Pictures and Theme packs anyone???

[DenisDenis]

We're wondering here at Load Inc. if we should get a picture and/or theme pack.
What do you think?
What's the relevance of a theme? (ie: I got the PGR theme on my box and I don't feel the urge to change it everyday.)
Would you use funky Mad Tracks icon for your gamer pic? (like me on Xboxic)
How many pics?
What should the price be?

Any other comment welcome!

[DM2]

Personaly I am a cheap skate and I only use free themes and pics, a free pic would work for me and I may well use it for a time, perhaps if it unlocks with the full game or when you achieve one of the achievments. But as for the paid route I prefer to buy arcade games with my billy points.

Others will obviously disagree but I can't see it being worth a lot of effort on your part to make money, but as some free publicity with a free gamer pic it might work better.

Oh and Dennis can you suggest to MS that when someone puts the mouse over a gamer pic on xbox.com it 'pops up' with the name of the gamer pic pack it comes from much like it does when you hover over a game pic like those below, as it's daft that people don't know where a gamer pic comes from when there are so many thousands of them.

[TRIGGER M4N]

I personally wouldn't buy it, sorry, but I know someone who would...

And it's a cheap-way of advertising aswell ;)

[YLA G]

DenisDenis.. i am a professional gfx artist. i could design a couple of themes then you can choose what you could use/or not use.

All i need is the logo (illustrator EPS is the best) and a couple of the cars. If the screenshots are up to date then i could take them as well otherwise.. i need new.

mail me at yves.de.pryck[a]gmail.com

free from use

[YLA G]

btw.. on certain arcade games there free if you buy the full game.

i buy always themes of the game that i play that month. If you want to sell the avatars then it needs be cool or funny.

[Number 13]

I would never pay money for a theme, because they're generally pretty generic and you're just as well setting your own background from an image on your PC (it costs nothing and is more unique to you).

I think all games should come with a free gamerpic, again, they're not something I would pay money for.

[Curry]

I've bought 2 or 3 themes, and I then use them for months. Unless a theme is specifically appealing and good looking, I don't download it, and yes I do check Xbox.com full versions before installing. Needless to say, I'm still running the Tomb Raider Karima theme :+

As for gamer pics, I just use one which looks good and don't touch it again for months.

[Sir SpankalotUK]

I only ever bought one picture pack, have considered buying another for the jetpac gamer pic but couldnt be bothered to part with the cash.

I would suggest make the gamer tiles free, charge for the theme. M$ have all the figures, sales, etc.

[YLA G]

i am feeling that i am odd.. i buyed 7 themes and 6 avatarspacks

[Number 13]

i am feeling that i am odd.. i buyed 7 themes and 6 avatarspacks
It's maybe a disposable income thing?

I don't have a lot of money to live on, so I have to budget very carefully and can't afford to waste money on what's bascially a couple of pictures and a colour scheme for the section of the console's capabilities that I'll look at least.

[Ponder416]

I don’t buy themes but I'm always searching for cool gamerpics...

I liked the idea where if you get a certain achievement/s you would get a gamerpic (maybe like an Easter egg?) not one you could buy but one unique to the game itself...

[Curry]

To answer Denis' question: I think it would be cool if they'd just add 3 free gamer pictures or so with the full game. That'd have a much bigger reach than actually charging 20MP for them, and as such be better advertising for the game. What better promotion than seeing half your friends list sporting a Mad Tracks logo?

[Xbox360rulez]

I usually get a few pictures for each game I am playing, only gotten a couple themes, but I change my picture a lot to games that I am working on the most. I would definately get some pictures, might get a theme. Pictures usually go for 20 points for each picture which isn't bad at all, so like packs of 4 are 80 points, 5, 100 points, etc. I like it though when the pictures are sold individually instead of a pack. I also like the idea that if you get the full game, you get like 1 or 2 pictures. Maybe a special picture if you beat the whole game or something.:)

[cybermans]

I would release in the weeks before launch every week a new FREE gamerpic, a theme 3 months before launch for free and one about a month for free. After launch you can add more gamerpics for a price. Make sure the free themes are keep a good readability so people will actually use them.

Obvious the free items should be part of the marketing strategy :D

[TristUK]

Personally I wouldn’t buy a gamer pic or theme. But from your point of view (as others have mentioned) a gamerpic advertising Mad Tracks would be a dead simple and effective way to get more 360 people interested in your game via seeing the pic on LIVE.

I’m really looking forward to this game… any more info about the game that you’re willing to divulge as we slowly edge closer to release??? :)

[Studley]

Is there any way of previewing themes before buying them? (apart from the little preview pic at the top of the guide menu)

I fancied one of the Dead Rising ones but you can't see what they're like til you've bought them, I ended up with the main character thrusting in wrestling clothes on my startup page :-(

[DM2]

xbox.com (http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/live/marketplace/themes.htm) has previews of themes a short while after they come out.

