Skyrim – DLC Dawnguard Might Not Happen at All for PS3

It’s not looking good for those gamers who bought Skyrim for the Playstation 3.  Have you been eagerly waiting for that “timed exclusive” and “technical issues” business to end so you could finally play the Dawnguard expansion?  Too bad because chances are you might not get to play it unless you play it on another system.

Bethesda released a comment on their official forums clarifying the issue.  It was explained that Skyrim requires a great deal of resources such as items and characters staying exactly where you left them (a problem that caused increasing file sizes as you did more in the game).  The problem becomes further complicated when something as big as an expansion like Dawnguard is added to the mix.  Bethesda goes on to say that they are working with Sony to figure out the issue but is also working on additional DLC which adds another layer of problems.  The worst part about the statement is that they say “this is not a problem we’re positive we can solve” making it seem like it could possibly never be fixed.  Obviously the statement ends with the expected apologies and “we understand the frustration” remark but the whole thing is very worrisome.

In addition to that statement, Pete Hines who is Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing at Bethesda went to twitter to make a few comments about the issue.  When asked if Dawnguard was playable on the PS3 Hines responded, “Yes, it just doesn’t perform well in all scenarios.  Some folks would be fine, some would not.”  He went on to say that “every save game is different” to further explain the problem.

For most, this news probably does not come as a shock.  Most PS3 versions of Bethesda games have been inferior products in comparison to its Xbox and PC counterparts.  Certainly Bethesda games lend themselves to glitches with their open-world nature and seemingly infinite player choices.  However, issues like this might be expected in games that were released earlier in a console’s lifecycle.  When Skyrim was first released many felt like Bethesda had released an unfinished product and not being able to properly fix such issues this late in the console generation is questionable.

The even bigger question is how this problem will affect future DLC for the PS3.  Amidst this controversy, Bethesda was quick to announce the Hearthfire DLC which will release on the Xbox next week.  Of course, no announcement when it and if it will come to other platforms.  Though I can’t blame the company for wanting to make money with more DLC it seems like they should focus on the demographic they are completely neglecting (and potentially completely leaving behind).  Even if Dawnguard does eventually make an appearance on the Playstation Store will people purchase it?  I doubt they would want to pay $20 for what they know will be an already inferior experience.  Instances like this are why many gamers these days wait for “Game of the Year” editions for popular titles.  Within a certain amount of time those editions will come out cheaper, better, and with all the paid content.  For Skyrim on PS3, that sounds like the better option.  What is even worse is that the backlash from this might even cause some spiteful gamers to boycott future Bethesda products, even if they are not made by the company (for example: October’s Dishonored).

Still, at least they have recognized the problem, have apologized, and are attempting a fix.  That’s a good thing…right?