The beginning of the end for Nintendo

[BoringSupreez]

DLC is finally making its way onto Nintendo platforms. You know what that means. I can no longer buy 3DS games on day one now, because there is a chance they will have DLC later

So basically, because the developer might offer additional content after launch for a price, you will deny yourself the entire experience? I don't get you, man. If you don't want to buy the DLC, don't buy it! Just buy the game and ignore the expansion packs.

[Betamax001]

I think Nintendo is slowly going downhill, but offering DLC ain't why.

[Hobie-wan]

If you've ever been pissed off that a product left store shelves, take it up with him. Personally, I'm wondering what he had against Crystal Pepsi. That was the shit and he made it go away!

Crystal Pepsi? Fuck that, I'm not sure I even had a chance to try Pepsi Blue.

On topic Expansion stuff can be cool, but DLC is kind of getting ridiculous on consoles.

[MrPopo]

On topic Expansion stuff can be cool, but DLC is kind of getting ridiculous on consoles.

From a business perspective it's a good solution to the used game market. It disincentivises selling your game (as now you have unusuable DLC) and allows you to make money from those who purchase used. I do think that DLC can be split into the asinine and non-asinine categories, though. Unlock codes I would consider to be asinine, since you shipped the data on the disc and are now charging us for it. "Mandatory" DLC I'd also consider asinine, where if you don't have it you end up being a second class citizen (like a map pack for a popular FPS). Customization stuff, like the songs in Rock Band or the extra characters in Disgaea 3 are good, in my opinion. Extra missions like in Valkyria Chronicles are also good; extending the life of the product but being completely unnecessary to enjoy it.

[Flake]

Also from a business perspective - people keep paying money for DLC. So it's not going anywhere. It's here to stay until people stop. It'd be insane for any business to NOT get on board with DLC at this point.

[flamepanther]

Also from a business perspective - people keep paying money for DLC. So it's not going anywhere. It's here to stay until people stop. It'd be insane for any business to NOT get on board with DLC at this point.

I can hear the various CEOs and shareholders now. "What do you mean I shouldn't like free money?"

[Hobie-wan]

@Popo, Flake and flamepanther

I know. Expansions on PC games are cool because (at least up until now) most of it came on discs so it reinstallable at a later date or after support for that product is gone. Of curse the average gamer probably doesn't care about games a year or two after they come out so not being able to get some DLC they paid for again doesn't bother them. Once again we're a special case here at holding onto things.

I agree about the on-disc and second class stuff too. WoW is about the only example that comes to mind on PC where not having every extra bit makes you 'subhuman'.

[MrPopo]

@Popo, Flake and flamepanther

I know. Expansions on PC games are cool because (at least up until now) most of it came on discs so it reinstallable at a later date or after support for that product is gone. Of curse the average gamer probably doesn't care about games a year or two after they come out so not being able to get some DLC they paid for again doesn't bother them. Once again we're a special case here at holding onto things.

I agree about the on-disc and second class stuff too. WoW is about the only example that comes to mind on PC where not having every extra bit makes you 'subhuman'.

WoW is kind of an interesting case, as you have full access to everything that's added to the old level ranges, so you only need the expansion for the new landmasses (not sure about the specific of Cataclysm). So without the expansion you can never get in to the end game at all, as opposed to being at the end game and not being able to do everything.

You could make a case that online games with expansion packs can fragment the populace. The majority of people moved to Brood War and Lord of Destruction when those hit, leaving those playing classic to their own devices.

[flamepanther]

I know. Expansions on PC games are cool because (at least up until now) most of it came on discs so it reinstallable at a later date or after support for that product is gone.

...unless you bought it on steam.

Thing is, I'm not above breaking the rules in order to keep what I bought. I can backup games I bought through Steam (which seems to have good long-term support anyway), and I can backup the WiiWare and DLC I've bought on my Wii. I imagine once I get around to caring about the PS3 and the 360 I'll have ways to backup that content as well.

[s1mplehumar]

I remember really liking Crystal Pepsi.

It had one my all time favorite commercials. Remember this...