Thursday 30 November 2006

Viva Pinata developer Rare has yet to be convinced of the value of downloadable content and so is reluctant to invest time and energy in providing extras, until they prove to be a hit with gamers, that is.

"We've got plenty of ideas for what we can do with downloadable content because Pinata is such a unique game," lead designer Gregg Mayles, told GamesIndustry.biz, "but the jury is still out".

"It's almost pointless doing a huge amount of work at this point because if it's not going to be successful you may as well put that effort into making a new game," Mayles continued.

But, while he may well have a point, it seems a strange comment from a Microsoft owned company. The Xbox creator bought Rare back in 2002 and might be dismayed to hear its lead designer question the value of downloadable content, especially as Xbox Live Marketplace - where new gaming content is purchased - is at the heart of Microsoft's online strategy.

Also, with games like Half-Life and SiN being released in downloadable episodes, Rare might be on its own with its reluctance to get involved.