Gaming News: Oblivion Horse Armor Developer Reflects on Hated DLC

As a seasoned gamer with memories stretching back to the days of pixelated graphics and 8-bit soundtracks, I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia when the infamous Oblivion Horse Armor DLC resurfaces. Back then, we were all naive enough to believe that a $2.50 price tag for horse armor was reasonable, and here I am, still carrying the scars from that financial blunder on my gaming wallet.


The topic of “Oblivion Horse Armor” DLC, infamously criticized years ago, is once again being talked about in gaming news. Callum Brine, the developer behind it, recently shared insights on this controversial downloadable content. In a recent conversation, he explained the intriguing yet complex choices made during its creation, which were initially met with scorn due to its high price and perceived lack of worth. The Horse Armor DLC now serves as a symbol for the ongoing debate about microtransactions in video games. A lively discussion on Reddit delved into people’s opinions, offering an intriguing look at how the gaming industry has changed since then.

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Oblivion Horse Armour dev looks back on hated DLC – “We had no idea what we were doing”
byu/CallumBrine inGames

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Summary

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  • The developer expressed astonishment at the surprising sales success of the Horse Armor DLC.
  • Fans reminisced about their initial excitement, only to be disappointed with the lack of substantial benefits.
  • Comments highlighted the enduring legacy of the DLC as a cautionary tale in the gaming industry.
  • It’s clear that while consumers enjoy a good laugh, they also continue to support questionable DLC practices.

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The Backstory of Horse Armor

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In 2006, Bethesda Softworks released “Horse Armor” as downloadable content for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. This DLC is frequently pointed out as an early example of overpriced additional content. Bethesda set the price at a high $2.50, which many players found excessive. Compared to other DLC, this one offered little in terms of substance for the same or even lower cost. A Reddit user named Yamatoman9 shared their experience, explaining they bought the horse armor, thinking it would protect their horse from monsters. However, the armor was completely useless. This sentiment is common among players, who felt that instead of providing something valuable, the DLC seemed more like a money-grabbing tactic. The creator’s admission that they didn’t know what they were doing at the time adds a charming yet annoying aspect to the story.

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Mixed Reactions from Players

\n<pThe reactions to the DLC have ranged from frustration to bemusement. As the conversation unfolded on Reddit, many players expressed their thoughts on how the game’s business practices have not changed much since then. One commenter remarked, “what’s funny is Bethesda have barely evolved their DLC practices since back then. Creation Club is essentially horse armor with very few exceptions.” This highlights that while gaming technology has advanced at breakneck speed, the monetization strategies still reflect the early practices that left players feeling a bit cheated. In the context of today’s microtransactions and loot boxes, the Horse Armor DLC serves as a reminder that, while gamers may have become more cynical about their spending, many will still open their wallets in the end.

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The Evolution of Gaming DLC

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Looking back, fans may find amusement at the oddity of the Horse Armor DLC, but its influence on the gaming world remains significant. The developer stated, “It probably sold in the millions; it had to be millions,” which remains puzzling since negative critiques didn’t lead to poor sales. Remarks like those from SynthFei demonstrate that online teasing hasn’t deterred players from buying such items. One of the key lessons drawn from this situation is that developers have been consistently guided by market demands, even in the face of initial derision. This points to a larger trend within the gaming community where discussions may lead to change, but consumer habits continue to shape recurring practices.

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Lessons Learned and Implications for the Future

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The tale of Horse Armor isn’t merely an amusing historical footnote; it serves as a valuable lesson for both creators and gamers alike. The overzealous excitement surrounding the armor’s release showcases a naivety, implying that not all developers fully comprehend their target audience. It’s clear that many developers haven’t yet recognized the influence consumers wield in shaping change through their spending habits, as highlighted by Redditor EntropicReaver, who criticized the publication of fragmented interviews for clicks without proper context. This implies that while discussions about DLC pricing continue, it might be up to the community to work together to deliver a clear message about what they truly value in content. Ultimately, the community’s response may motivate developers to reconsider their approach; whether they heed the advice is yet to be determined.

Looking back at gaming’s history can guide us towards a clearer future, and the tale of the Oblivion Horse Armor DLC is both a warning and an amusing account of our progress. It showcases how much we’ve advanced, whether you find it amusing or hard to believe. However, one point remains unchanged: players continue to have influence, and they express it through their decisions. The task now lies in making sure the developers are attentive to these expressions.

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2024-10-17 13:28