[DenisDenis]

(...)I’m really looking forward to this game… any more info about the game that you’re willing to divulge as we slowly edge closer to release??? :)
I have ONE info I can give you...
Someone very influent _o_ comes to Paris for a very special review of the game this saturday. I heard he was going to write something on Xboxic.com, so stay tuned! 8)

Cheers!

[DenisDenis]

All,
Thanks for your time & opinion.
My thoughts before opening this thread was that we would never sell 32x32 pixels icons. Not us! You just confirmed it.

We already have an avatarpack, thinking about what YLAG said... Why don't we make a 'made by fans' pack?
Cybermans has a good point also. I know the PR team did it already with SF2, I'll ask them if it had an impact.

Back to work now ;)
Buh bye!

[Curry]

I have ONE info I can give you...
Someone very influent _o_ comes to Paris for a very special review of the game this saturday. I heard he was going to write something on Xboxic.com, so stay tuned! 8)

Cheers!Which reminds me: fill up my gas tank before Saturday :+

[YLA G]

curry.. can you pick me up? :) you gone pass my home so.. we can split the gas?

[YLA G]

All,
We already have an avatarpack, thinking about what YLAG said... Why don't we make a 'made by fans' pack?

yeah.. hold a competition.. that good for the hype!

[Curry]

curry.. can you pick me up? :) you gone pass my home so.. we can split the gas?I'm already bringing my gf ;)

[Rival24]

I'm already bringing my gf ;)
I won't make a remark.. I really wont... GODDAMN IT... Threesome!

[DenisDenis]

Guys, aren't we going a little off topic here?

Bringing your girlfriend to Paris? Are you nuts?

[Curry]

Bringing your girlfriend to Paris? Are you nuts?
when planning this weekend I had also forgot tomorrow may well be black Saturday, plus that the Tour will be finishing in Paris Sunday :X Ah well got us a hotel on walking distance from the Champs Elysees ;) But I cannot guarantee I'll be exactly on time for our appointment :P

[kidkit]

Hmm... maybe you should write up half your preview now and fill in the blanks later. If you get back and your story is only a paragraph long we'll know you got into the wine a little too much :p

Have a good trip, Paris with your woman and videogames, how do you beat that?

[Cage]

.... Paris with your woman and videogames, how do you beat that?
Trading places with Hugh Hefner ofcourse 8)

[Curry]

My gf likes playing Geometry Wars actually so she may join in on some split screen :P

[DenisDenis]

My gf likes playing Geometry Wars actually so she may join in on some split screen :P
I think she likes Mad Tracks now...
:)

[Chris]

i think my girlfriend will be into mad tracks. yay!

[cybermans]

During work at media markt I saw game standing on the shelves called Mad Tracks? anyone familiar with that game? :+

its there for real (and no, I am not gonna buy it, only the XBLA version)

[Curry]

I think she likes Mad Tracks now...
:)She's going to install it on her PC as well :D

[YLA G]

During work at media markt I saw game standing on the shelves called Mad Tracks? anyone familiar with that game? :+

its there for real (and no, I am not gonna buy it, only the XBLA version)

saw it to on mediamarkt.. its the same for pc indeed.. i only gone buy the xbla version too

So.. where is the review curry? :)

[Curry]

Gimme some time dammit I got home at 23:00 last night :P

[YLA G]

what.. you did not write it the last 17 hours? :D :p

[DenisDenis]

So.. where is the review curry? :)
Is that an echo I hear???
O-)

[cybermans]

that would be a preview or hands-on unless the code was final.

Hmmz dennis played any retail games or only arcade?

[Curry]

Don't rush me bit**es I'm busy as hell :P Hoping to have the preview online tomorrow :)

[Cage]

Tomorrow is not good enough! I wan't it yesterday! Write damnit, write! :+

[DM2]

Is it there yet? ;)

[Rival24]

Is it there yet? ;)
Yeah it is, but we've blocked your ip from the article!

[kidkit]

I for one can survive waiting another day or two, besides, galaga is on the arcade in a 3 or so hours :)

[Rival24]

I for one can survive waiting another day or two, besides, galaga is on the arcade in a 3 or so hours :)
Yeah, and it sucks bigtime! :(

[TRIGGER M4N]

Yeah, and it sucks bigtime! :(

I'm going to concurr that.

[Cage]

Why is Galaga so bad? Indulge me..

[Nekro Neko]

Oh come on, this game rocks. You just want to play Street Fighter now and you're getting impatient.

