DLC in Video Games

Downloadable content, often shortened to DLC, is additional content sent out after the initial release of a video game. If done right, a developer’s DLC can go down in history as a must-have or even be seen as a product worth its price. Although many would believe DLC is definitely a game aspect one wouldn’t mind paying for, there is a large number of video game fanatics who think the opposite; they believe DLC should be free almost all the time due to DLC hiding a complete game behind a paywall, having the potential to make a game “pay to win," and not worth the overall price.

To start off, some gamers argue that DLC keeps important elements out of their reach unless money is involved; in short, it's all a cash grab. DLC creation isn't just a spur of the moment decision. It needs time to be thought over, which in some people’s eyes, means developers are purposely keeping some ideas out of the final product although they have time to put them in. This mindset also matches up with the belief that buying the game equates to owning everything that comes with it and that intentionally keeping content out of is basically theft.

Next is the idea that DLC can cause games to be “pay-to-win”. The term “play-to win” refers to buying in-game content with real money to get a gameplay advantage. Seeing as many already place down around $60 to purchase the initial game, being play-to-win isn’t seen as a good thing. Easily getting overpowered weapons through paid DLC encourages less skill and thoughts while gaming. After all, why actually attempt to strategize a good plan with the weapons you already own when you can just pay $15 to breeze past every level?

Finally, some DLCs just aren’t worth their overall asking price. From useless skins that cost $10 to Curiosity’s $40,000+ diamond chisel, it seems really pointless to spend that much on an in-game item. People shouldn’t have to be charged for character skins that don’t add anything to the story except for looks; players should be allowed to freely express themselves using whatever skin they please.

Although all the complaints listed above are completely valid, there’s still many contradictions. For one, DLC exists for basic reasons such as allowing game studios to continue to work, add onto, and improve the game after its launch. Without DLC, company’s would struggle to keep a development team afloat for the game and any future projects regarding it.

The second reason is money. Yet, this is more on the survival side than greed itself. Since the costs of making a video game have continued to rise as the size of the audience doesn’t and the price of games hasn’t budged, game developers and their team need to try and make back the money it cost to make their product. DLC and expansions are crucial in the modern game industry when it comes to making game development something profitable rather than a business where you can barely break even.

In conclusion, the cost of DLC in general truly depends on its content and the base game. Even with the various negative effects on a gamer’s wallet, DLC is very important in terms of keeping the current video game business model from completely collapsing. In the end, players of all kinds should most definitely support those who produce their beloved games by embracing good DLC, but not rewarding bad DLC.