As video games have grown, extra downloadable content has become a feature used in many titles to maintain popularity.Video game DLChas also become a crutch in certain cases where a title is released with minimal content, but promises more content over time. According to developers at EA Motive,Star Wars: Squadronsis not one of those titles.
Live-service games have become a popular, with titles releasing timed content in the form of in-game events, seasons, and battle passes. By releasing content continuously, the original full game price may become more justified for fans over time.Star Wars: Squadronsis a newly-released title that stands apart from the live-service blueprint in a number of ways.
RELATED:10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do In Star Wars Squadrons
Star Wars: Squadronsreceived favorable reviewswhen it released on October 8.Squadronsoffers an immersive space-battling experience with a campaign set after the events ofReturn of the Jedi, as well as online multiplayer that offers customization of pilots and starfighters. WhileStar Warsspace skirmishes seemingly offer the perfect opportunity for DLC content, the developers decided to go a different direction according to Creative Director Ian Frazier.
When asked about potentialStar Wars: SquadronsDLC in an interview with UploadVR, Frazier said, “Never say never, so to speak, but as far as our philosophy goes, we’re not trying to treat the game as a live service [title].” Frazier also took an opportunity to contrast the creation ofStar Wars: Squadronsto other modern titles.
“We don’t want to say ‘it’s almost done’ and then dribble out more of it over time, which to be honest is how most games work these days,” Frazier said. “So we’ve tried to treat it in kind of an old-school approach saying ‘You’ve paid the $40, this is the game and it’s entirely self-contained. We’re not planning to add more content, this is the game, as we hope you understand the value proposition.'”
On top ofStar Wars: Squadronsreleasing with all content included, another waySquadronsstands apart from many other large market titles is the price. Most mainstream AAA titles since the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 era have released for $60, butStar Wars: Squadronsreleased for $40 despite being a large franchiseEA-published title.Star Wars: Squadronsalso supports VR on PC, so the $40 price tag may be even more weighty for some.
Squadronsfeatures a campaign storysurrounding Case Kassandora from the Galactic Empire and Rao Highmoon from the New Republic. Following the destruction of the second Death Star, the campaign leads players through a Republic and Galactic conflict. Players may enjoy the campaign’s story, but multiplayer is whereSquadronsreally shines.
Although no DLC is planned,Squadronsstill has plenty ofcustomization options in multiplayer mode. Players can earn Glory to unlock cosmetic items and earn Requisition for ship components, while some items can be earned by completing challenges and matches.Squadronsalso features a ranking and level system designed to reward diligent pilots with cosmetics, ship components, and challenges.
Star Wars: Squadronsis available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
