14 DAY TRIAL // Downloadable content in gaming nowadays is almost a given for practically any type of title, as developers want to make sure they keep fans connected to their game for as long as possible and, on consoles, to make sure they have incentives to not trade in their copies.
However, ever since notorious experiments like Bethesda's overpriced horse armor for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, many gamers look at DLC packs as just a way to further exploit those who invested in the game at launch. Throw in the launch-day add-ons, like the infamous Mass Effect 3: From Ashes, and their opinion is valid in some cases.
Even so, nowadays there still are some developers that tend to look at the broad picture and offer more free downloadable content in order to keep things fresh and to ensure that the different perks offered, from maps, to modes, or classes, reach as many players as possible, instead of just those willing to spend some extra cash.
One such example is Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare, as PopCap Games has already launched not one, but two different free updates that brought forth plenty of impressive content.
First up, there was the Garden Variety update, which delivered a brand new mode called Gnome Bomb, not to mention a new map named Chomptown. Various super-powered abilities for each of the existing classes were also included, and also fresh customization items that can be acquired via in-game collectible packs.
Last week, another major free update appeared in the form of the Zomboss Down one, which once again delivered a fresh map for the competitive multiplayer called Cactus Canyon, but also eight brand new characters for players to control. Throw in the bonus defensive plants, the higher level cap, and the huge amount of tweaks to balancing, and Garden Warfare is looking better than ever.
Respawn Entertainment is also using a similar downloadable content strategy for its Titanfall game, which has already received quite a few updates to improve matchmaking but to also enable all-new features like the Private Match system.
The studio confirmed last week its update plans and how it wants to bring more improvements, not to mention new game modes, mechanics, Burn Cards, and customization items for Titans, all for free.
Sure, the studio will also release a proper, premium add-on called Expedition that brings three new maps for a steep 10 USD/EUR price tag, but it's still great to hear that it's more than willing to support the game not just in exchange for money.
I hope that free DLC will become a more common practice in the gaming industry as developers need to make a few sacrifices in order to ensure that gamers have an open mind towards add-ons and are even willing to support them by buying Season Passes before seeing the first details about the add-ons included within.
Sure, there will certainly be plenty of exceptions and cases where gamers are charged a lot of money for very little actual content, but I hope that things will get better over time.