The DLC Debate – For

By: Moses Abaortae

  |   December 8th, 2012   |  

Uncategorized

Part 1: Downloadable Content has become a part of the business model in the video game industry and free-to-play gaming is set to expand on it as well and here is why everyone should be excited about it.

The days of buying a game, completing everything in the package and moving on is over. The new age of gaming sees content added for those who want more of the same game as long as they are willing to pay, or in some cases they are offered for free as well.

This article will take a look at the positives of DLCs with the second part ripping into the model later on. However, before one begins it would be wise to point out that this first article will be biased towards one side of the argument and the second article towards the other side.

So, anyone who has played Gran Turismo 5 and seen the plethora of content will know just how great regular DLC for a game can be. Polyphony Digital has been keeping the game alive with new cars, tracks and paint for quite some time and the core fans of the series seem to be enjoying it.

At the same time, every so often, the developers release a free DLC as well, such as the recent Chevrolet Corvette C7 prototype. Not only does this keep players interested in the game but it also builds up fan loyalty and opens up new revenue streams as well.

The reason the example of Gran Turismo 5 was given is because it was released in November 2010 and two years on, it still manages to keep players turning on their PlayStation 3 console and driving around in their supercars or standard cars, depending on their taste.

At the same time, Battlefield 3 and the Call of Duty games constantly see a steady supply of new maps for players to battle on in the hopes of injecting some freshness.

The advantage for EA and Activision is that they do not have to build a whole new game and players do not have to purchase a whole new game either, but for a few dollars they can expand their experience while the publishers make more money on their games. That money goes into developing the next game as well.

Despite the criticisms one has to look at things from the perspective that no one is forcing anyone to purchase the DLC. It is an option and the player has a choice whether or not he wishes to avail it.

There is of course the flip side of the equation.

Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the editorial policy of news.wishfree.com in any way.