Downloadable content - Revision history

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 12 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T03:59:43Z

Added archive URLs for 12 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:59, 23 February 2026
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	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans. However, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to employ downloadable content to break up complete products into multiple purchases without fair justification.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans. However, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to employ downloadable content to break up complete products into multiple purchases without fair justification.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250821212818/https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref>

	==Dark patterns involving DLC==		==Dark patterns involving DLC==
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	===DLC overload===		===DLC overload===
	A more recent trend among major publishers has been live-service games. This has brought the need for monetization to keep development persistent. Unfortunately, these same companies have also been excessive with offering large amounts of downloadable content. For example, [[Electronic Arts]]' [[wikipedia:The_Sims_4\|The Sims 4]] has currently over $1000 in DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Sims 4 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670/The_Sims_4/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]]}}</ref> ranging from what could be considered as micro-DLC with kits and stuff packs, to larger DLC such as expansion packs.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Naletilic \|first=Dora \|date=11 Jan 2024 \|title=Here’s Why The Sims 4 DLCs Are So Expensive (& How to Get Them Cheaper) \|url=https://fictionhorizon.com/heres-why-the-sims-4-dlcs-are-so-expensive-how-to-get-them-cheaper/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=GameHorizon}}</ref> Consumers have criticized the games for being lackluster without purchasing DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=TS4 feels empty? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/f009sl/ts4_feels_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Crane \|first=Maris \|date=5 Jan 2024 \|title=Why Does Playing The Sims 4 Make Me Feel Empty Inside? \|url=https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/why-does-playing-the-sims-4-make-me-feel-empty-inside/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2024 \|website=SuperJump}}</ref> with theories surrounding that it may be intentional due to the way DLC is handled between each game in the series.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Is it just me or does TS4 feel 'empty'? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/161t8eq/is_it_just_me_or_does_ts4_feel_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" />		A more recent trend among major publishers has been live-service games. This has brought the need for monetization to keep development persistent. Unfortunately, these same companies have also been excessive with offering large amounts of downloadable content. For example, [[Electronic Arts]]' [[wikipedia:The_Sims_4\|The Sims 4]] has currently over $1000 in DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Sims 4 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670/The_Sims_4/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]] \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223035812/https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670/The_Sims_4/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> ranging from what could be considered as micro-DLC with kits and stuff packs, to larger DLC such as expansion packs.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Naletilic \|first=Dora \|date=11 Jan 2024 \|title=Here’s Why The Sims 4 DLCs Are So Expensive (& How to Get Them Cheaper) \|url=https://fictionhorizon.com/heres-why-the-sims-4-dlcs-are-so-expensive-how-to-get-them-cheaper/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=GameHorizon \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251108183259/https://fictionhorizon.com/heres-why-the-sims-4-dlcs-are-so-expensive-how-to-get-them-cheaper/ \|archive-date=8 Nov 2025}}</ref> Consumers have criticized the games for being lackluster without purchasing DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=TS4 feels empty? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/f009sl/ts4_feels_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230609191930/https://old.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/f009sl/ts4_feels_empty/ \|archive-date=9 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Crane \|first=Maris \|date=5 Jan 2024 \|title=Why Does Playing The Sims 4 Make Me Feel Empty Inside? \|url=https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/why-does-playing-the-sims-4-make-me-feel-empty-inside/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2024 \|website=SuperJump \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222095823/https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/why-does-playing-the-sims-4-make-me-feel-empty-inside/ \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> with theories surrounding that it may be intentional due to the way DLC is handled between each game in the series.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Is it just me or does TS4 feel 'empty'? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/161t8eq/is_it_just_me_or_does_ts4_feel_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]] \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223035849/https://old.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/161t8eq/is_it_just_me_or_does_ts4_feel_empty/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

