So my idea is to have certain specific meanings associated with the different versions of a game released.  When you go into the store and buy the "Ultimate" edition for example you know you are getting the very top rung product and no other version of the game will come with additional features.  This has been a problem in the dvd market for a long time and has begun to be an issue with games.  As a fan of a series I might want to buy the best edition right away and if there is a standard version and deluxe version released for preorder only to be followed up by an ultimate version announced 3 months later ide like to know on day 1 that i should just wait or at least buy the standard version first (if games like movies start being released with a basic version coming out and then a special directors remastered version following 6 months later) and not waste my money on a deluxe edition just to have to replace it later.

The other suggestion I have is to provide for free all downloadable content for a game in perpetuity for gamers who purchase the ultimate edition or whatever you decide to name the top tier offering.  I have a number of ultimate editions and I would much rather get free map packs whenever they come out than the making of dvd that comes with the ultimate edition.  It would be nice for the fans who know they are fans to be able to spend a set amount of money up front and just enjoy the whole experience without worrying about additional charges.  By the same token setting up the price difference between the ultimate and standard edition in this way would provide an actual motivation to buy the ultimate edition.  I dont really find myself drawn to behind the scenes dvds or a special weapon only available to ultimate edition buyers but to look at two versions of a game and say "ok this is the basic version and this is the ultimate one with tons more content.  The price difference is 20 bucks.  Is it worth the gamble that ill love the game?"  To me thats the question you want consumers asking.  You go into the store and you can buy the normal bag of chips or the huge bag of chips, not a normal bag of chips or another identical bag with a making of dvd stuck to its side.  Besides every time a new map pack or mission as DLC comes out I have to make a new purchasing decision.  I would spend a lot more money on games if I could just make one big purchase as opposed to making a bunch of little purchases after considering the pros and cons of each one.

My next suggestion is to retool the xbox marketplace subscription differences.  I get paying extra for gold membership so I can play head to head games with my friends online.  That’s what you should be paying for.  But to limit demos and other features to gold subscribers is silly.  A demo is an advertisement for the game, you should want as many people playing demos, watching game videos and so on as is possible.  It makes me feel like you want me to pay you to show me advertisements.  The other thing is a discount for gold members of prices on xbox live would be cool.  It doesn’t have to be much, maybe 10% but I understand paying for a subscription to get into a store, like sams club, but I want a discount in return for that purchase.

nathan