Downloadable content to
me is a blessing and a curse. I love them and really look forward to
additional stuff developers bring to my favorite games. But
downloadable content isn't always sunshine and daisies.

And we
all know it...developers probably do hold back some content so they can
sell as DLC. I'm not saying every developer does this but we know it
happens, like those tiny kb files that unlock content already on the
disc? Nuff' said. It bothers me a bit, but as long as the game itself
feels like a full game, than I'm cool with it.

But what about those games we love that didn't sell well that developers planned DLC's for? This is where DLC goes sour.

For
example, one of my favorite games this gen is Pure. It's a great racing
game that was overlooked. And I'm sure there could've been DLC for this
game like more tracks, parts, characters, etc. But since the game
didn't sell, I doubt we'll see any of this.

Pure Screenshot

Only 12 locations, but wish there were more.

My
point is, using Pure as an example, what if content was held back so
they can be sold as DLC? If so, what if the game doesn't sell and we
never see what the game could've been? Like Pure, I wish there were
more tracks. I still love the game but I wish there was more. Other
examples are MK vs DC and how there was DLC planned like new characters
that got cancelled. And Tomb Raider Underworld is another. Although we
got DLC for it, I'm sure if the game sold, there could've been more.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe Screenshot

DLC was promised...but we never received any to this day.

Some
games benefit from DLCs. Games like Call of Duty World at War is still
thriving with DLCs and it's great! Same with Fallout 3 and Halo. And
I'm sure Batman Arkham Asylum will have new stuff as well. But the
games that didn't sell will fall under this curse to why DLC is not
always a great thing.

So either developers should stop holding
back content so us consumers won't get shortchanged, or have a crystal
ball that tells them their game will sell enough to warrant DLCs. Since
we don't know the future, I hope developers give us what we pay for.

Posted by ASK_Story Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:40:58 (comments: 5)
 
Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:23:45
Or release everything theyt can on launch, then leave the rest to modders! Grinning
 
Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:22:14
If something was finished and held back for DLC, then the fact that the game didn't sell well isn't going to deter the release of the content because it's already done.  If it's not already done, then it's not really held back.
 
Mon, 07 Sep 2009 06:43:46
Unless the product wasn't fully finished but they went ahead and released it early.
 
Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:37:38
From what I read in interviews most companies don't start on their DLC until after the initial game has launched and then, depending on the popularity go ahead with DLC or not.

Now with games that launch with DLC on day one that is clearly not the case, and that kind of chicanery shouldn't be supported by gamers.
 
Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:12:03

I concur.
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