Folks were complaining about how much it was going to cost to play the first chunk of Snake's next adventure, which seems pretty short. Now it's going to be a bit cheaper, taking some of the cost off of the versions for the new, current-gen consoles. From the press release:
KONAMI has also announced that it will offer both physical and digital versions of METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, for an SRP of $29.99. Bringing pricing in-line with the "current generation" price, KONAMI aims to provide as many people as possible an opportunity to experience Kojima Productions' FOX Engine and the first installment in the two-part METAL GEAR SOLID V experience. METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft will remain at the SRP of $29.99 for retail and via download for SRP $19.99.
Previously, prices for the current-gen versions were $30 digital and $40 physical. The different-prices-for-different-platforms structure for Ground Zeroes has been a controversy ever since it was announced, with many decrying the playable prequel to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain as a demo that players would have to pay for. the varying costs became even more controversial when it became public that Ground Zeroes' playtime can be under two hours, depending on how you play.
Today's release also gave details about an iOS companion app and DLC for Ground Zeroes. The iDroid app will let players call up maps, call in air support or listen to recordings found around the base that Snake infiltrates. And here's how Konami describes the DLC connections that will link coming to Ground Zeroes to The Phantom Pain:
First, it was revealed that those who purchase METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES early on will receive exclusive DLC for use within THE PHANTOM PAIN. The DLC will only be available in the first batch of the retail version and for a limited period of time for the digital version. The DLC provides players with additional resources for a Mother Base area that will be available in THE PHANTOM PAIN. Mother Base is introduced during the events of GROUND ZEROES and plays a central role in the forthcoming METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN. Unlocked through downloadable code, the added staff for Mother Base will give GROUND ZEROES players an edge when they take on THE PHANTOM PAIN.
In addition, anyone that purchases GROUND ZEROES will be able to unlock exclusive content within the game to carry-over to THE PHANTOM PAIN. Prisoners of war and VIPs rescued in GROUND ZEROS will be added to the Mother Base staff in THE PHANTOM PAIN, providing GROUND ZEROES players an early in-game advantage; character skins will also be able to be carried over.