Side Quest, Episode 1: Greed, Interrupted (Thoughts on Battlefront 2's Pay-to-Win Scheme)

Thank you so much! It's good to be back.

Colin Moriarty

Even better than I hoped for. The best and most detailed video coverage of the SWBF II micro transaction debacle. Glad to have your thoughts and unique voice back.

Brian Fuller

They will only change if they have to.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for the kind words!

Colin Moriarty

Its so damn good to have your opinion back on gaming. Thanks so much for posting this and keep up the great work colin.

Josh Horsfield

Nice to see you back in games Colin. I really enjoyed your first episode and the history of EA tidbits that you put in the segment. Also what a horrible thing for Jade Raymond to say. It says now that enough people have complained we will now make it good. EA deserves all the scorn they receive. I hope someday they can change but as time has shown us before they don’t change.

Eric S

Thanks! =)

Colin Moriarty

Great video - welcome back! You’ve entered the shit storm known as the “year of loot crates.” Good luck!

ScKeptiC17

I like to respond to as many folks as I can here on Patreon. Y'all are the fuel that makes this engine run!

Colin Moriarty

You responded to absolutely everyone! That is amazing, even small quick replies pile up. Don't stress yourself, you're doing awesome!

Dav9834

Yeah, the stock drop was interesting, although they'll probably recover. I'm interested to see sales, and more interested to hear what they say about the game's performance and this entire debacle in their next earnings call.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! It's good to be back.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for your feedback! I'll keep that in mind.

Colin Moriarty

Perhaps one day, but something else would need to be cut.

Colin Moriarty

Me too. =)

Colin Moriarty

Thank you! I'm super interested to see how the game sells. I'm sure it'll do great, but I bet the numbers are softer than the original, which is crazy considering the expanded install base.

Colin Moriarty

I've had it blocked in your household.

Colin Moriarty

Maybe one day. Once a week for now!

Colin Moriarty

Indeed. That's the only way to effect change.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for watching!

Colin Moriarty

I have no time to do anything else, sorry. This is the schedule for the foreseeable future, and if I do more gaming, it's going to have to come at the sake of something else.

Colin Moriarty

Me too. It's a strange and interesting story.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Thanks!

Colin Moriarty

Good, thanks!

Colin Moriarty

I will. I'm not sure why people think I'm not interested in covering drama surrounding a single-player Star Wars game I wanted to play.

Colin Moriarty

There are a lot of reasons Hennig and Visceral were shut down.

Colin Moriarty

Thank you. Good to be back.

Colin Moriarty

Thanks!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

With nearly 50 episodes a year planned, I'm sure we'll get there. =)

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Audio version goes live for $5+/month subs the night of each video posting, just like CLS. Did you see it?

Colin Moriarty

Thanks!

Colin Moriarty

I have to streamline editing for me, which is why I've taken "me" out of CLS (and now Side Quest) apart from intro/outro. I have way too much work on my plate each week, so I need to simplify. Thanks! (I also corrected the typo hours before you posted this, LOL.)

Colin Moriarty

Thank you for watching.

Colin Moriarty

Thanks!

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

I don't have the resources or space to make that happen. Sorry!

Colin Moriarty

Side Quest is just me. Fireside Chats is with other people.

Colin Moriarty

There is! $5+/month subs get audio posted here on Patreon the night each video posts.

Colin Moriarty

I don't make videos in pursuit of views. Thanks for watching!

Colin Moriarty

=) =) =)

Colin Moriarty

Thank you so much.

Colin Moriarty

Thanks for being here!

Colin Moriarty

=D

Colin Moriarty

Yup! Audio versions of the videos go live for $5+/month subs (which you are!) the night of the video publishing (typically at 11p PT). Did you see the audio for this one?

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Of course I make a mistake at the last minute.

Colin Moriarty

<3

Colin Moriarty

=\

Colin Moriarty

Thank you!

Colin Moriarty

Too late. =\ =)

Colin Moriarty

Caught it. Thanks!

