copies to add content that was never intended to be included in the original game at an enormous cost to themselves and even if they could, why would they?

Spartan

I'm firmly against "day one" DLC in principle. It makes me feel cheated despite the fact I know the "system" started as a lees invasive way to combat piracy while hamstringing the second hand market and is now used as a very high profit revenue enhancement stream.

With that said, given the known situation in this instance, I have no problems with it to be frank.

Ganjookie

@Draxxlith

I'm not really an animal lover, so I would let it take the hits for me then pick up a new one.

:D

Silent Enigma

People need to learn more about the industry they love before knocking it. The content on DAO got locked down a couple of months ago, nothing new can be added. Now a small team working on the Wardens Keep DLC finished recently and as DLC has a shorter verification process it can be released on day one. Where is the problem??

Oh just to let you know as well, the stone prisoner which is FREE was content that was cut from the game due to time restraints but as the game got pushed back, the DLC team got round to finishing it and is been given away FREE.

Ganjookie

@SedeoInedus

If you where referring to my statements on releasing DLC after the game release as being "distasteful and utterly unforgivable" than WTF?

If not, then cool. :D

I mention that the DLC should be released later, so as to not upset the player base for seeming to sell content that should have been included on release.

Now "I" understand what is going on and won't be upset, but i am sure hundreds of uninformed gamers will bemoan the whole process and add a black mark to the companies other wise clean name. I understand the idea and purpose of multiple internal teams working on projects, that's fine. It is the timing of the release for the DLC I have an issue with, not the DLC content itself.

Phantom Spaceman

I hear they're planning an "emotion chip/anti-rigor mortis/anti-cliche/anti-Marilyn Manson" DLC.

JPVerrier

Anybody know how they'll be delivering the DLC? All it says in the press release is that you access it via in-game menu.

Xzyliac

Aw what's the matter? Your digital distribution future not so great after all?

Br0th3rGr1mm

Personally, I can't blame Devs (more likely publishers) for useing one of the few tools they have to discourage used game sales. At least it's not a totally NEGATIVE method (like a one time activation code for the full game).

Also, I think this is free if you order the digital download CE version (you get the Keep DLC instead of the crappy junk they have in the CE boxed edition).

project2501

I'm not sure I understand why people are defending day one DLC. Wouldn't you rather have this content included in your $60 game? Now you have to pay $67+tax to get all the launch day content. I don't see that theres any justifiable defense to this.

People talk about separate teams developing the game and the dlc, but that doesn't necessarily mean separate budgets. If BioWare budgeted 1 mil (for the sake of argument) to develop a game, then split off 250k worth of developed content to deliver as dlc at a premium, that feels suspiciously like Ticketmaster charging me a $10 fee just to print my ticket.

SedeoInedus

@Ganjookie Nah mate, not at all. It wasn't personally directed to anyone in particular- just a general plea. It's really unfortunate that consumer ignorance of the games industry leads to resentment and loss of sales. Bioware don't deserve that any more than I do ^^ I happen to work in an industry that suffers from a similar state of mind and it can be so frustrating.

twincannon

Day One DLC is so fucking stupid. Not even the fact that you could say "why isn't this in the full game" or any of that. Simple fact is, it's wasted marketing. The game is launching... isn't that enough press for a single day? Save the DLC for a week or even a month so you'll get more news posts. /shrug

Deny Everything

I don't mind simultaneous development with a project, but day one release is a bit silly. Not because of "they're baby eating ogres" or anything like that, but why would I need additional content when I have a whole game already?

Not getting this in any case. Games with extensive dialogue trees aren't my thing.

urahara

I am all for this DLC. It means that if I like having DVDs and the knowledge that if the digital download server disappears, I can still play my game. I can also play the part of the game that is exclusive to the digital lot for a small price.

OK it is nice for DLC to be released later on, but at least everyone can get all the content, unlike Empire Total war, or the other games that have pre-order bonuses with just one shop or even worse one shop on one type of console.

supportchrisjackson

Things like this are slowly pushing away from video games. I've been an addict for over two decades, but this I really just find insulting to their customer base. I'm willing to give a little (very little) on the DLC topic as a whole, but launching it the same day the game releases? If this were two years ago, "Warden's Keep" would have been a pre-order bonus at Gamestop. Now that we're in the age of raping people for cash it's DLC.

I know, if I don't want it don't buy it. I won't. But please don't complain about me ranting, that's what man made blogs for.

Elsa

I agree. DLC really shouldn't be available till at least a month or two after release - otherwise the devs just look greedy.