As for themes, I want to see the Street Fighter one, but I don't want to spend 150 on a tiny preview. I still feel 150pts is a bit expensive for 4 images.

[YLA G]

thats offtopic.. please create a new topic

[Nekro Neko]

As for the original question. I admit that I don't buy themes or gamerpics because they are too expensive for what they are.

If you make a pack then I'd set it to no higher than 10Pts per Gamerpic and 80 or less for a theme. I understand that you have to make money from other means, but it will always feel like a rip when all you sell is an image which can be made in less than 10 minutes.

I look forward to the game mind you.

[htimsda]

Dennis,

Is it possible to unlock gamer pics based on score or in game events? Or unlock one when all achievemnts have been obtained? This could be a way of adding more achievement type things to the game.

What irritates me is that MS doesn't allow more acheivements for DLC expansion packs, which Mad Tracks will have. I think your expansion packs should at least come with free gamer pics and maybe a new theme.

I didn't buy the Chapter Two expansion pack for GRAW because it didn't have any additional achievements, even though the original GRAW game didn't use all of the achievements and gamer points. If it was lower in price I would have bought it without the achievments being in there, but I still would have been upset that it didn't have achievements when it could have.

[DenisDenis]

Dennis,

Is it possible to unlock gamer pics based on score or in game events? Or unlock one when all achievemnts have been obtained? This could be a way of adding more achievement type things to the game. (....)

Dear htimsda,
I could tell you but then I would have to kill you.
If I tell you guys everything, how am I goint to feed you with secret info untill release??
>:)

[htimsda]

Dear htimsda,
I could tell you but then I would have to kill you.
If I tell you guys everything, how am I goint to feed you with secret info untill release??
>:)

That sounds promising. 8)

What if you had Mad Tracks 1, 2 & 3 instead of having expansion packs. That way each of them would have 200 points and 12 achievements?

[Zerodisorder]

but than agian wouldn't they also cost as much as the normal game..:S

[htimsda]

but than agian wouldn't they also cost as much as the normal game..:S

Just divide the total cost by about 3 and spread it evenly. If the original game is 800 pts and the two expansions are 400 pts, instead sell all three versions for like 550 or 600 pts.

[DenisDenis]

That sounds promising. 8)

What if you had Mad Tracks 1, 2 & 3 instead of having expansion packs. That way each of them would have 200 points and 12 achievements?
We would, but you can't fool Microsoft this easy ;)
It is the same game.
Nice try!
8)

[Curry]

Just divide the total cost by about 3 and spread it evenly. If the original game is 800 pts and the two expansions are 400 pts, instead sell all three versions for like 550 or 600 pts.
I don't think MS allows XBLA pricing at other levels than 400, 800 and 1200.

[DenisDenis]

I don't think MS allows XBLA pricing at other levels than 400, 800 and 1200.
They could, but they dont.
They actualy allow 1200 pricing with difficulty.

[Paul Tancred]

They could, but they dont.
They actualy allow 1200 pricing with difficulty.
And they are right, too. That's the only thing that put me off buying SF 2: HF.

On this subject, have you anymore details on the price of Mad Tracks or the Expansions yet? Just wondering, but it isn't that important... I have 800 pts put aside for Mad Tracks in case it is 800 pts...

Also, how long of a gap will there be between Mad Tracks and the first Expansion, and between the first Expansion and the second Expansion?

[DenisDenis]

(...) Also, how long of a gap will there be between Mad Tracks and the first Expansion, and between the first Expansion and the second Expansion?
The plan is to get the three out on the same date.
Mad Tracks, Mad Tracks Encore and Mad Tracks Bravo.
Cheers,
:D

[Paul Tancred]

The plan is to get the three out on the same date.
Mad Tracks, Mad Tracks Encore and Mad Tracks Bravo.
Cheers,
:D
Ok, just two more questions, lol.

Will the Expansions be 400 pts each, or what do you hope to charge for them?

Also, will any of the achievements be based on the Expansions?

Thanks,

Paul.

[DenisDenis]

Will the Expansions be 400 pts each, or what do you hope to charge for them?
I'm hoping for 400gp but I'm not the only one deciding (note that I will use of all my persuasion, of course).

Will any of the achievements be based on the Expansions?
Not at all.
People should be able to access all 12 achievement buying just Mad Tracks. In addition, the core original game has to have all achievements by MS standards.

Hope this helps.
Cheers!

[Paul Tancred]

I'm hoping for 400gp but I'm not the only one deciding (note that I will use of all my persuasion, of course).


Not at all.
People should be able to access all 12 achievement buying just Mad Tracks. In addition, the core original game has to have all achievements by MS standards.

Hope this helps.
Cheers!
That's great thanks.