Colin Moriarty

As a "bean counter" and one who specializes in the financial impact of marketing strategies, this flub is epic. While this game will still sell many copies, and certainly EA will profit, the fact is they are leaving piles of money on the table. From incremental sales lost, to irreparable brand erosion, they were able to take a franchise that would have set record sales with a less than mediocre product, and complete pooped the bed. No one is talking too much about it, but the company's stock has dropped ~10%, or $3.7B of value lost. This is not even accounting for the fact that a successful launch not only would not have erroded market value, but increased it. Keep in mind, EA only generates about $1.6B in EBITDA a year, so a $3.7B market value correction will absolutely have shareholders and the board of directors clinching a bit. God willing, this should change the industry for the better, and forever. It's too bad a Star Wars title had to be the one to fall on the grenade. PS: When did single player gaming become obsolete? I know I am an old guy, but man I miss a great single player.

Chris Holtzer

Fantastic to hear this voice in gaming again. I'd love for this to be published on podcast services so I could listen to this while running, but otherwise, its great having you back!

Colin- Thank you. This was great- Nice to have your voice back to video games (in addition to CLS). One thing I felt was missing from the video was a bit more of the historical context, not just of micro-transactions (you could do a series on it- and probably should!) but more in the way of examples of EA's abuse of this tactic. Maybe cite the evolution of these through some EA games that eventually led to the SWBF2 debacle. All in all, great to have your voice back in this ecosystem.

Michael Bonnano

Great show Colin. I don’t want you to bite off more than you chew, but any chance of a weekly podcast to go with the scripted show?

Kevin Sullivan

fuck ive missed this.

Fantastic first run, Colin! I like the balance you're striking with the three shows. The runtimes of each of the shows is perfect too. The more I read/discuss the whole EA debacle the more disappointed I am with them. It seems at this point they're just putting out games without any thought or at least without the critical oversight, not only in terms of development, but also PR and marketing. The three big EA games I can think of this year have all flopped (Mass Effect, Battlefront II and Need For Speed) and with the closure of Visceral, I can't help but feel they're just becoming lost and left behind even the likes of Ubisoft, let alone Nintendo and Sony. I wonder what kind of impact another year of this magnitude of failure will have on the company!

Leonard Jacobson

Was the video taken down from YouTube? Nevermind it's on the other channel.

Michael Renner

Colin, I'm probably the only one here that will say it but can you please do more of this, for all of us?

This kind of corporate greed needs to be shot down by consumers. If consumers don't like microtransactions, don't buy any. Boycott games, hit them in their pockets and they'll be forced to change

Glad to hear you are back into the gaming world part time. I️ was wondering how long you would be away as games appear to be a large part of who you are. I️ recently watched an old game review of yours for Ni No Kuni. It was so well done I️ ended up playing through it despite knowing nothing else about the game. Per your review, it did not disappoint! As for this video, I️ like the “Collin’s Last Stand” angle you are taking; it works well on this platform in my opinion. Keep killing it!

Paul Molina

Dude, this video is fucking brilliant. This is a direct continuation of “Colin Was Right”, or a spiritual successor if you will.., I really can’t speak highly enough about this. That being said... I think in addition to this, we are all going to want an unscripted weekly video games show like before as well. I’d gladly double my donation to achieve this goal. You’re a funny mother fucker and that comes through in your unscripted work. To wrap this brilliant comment of mine up... This video made my day. I had literally been waiting for it to drop since you mentioned it. ✌🏻

Anthony Wright

Great video and great topic. I’ve been fascinated by this debacle since the beta. I can’t wait for future episodes.

Daniel Navarro

Welcome back Colin, & congratulations on your 1st video on this channel! #SideQuest

Austin Tex Perez

P.S. I'll buy a shirt as soon as you get this graphic on one! love it

David Kramme

Yeah Schrier did describe that, perhaps a bit of both? greed/bad management? After reading (listening to) Blood and Pixels I have no doubt he knows what he's talking about.

David Kramme

Welcome back to the fold! How does it feel?

