Level Packs?

Who thinks selling level packs is a good idea?

I myself have bought many expansion packs for FPS games if the price is right (i.e. 1/2 to 2/3rds the original game price). Has anyone else?

I ask, because of course I could release a level pack for Xmas Bonus in a month or so when people have completed all 100 levels. Although of course they might never complete them. Mind you a level pack could be added as an extra option that you can play anytime without having to complete the original 100 levels.

Some people just release their old game with the extra levels built in to get it back into the news I suppose and keep sales going.

Anyone got any experience of this?

Also I could add some extra bonuses to the new level pack, the ones I didn't have time to add for this release :-)

Do it! Do it now!!! :) I would purchase a level pack, providing it was sensibly priced (as I'm sure it would be).

I also like the sound of extra bonuses. *grin*

how many people bought your game til now? divide that number by 10 and you get the potential buyers of the expansion ;)

i would make a gold-version, which prices a bit more than the standard-version and includes new bonus material.

interesting answers thanks. Maybe both are needed, level pack for existing users and gold to tempt in new users a month or two down the line (or just next Christmas).

Ojay: Is "divide that number by 10" a guesstimate or based on experience/research, be honest now ;-)

In the case of an indy product, wouldn't it be better to just re-release the program, with a bunch of new features & game content, and call it the "Deluxe" edition?

yeah maybe Deluxe/Gold, but some Indies have made proper levle packs (I think, sure I read/saw this a while back)

You're likely to annoy people who have already purchased if they don't get a free or cheap update to deluxe.

that's what I thought too.

I'm of the school of thought that sits and works out potential sales, then I set an hourly rate of between £10 and £15 and depending on how long I've spent working on the product, I charge accordingly.

If I end up overcharging, I'll drop the price a little and see how much it affects sales (doesn't always increase them!).

Definitely. The key thing is to have an upgrade path for existing purchasers. I have no problems paying for an update, provided it featured enough new content.

I think the level packs thing sounds great.

I like the level pack idea.

could be a winner then. 100 levels for $7.95?

I think $7.95 is reasonable, especially if you throw in a couple of new bonus items. *subtle hint* :)

OK Avon, we'll see, first how well this one does, then if my Partner (as in wife but not married) actually lets me!