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Nintendo Doesn't Want DLC on 3DS To Result in Games Having Less Content

Developers shouldn't allowed to cut their games and then sell content

Nov 21, 2011 09:20 GMT  ·  By
Nintendo 3DS eShop will get DLC soon
   Nintendo 3DS eShop will get DLC soon

Nintendo is getting ready to deploy a new software update for its 3DS portable console, which will allow downloadable content to be released for its games, but the company doesn't want developers to believe this is going to allow them to release incomplete experience and charge money for extra stuff.

Downloadable content has generated a lot of debate in recent times, but while it's become a staple of titles made for PC, PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360, platforms like the Wii haven't exactly gotten such extra things.

Now, the 3DS is getting ready to receive a system for the delivery of DLC, through an upcoming update, but Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime doesn't want this to start a flood of poorly made or incomplete games on the portable device.

“We're interested in it to the extent that it makes sense to the consumer,” Fils-Aime said about DLC to Games.com. “In terms of what the next system update will allow, it will allow developers to sell add-on content, and whether that's for a physical game or a digitally released game."

"In terms of how it will work, it's up to the developer whether they want to make it to buy new levels, new items - all of that is up to their imagination. Essentially, what we're doing is creating the framework for those transactions to happen."

Fils-Aime confirms that he's already talked with quite a few 3DS game developers, so owners of the device shouldn't be too worried that they'll now get shortened experiences in exchange for their money and then have to pay more for DLC.

"I've had this conversation with a number of our key developers, and their mentality is, 'Reggie, when we sell a game, we want the consumer to feel that they've had a complete experience.' Now, in addition, if we want to make other things available, great, and we'll look at that. But we're unwilling to sell a piece of a game upfront and, if you will, force a consumer to buy more later. That's what they don't want to do, and I completely agree. I think the consumer wants to get, for their money, a complete experience, and then we have opportunities to provide more on top of that."

The Nintendo 3DS software update that brings this DLC support for the eShop will arrive sometime at the beginning of December.