BioWare announced the "Cerberus Network" for Mass Effect 2 today, and in doing so made a not-so-subtle shot across the bow of retailers like GameStop. The name isn't actually new; for quite a while listings for the game have mentioned a "Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content." But it's only today that EA and BioWare took the wraps off of what exactly the Cerberus Network is, and why it's so valuable to their strategy to combat the used game market.
The Cerberus Network, named after an organization in the game, is an online portal for downloadable content. New purchasers get the unlock code for the portal for free, which will give players access to the game's DLC. Those who buy the game used will have to pay for the Cerberus Network separately, meaning EA will still get a small bump in profits from those who save some money at the check-out. We don't know how much the Cerberus Network will cost yet, of course. But even at a hypothetical $5, it seems like players will essentially be paying for the ability to buy more content. GameStop, the most famous (or infamous) retailer in the used game business, tends to mark down popular games by $5-8. By roping off used copies from that amount (or more) worth of DLC, EA is essentially stripping any savings from buying used -- and that may be exactly the point.
The Cerberus Network also grants access to "new missions and in-game items," including a character named Zaeed (above), "a rugged and deadly gun-for hire." An EA spokesperson confirmed to 1UP that if you buy the game used and purchase the Cerberus Network, you'll still receive the Zaeed content along with it. EA similarly provided The Stone Prisoner content for new purchasers of Dragon Age: Origins. This was the only way to get the golem character Shale, who unsurprisingly became one of the most popular in the game. Saboteur meanwhile, offered nudity for new purchasers. Both pieces of content cost a premium for those who bought used copies of the games: $15 for The Stone Golem, and $3 for Saboteur's Midnight Show. Future Mass Effect 2 DLC plans include a Hammerhead tank, Eviscerator shotgun, and various other items and armor. EA was tight-lipped about how Cerberus will interact with future content plans, but it's probably safe to say those will come at regular DLC rates.
Gamers with long memories might recall suggestions like this one coming over a year ago, from Epic boss Mike Capps. Though it caused no small deal of consternation at the time, Capps pointed out that game companies were suffering from the used game market, and were looking for ways to offset the loss. "I've talked to some developers who are saying, 'if you want to fight the final boss you go online and pay USD 20, but if you bought the retail version you got it for free'," Capps said at the time. This isn't quite that drastic or costly, but the principle is the same. Game developers are tired of being undermined at retail. We can expect to see more of this from EA, and likely other companies, in the future.
