Eidos Montreal has revealed with Square Enix that Thief will be receiving a paid companion app for iPhone and Android, to release alongside the game when it releases February 25, for $ 2.99.
In the meantime, Eidos is sharing a lite version of the app later this December. This Thief app will share news as it happens, including trailers, artwork, screenshots, and character and story details. The full app will eventually include these:
· A direct link to the game to track in-game stats, including loot
· A wiki and interactive digital maps cocreated with partners IGN and Prima
· The 1st two issues of the official comics for Thief, created by Dark Horse Comics
· Exclusive access to art and background content from the developers
· Links to get even more Thief merchandise
With this in mind, Eidos has made a new preorder bundle in cooperation with GameStop. Preordering the game through the retailer will get you the full version of the Android app, the official soundtrack, a $ 9.99 value composed by Luc St Pierre and performed by the Prague Philharmonic, and a new Bank Heist mission at $ 4.99 value.
Companion apps seem to be all the rage at the moment, but we have yet to see if they really do address a tangible market need. It certainly is an interesting way to get more content, but I genuinely don’t see why gamers would prefer to get these on mobile over PC, where the game is going to look at its best. Irregardless of how your feelings are about it, Gamestop's preorder bundle is certainly a compelling package, with almost $ 20 value added for free.