Downloadable Video Game Content - The Pros and Cons

The emergence of a new generation of video game consoles such as PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 also has earned increased popularity for the mechanism of acquisition of additional gameplay options. Originally brought to the scene in a more limited capacity than the original Xbox, and Sega's Dreamcast, downloadable content (DLC) is becoming more and spend more to ensure that the gaming experience does not end after the completion of the mission to put $ 50-60 on the original disk. For many games, a plethora of advanced materials is that players can get over the Xbox Live subscription, PlayStation Network connection and even a Nintendo Wii Shop Channel.

As with anything, and the advantages and pitfalls exist when it comes to DLC. Listed below are just some of the advantages and disadvantages that come with the DLC in the video game industry.

Pros:

Get more out of your game: life is a game that ended after the completion of the mission on the original disc before DLC came into play. Even if the game has good replay value, it was mostly just so the player could do with the game as it was on the cartridge or disk. However, the ability to download more characters, levels, episodes and various other in-game material extends the life and enjoyability of the game clock. Additional songs can be purchased for Rock Band and Guitar Hero titles. Additional wrestlers and costumes can be downloaded to hit THQ WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series. The game not only at the end with what is put on the original disk.

Some DLC is actually free: While much of the valuable content provided through the download will cost a pretty penny, which is not the case with everyone. In fact, there are several features that are free and serve as a nice bonus. LittleBigPlanet Sackboy offers a variety of characters through the PlayStation Store at no cost to play. Various Track Pack for Guitar Hero are similarly available for free. Even the demo, which are generally always been free can now be downloaded through this service and often result in more customers purchase the full title, as was the case when the UFC Unleashed 2009 turned many heads with their demo.

Cons:

There is the cost of most worth DLC: The features that are not free, there is a sizable financial commitment required on top of the $ 50-60 you spend on the actual game. For Xbox 360 More specifically, there is even a charge for a subscription only gives players the ability to download additional content. Many games do hold back some material from the original version for the sole purpose of which he was charged DLC down the road. By the time you have accumulated all the added features, you are investing in the game can go from $ 60 to somewhere in the $ 80-100 range.

Do not download content you can put behind the other players: Video games are just naturally competitive. However, they are no longer so only certain players. Now the players as a whole are measured on GamerScores and trophies that increase player rating is based on achievement during the game. DLC offers and incentives like the game may find it necessary to spend more money on these additional capabilities to the rest of the gaming community.