All DLC should consist entirely of horse armour. For every game. What do I think of GTAIV's DLC? Needs more horse armour.
Ok, ok, for real: I like the idea. I think it's a really good thing, and I think it gives the developers the chance to add cool features to their game that might not have made the launch window, whether it's just a little update or a full-blown overhaul - there's a place and a price for either one. For a physical, boxed expansion pack, by contrast, anything less than a big, comprehensive upgrade for a significant price is not worth the production and distribution costs. Obviously if the publisher overcharges for a minor update, it's bad, but that's their fault for abusing a good system. Corporate greed is a lot older than DLC, that's for sure.
The digital distribution system is also great in that it reduces overheads for game distribution, allowing low-selling titles to be more financially viable, and reduces or eliminates developers' dependency on publishers - see Valve and Stardock.
So yes, I like digital distribution and I like DLC. And yet... I've only ever bought one item of DLC. Weird.
Machines Are Us said:
As long as it really is DLC then I am fine with it. Too many games release so-called "DLC" about a month after the game is out, where it's quite obvious it was ready before the games release and is just used to squeeze some more money out of customers.
To be fair to them, DLC stands for DownLoadable Content. It doesn't necessarily imply that it has to have been made after the game was made. It's not a patch, and it's a broader term than "expansion pack". Ok, I'll grumble too if I think a developer has left something out of a game on purpose, but as long as it's a "nice bonus" rather than a "must have feature to make this fricking game worth playing", it's their prerogative. Better that they sell it separately than not offer it at all because it's unprofitable.
