DLC Done Right

One of the best innovations the last generations of consoles brought to gaming was DLC. DLC, or downloadable content, is content games developer create for the game after it has been released. This gives the opportunity for the games to expand beyond their original limits in ways that were not afforded to them before. In theory it is a great development in gaming, but as any politician can tell you, theories are open to abuse.

Unfortunately, it didn't take long for this abuse to occur either. The worst examples came in the form of on-disc DLC, which was content provided on the game, but locked until a pass was bought online. Capcom have become known for deploying this 'business strategy', which seeks to squeeze as much money out of the consumer as possible; they even tried to defend their action. Their defence is that by locking away content they can extend the life of the game. Giving gamers gameplay to look forward to way after release. I agree with the idea in theory, but it doesn't explain why the gamer needs to pay for these passes. After all haven't we already bought the disk and everything that is included on it?



Gamers are wise to the tactics.

DLC also gives publishers another benefit as well as being able to charge additional fees after purchase. By promising that DLC will follow they can coax the gamer into keeping the games and not trading them in. This was just another tool in publishers long standing battle against second-hand sale of games. I can see why publishers loathe second-hand games, they see none of the money that stores get from the sale of used games. But, I think a better incentive to buying a game new would be to stop increasing the price when they hit the shelves. It is no wonder that gamers will purchase a used game when the alternative, new games, come at a hefty price tag that is only seeming to increase.





However, I personally am a fan of DLC; or rather a fan of the concept. If done correctly it can breathe life into a game to keep it from going stale. A recent example of this is Mario Kart 8. Nintendo have announced two DLC packs (something quite new for a Nintendo game) that will be released later this year and early next. The packs will incluede new racers, vehicles and tracks for the game with the theme of other franchises. The first pack will include Link from Legend of Zelda and the second will have content inspired by Animal Crossing. Since the original game only had Mario characters the DLC expands the original game beyond what many, myself included, expected. Added to this is the staggering of it's release Mario Kart 8 arrived late May 2014, which means when the first DLC lands it will have been out for a while. Long enough to have allowed people to have played the game thoroughly, and if they are like me, they are eagerly anticipate a reason to hit the tarmac once more.

Luigi's deathstare should put the fear into bad DLC developers.

Not only does staggering release give people an excuse to delve back into a game they love, if they need more reason then enjoyment alone. But it also means the game isn't confusing at release. A game series I love is Mass Effect, but the third installment arrived with additional levels and characters already available. It left me slightly confused as to in what order I was supposed to play the game in. Did I download these extras first, or play the game and risk missing their mission start points if they took place during the main campaign.

DLC when used effectively can be a force for good. It breathes new life and potential into a game. Unfortunately at present I believe that there is more cases of misues than not.

But enough of my opinions. I want to hear yours. Rant, rave and recommend in the comments, I will always reply.



Luigi image from SuperLuigiBros, DLC chart from IGN comments.