Aaron

Great start! To echo a previous comment, I’d like to see you cover games that you love and not feel like you are forced to cover news items.

Chris B

Don't know if I agree with the Visceral part of this video. Jason Schrier gave a report talking about how bad the development of the game was going. As amazing as Amy Hennig is, he painted a picture talking about the game being in trouble. Now this doesn't mean EA couldn't have taken it back to the drawing board, which we all of course wish they would have, but I don't think they cancelled it out of greed.

Owen

Love this episode Colin! Happy you're back talking about games.

Brent Lindquist

Glad to have you back dude

Great first episode Colin! Looking forward to more

Brock Thomas Walsh

Good first episode. As long as you are not worried about the Youtube algorithm, how about videos on more niche games and markets like VR, or indie/AA games?

David Ouillette

Great topic thanks

Great return! Love to hear your mix between content and business.

Also hoping for an audio version to drop. It's what I listen to on the way to and from work during the week. Keep up the good work!

Donald Evanoff

Fantastic episode. I wish EA would get out of the way.

Joey Finelli

Really enjoyed the episode. Only comment is have a few more Colin talking shots in their as opposed to Just game clips/still images. Correct the ‘Battlefield v Battlefront’ goof in your title - I do the same thing all the time.

Brett Geiser

GOD YES! So good have Colin talk about games again! Fantastic first episode!

Dam this was great!

Well done Colin. It is great to have you covering games again, keep up the good work.

Daniel Boyer

This really is what I have been missing in gaming. Simply put, fantastic! My only feedback/wish would be to take a page from the awesome (but short lived) Colin Was Right episodes where were you were behind a desk and then had the picture in picture (?) with the content in top corner of screen, similar to late night TV. Again, minor gripe, overall great vid!

Brad Bury

Great video. It would be interesting to have a dedicated knowledgeable co-host that could also help out with editing and shit....so you don’t get burned out. Maybe I just miss the PS I Love You/Beyond format. This is good stuff, though. Glad to have you back in gaming.

Dennis Parker

Colin! Thank you! I'm so happy for your return to games and that it still allows you to do what you love across CLS! Do you think there will be an audio form of CLS: Side quests? Keep up the great work! #longlivecolinwasright

Tom Reder

Great first episode, loved the connections, the organization, the history!! But I'd rather you talk about the games that matter to you the most(past, present, future), rather than what will garner more views. Though understandable to pick battlefront 2 as it's a huge topic right now. (I'm personally going to redbox and renting it for the single player portion one day). I say if megaman isn't mentioned once in each episode, you're doing something wrong lol. I'd like to hear more about the games you're playing now, and everything surrounding those. And I especially would love to learn less known information about older games! Like any game from the golden jrpg ers! Food for thought! Either way awesome to have you back into gaming!

Dav9834

As a CPA I’m offended by that “bean-counter” pejorative ;) This was great man! Love CLS, this games return just adds to your great works.

Colin, I have to say this is spectacular, and exactly the type of thing I have been clamoring for in the gaming space. A tight, well thought & organized message with a focus. Thank you!

Kyle Stephenson

Excellent return! Missed your voice in the industry. I always watched PS I love you xoxo just waiting for your insite and knowledge to be chimed in. Keep up the great work!

"bullshit gumbo". Happy to have you back sir.

Chad Lewis

I guess I'll be the guy who asks if there is going to be an audio version.

JEECE

Great first episode. It's good to be back.

Dan117

Glad to have you back. Also we have all made that mistake with this game no worries.

My boy Colin M is back!

Shame. I thought you were announcing the next Battlefield, set in WWII.

Dan117

No, the video is about Battlefield. Sorry guys. (Only kidding. Fixing.)

Colin Moriarty

Battlefield 2 lol

So excited to dig into this! Welcome back Colin

Paul Potter

Colin, bro, Battlefront, quick before the haters begin

I am happy you’re back, Colin. Just wanted to point out you put ‘Battlefield’ instead of ‘Battlefront’

Zackery Parkerson