Judo Porkchop

Did they really think that the majority of gamers are going to understand why the DLC is out at launch day? If I hadn't read the above comments I wouldn't have known myself. Most people aren't going to know. They will think they were screwed over by not recieving content that should have shipped with the game.

Bioware shot themselves in the foot.

Tubatic

By January, it won't matter that it was available on the first day.

Voting with your wallet was never more meaningful than now, in the DLC/extra content age. If I really enjoy Dragon Age, I'll be sure to pick this up. If Dragon Age is a dog, I'll be happy not to pick this up.

I get the entitlement, and the fear of being had. Nobody likes their Milkshake drank, because they'll drink it up. But if revenue means as much as gamers think it does, essentially "tipping" the makers of a game you enjoy doesn't seem like a bad deal.

People do make these games, and people like to get paid for their work, right?

DarkMagic56

So wait you guys rather want the DLC to be like Mass effect 1 where we had to wait for so long for a DLC (P.Station) than getting alot of DLC at Day 1?
Hmm... less DLC? or More DLC? Yeah I go with More.

SedeoInedus

In fairness, it isn't Bioware's job to inform people about the machinations of the industry- although it may be in their interest. I suppose ultimately it depends on the journalists; not that that is a pop at anyone writing here.

Electrium

At least wait a month and pretend that this shit "wasn't ready" when the disc was made. Seriously, wth. I love you Bioware, but this is low. Biobitches.

urahara

@supportchrisjackson In the UK it still is a pre-order bonus, just now you can actually get hold of it if you don't pre-order. Swings and roundabouts. No slides however :(

Spykron

uuugh. launch day DLC should be free to reward you for buying it at launch and new instead of used.

Yehat

@hpv

It is but the part of it being time sensitive rubs me the wrong way. So if you were to say purchase a new copy of Dragon Age after April 10th you'd be stuck without it. Now you can also say it's time sensitive to take into account the discounts the retail game will receive as time goes on but it still feels bad to make you not only buy new (which is alright) but buy new and buy within a certain time frame of release (which is not alright).

I'm personally biased against pay DLC in general (excepting expansions) so doing some kind of circus here with it makes me concerned of how companies in general are treating DLC let alone pay DLC. And I was honestly starting to turn around my negative feelings of DA prior to this, how disappointing.

HiddenAHB

People, Dragon Age is huge, you should get it at least 60 hours of fun out of it. Plus, the DLC is made a separate team, so it's not just a piece of the game that was left out, and if you don't like it, don't buy it, simple.

grasslunatic

They wont be getting any of my money.

Lunacy

"This armor will be available for use in both Dragon Age: Origins on the PlayStation 3 computer and entertainment system, Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and PC and in Mass Effect� 2 on the Xbox 360 and PC."

Am I misunderstanding this quote, or are they actually adding armour for Mass Effect 2 with Bragon Age: Origins? Not that I have a problem with wearing Blood Dragon Armour in space.

runtheplacered

@DarkMagic56

You really seem to be missing the point everybody is trying to make. The DLC is DONE. why is it not in the actual game itself?

The way you're raving on about DLC, you'd be willing to pay $60 for just the Dragon Age main campaign and absolutely no side quests.. then pay individually for each and every side quest? You are definitely a marketing departments wet dream.

-PL-

Thanks, EA. This has made me decide not to buy this game at all. I'm fine with just playing Dragon's Souls.

-PL-

Err Demon's Souls, lolz.

kingtobo

Day one DLC is only acceptable if it's free. I don't like the idea that I have to buy a game and then buy additional content that they withheld from the game.

Further reason why Dragon Age will never get my money (as if I really needed another one of those).

agentarsenic

I just hope this doesn't suck like Jade Empire, the other "dream game" design heads at Bioware wanted to make. That pile of shit nearly stopped me from buying another Bioware game.

ZilorZilhaust

Doesn't really bother me, so long as it's good I'll pay happily.

Dudemullet

I don't get all the hate people have against 'day 1' DLC. As long as the game is complete and you get your moneys worth of playtime, whats wrong with people the option of downloading (And this needs caps) EXTRA material ?

People also bitch about "Oh this was on the disc" you know, they could just as easily put stuff on the disc and make their downloads 5 GB with only 1 byte access code and everything else just being ANTI-whiner trash. If you want it you buy it, if not you don't.

As long as the games is complete, no problem.

ArrestedDeveloper

They're doing it to try and combat PC piracy and used sales, it's a perfectly acceptable business move.

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