The advent of next generation video game consoles such as PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 have also gained increased popularity through a mechanism of acquiring additional gaming features. Originally introduced to the scene in a more limited capacity by the original Xbox and Sega’s Dreamcast, downloadable content (DLC) is increasingly being implemented to ensure that the gaming experience does not end after completing the missions placed on the original game disc. $50-60. . For many games, there is a plethora of extended material that players can receive through an Xbox Live subscription, PlayStation Network connection, and even Nintendo’s Wii Shop Channel.

As with everything, there are pros and cons when it comes to DLC. Listed below are just a few of the pros and cons that come with DLC in the video game industry.

Advantages:

Get More From Your Games: The lifespan of games is over by completing the missions on the original disc before DLC came into play. Even if a game has good replay value, usually a player could do just as much with the game as if it were on the cartridge or disc. However, the ability to download more characters, levels, episodes, and various other game materials extends the lifespan and fun of a game by hours. Additional songs can be purchased for the Rock Band and Guitar Hero titles. Additional wrestlers and costumes are available for download in THQ’s hit game WWE Smackdown vs. RAW series. The game does not simply end with what has been placed on the original disc.

Some DLC is actually free – while much of the valuable content provided via download will cost quite a bit of money, which is not the case with everything. In fact, there are several features that are free and serve as nice bonuses. LittleBigPlanet offers various Sackboy characters through the PlayStation Store at no cost to the player. Various track packs for Guitar Hero are also available for free. Even the demos, which have largely always been free, are now downloadable through these services and often drive more customers to purchase the full title, as was the case when UFC Unleashed 2009 caught the attention of many with its demo. .

Cons:

The most valuable DLC comes at a cost: for features that aren’t free, a hefty financial commitment is required on top of the $50-60 you spend on the actual game. Specifically for Xbox 360, there’s even a charge for the subscription that only gives players the ability to download additional content. Many games retain certain material from the original release for the sole purpose of making it DLC loaded in the future. By the time you’ve racked up all the extra features, your investment in a game can run anywhere from $60 to somewhere in the $80-100 range.

Not downloading content can put you behind other players: Video games are naturally competitive. However, this is no longer just the case with individual players. Players as a whole are now measured in GamerScores and Trophies, which increase a player’s rating-based achievements earned throughout games. DLC offers these similar incentives and a player may find it necessary to spend more money on these additional features to keep up with the rest of the gaming community.