Just that I have just over 1200 pts (1350, I think) and was wondering if I'd have enough for Mad Tracks, Mad Tracks Encore and Mad Tracks Bravo.

Thank you once more.

[Zerodisorder]

well if it is 400, than i doubt any of the expansions would be over the normal price of the original so at most theyd be alltogether 1200, but thats if the original is 400gp.

[DenisDenis]

The expansion packs will probably be 400 points each.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Denis.

[Zerodisorder]

im sure we'll get our moneys worth for each expansion anyways :D

[Zerodisorder]

alltogether it still may be cheaper than bankshot billiards :P lol

[Paul Tancred]

The expansion packs will probably be 400 points each.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Denis.
I thought as much. But when you think about it, it's not that much, really.

im sure we'll get our moneys worth for each expansion anyways :D
I'm sure too. Mad Tracks (on the PC) is awesome and so addictive. Even if you finish the achievements and challenges on XBLA, I'm 100% sure you'll keep playing it (unlike with Galaga, finished it all in about 1 hr 30 mins).

alltogether it still may be cheaper than bankshot billiards :P lol
Very true. 1200 for just a game is ott (over the top), imho (in my humble opinion). However, with Mad Tracks, 1200, or even 1600 for a game, and TWO expansions packs is a very good price. €15 or €20 for a game you know you'll practically never stop playing gets the thumbs up from me. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up playing Mad Tracks more then CoD2, lol.

So, 400 each for the expansions is 800. As long as the game is 400, then I'm set. If it's 800, I wont be able to get both expansions right away, but I will get them as soon as I get more points.

To be honest with you Denis, I don't think I've look forward to a game this much since The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Can't wait, man... can't wait. _o_

[Zerodisorder]

Now, the expansions arent coming out that soon after the original are they?

[Paul Tancred]

Now, the expansions arent coming out that soon after the original are they?
According to Denis...

The plan is to get the three out on the same date.
Mad Tracks, Mad Tracks Encore and Mad Tracks Bravo.
Cheers,
:D

[Curry]

So, have you considered releasing Mad Tracks themes and picture packs now to cover the cost of the delay? ;)

[TRIGGER M4N]

Just don't do what Bomberman did, release 20 at once, and charge ££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ for it.

Yo, a quick question for Denis. Are you gonna change the achievements now that Live has been incorperated? Also, can we play the minigames on Live aswell?

[Chris]

Question for Dennis. If you need to just switch some code around to implement multiplayer, what's taking 4 months for the delay?

[Curry]

Testing network code is a bitch actually, and from my understanding "just switching some stuff around" doesn't really do justice to the effort required.

[Chris]

I thought what you said seemed reasonable so I said the same thing yesterday. Then someone told me that all that was needed to be done was to add some code as if it were particularly easy. That's why I asked. :/

[DenisDenis]

So, have you considered releasing Mad Tracks themes and picture packs now to cover the cost of the delay? ;)

If we release themes and pics it will be for free.
We'll try to get money where it is.
(not sure yet where that is...)

[Paul Tancred]

If we release themes and pics it will be for free.
We'll try to get money where it is.
(not sure yet where that is...)
I'm actually currently looking for a new gamerpic. So, if you were to bring out pics, you'd be sure to have at least one person using them.

[Zerodisorder]

As long as you guys dont murder us with high point prices for pictures, I would buy some.

[Rival24]

As long as you guys dont murder us with high point prices for pictures, I would buy some.

Which part didn't you get? :P

If we release themes and pics it will be for free.
We'll try to get money where it is.
(not sure yet where that is...)

[Zerodisorder]

Which part didn't you get? :P
oops lol..didn't catch that lol..well still they better be the cheap free, and not the expensive free :P 8)7

[Curry]

If we release themes and pics it will be for free.
We'll try to get money where it is.
(not sure yet where that is...)
Why do I have some severe doubts on whether Microsoft allows releasing themes and pics for free ;)

[DenisDenis]

Why do I have some severe doubts on whether Microsoft allows releasing themes and pics for free ;)

Probably because you have a Dutch twisted mind 8)

MS allows about anything on Gamer pics or themes (even giving them for free!).

[Scarbir]

Okay, that's good. Now gimme your avatar. >:)

[DenisDenis]

Okay, that's good. Now gimme your avatar. >:)

This one?
http://media.teamxbox.com/games/boxart/1150731190.jpg

8)

[Studley]

Some (expensive) picture packs have appeared for Bomberman: Act Zero, but I can't find any previews of the content anywhere (I hate it when they do that). Anyone know if any of the packs have "classic" Bomberman pics in them?

[Zerodisorder]

I doubt it, but you can see all the gamerpics at xbox.com I think, they usually show all the gamerpics released.