	====Micro-DLC====		====Micro-DLC====
	Micro-DLC functions as the middle child between standard downloadable content and [[microtransactions]]. This is directly defined by the content it offers, where a consumer buys a significant amount of items (e.g. a stuff pack) or a small item that has a noticeable impact on gameplay (e.g. a new character). Oftentimes, micro-DLC is offered among a large pool of other pieces of small DLC, such as the case in [[Microsoft Flight Simulator X]] in which there is over $4,000 in downloadable content for planes or airstrips.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Are there any games on steam with more expensive DLC than this? (microsoft flight simulator x) \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/90e436/are_there_any_games_on_steam_with_more_expensive/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This figure is only surpassed by Train Simulator's $8,000+ worth of downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Train Simulator Classic 2024 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/Train_Simulator_Classic_2024/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]]}}</ref>		Micro-DLC functions as the middle child between standard downloadable content and [[microtransactions]]. This is directly defined by the content it offers, where a consumer buys a significant amount of items (e.g. a stuff pack) or a small item that has a noticeable impact on gameplay (e.g. a new character). Oftentimes, micro-DLC is offered among a large pool of other pieces of small DLC, such as the case in [[Microsoft Flight Simulator X]] in which there is over $4,000 in downloadable content for planes or airstrips.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Are there any games on steam with more expensive DLC than this? (microsoft flight simulator x) \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/90e436/are_there_any_games_on_steam_with_more_expensive/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230608040019/https://old.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/90e436/are_there_any_games_on_steam_with_more_expensive/ \|archive-date=8 Jun 2023}}</ref> This figure is only surpassed by Train Simulator's $8,000+ worth of downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Train Simulator Classic 2024 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/Train_Simulator_Classic_2024/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219024646/https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/Train_Simulator_Classic_2024/ \|archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	An honorable mention is Rocksmith, where the original has had nearly $1,000 in individually purchasable songs.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/rocksmith/comments/2k39t7/total_dlc_price_question/		An honorable mention is Rocksmith, where the original has had nearly $1,000 in individually purchasable songs.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/rocksmith/comments/2k39t7/total_dlc_price_question/
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	"Edit: u/OsagaTheGreat points out that the Rock Hits packs, which I believed were subject to 3-pack pricing, are in fact mere labels for single tracks that were released contemporaneously. The names are at times confusingly inconsistent, culminating in "Rock Hits 70's 2" being distinct from "Rock Hits 1970s 2". I count 19 Rock Hits pseudopacks (including "Indie Rock Hits", which doesn't sort next to the others), each containing 3 songs. Each 3-pack in the original calculation contributed a price reduction of $0.98 compared to purchasing single tracks, so debundling all of them increases the total by $18.62 to $973.39. However, in contrast to my original strategy, you ''would'' now purchase the Allman, Öyster, and Pearl song packs to save $2.94. The revised total is '''$970.45'''."		"Edit: u/OsagaTheGreat points out that the Rock Hits packs, which I believed were subject to 3-pack pricing, are in fact mere labels for single tracks that were released contemporaneously. The names are at times confusingly inconsistent, culminating in "Rock Hits 70's 2" being distinct from "Rock Hits 1970s 2". I count 19 Rock Hits pseudopacks (including "Indie Rock Hits", which doesn't sort next to the others), each containing 3 songs. Each 3-pack in the original calculation contributed a price reduction of $0.98 compared to purchasing single tracks, so debundling all of them increases the total by $18.62 to $973.39. However, in contrast to my original strategy, you ''would'' now purchase the Allman, Öyster, and Pearl song packs to save $2.94. The revised total is '''$970.45'''."

	- u/PierreSimonLaplace</ref>		- u/PierreSimonLaplace ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230602192705/https://old.reddit.com/r/rocksmith/comments/2k39t7/total_dlc_price_question/ Archived])</ref>

	===Imbalanced DLC===		===Imbalanced DLC===
	Downloadable content featured in competitive games can be stronger than base game content, thus encouraging consumers to purchase this DLC if they want to be able to compete at a high level. This is an issue most prominent in fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat or Super Smash Brothers. In the case of Super Smash Brothers, significant controversy surrounds the DLC characters,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=DLC characters are overpowered and brainless. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> some of which are generally regarded as the strongest in the game or as exceptionally easy for newer players.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Littlechild \|first=Chris \|date=6 Aug 2019 \|title=Smash Ultimate: Does The Hero's Down-Special Make Him OP? \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Steve is OP 😩 \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><!-- Historical examples		Downloadable content featured in competitive games can be stronger than base game content, thus encouraging consumers to purchase this DLC if they want to be able to compete at a high level. This is an issue most prominent in fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat or Super Smash Brothers. In the case of Super Smash Brothers, significant controversy surrounds the DLC characters,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=DLC characters are overpowered and brainless. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]] \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230228144937/https://old.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|archive-date=28 Feb 2023}}</ref> some of which are generally regarded as the strongest in the game or as exceptionally easy for newer players.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Littlechild \|first=Chris \|date=6 Aug 2019 \|title=Smash Ultimate: Does The Hero's Down-Special Make Him OP? \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Gamer \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250404110055/https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|archive-date=4 Apr 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Steve is OP 😩 \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]] \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223035926/https://old.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><!-- Historical examples

	Products to potentially mention later on: The Sims 4, super smash Brothers ultimate, Minecraft bedrock edition, certain Ubisoft or EA games, Fortnite, Halo infinite, assassin's Creed, Destiny --><!-- There was a blank section here for Season Passes. It would be a good idea to add a paragraph mentioned that, if anyone is up to doing so. -->		Products to potentially mention later on: The Sims 4, super smash Brothers ultimate, Minecraft bedrock edition, certain Ubisoft or EA games, Fortnite, Halo infinite, assassin's Creed, Destiny --><!-- There was a blank section here for Season Passes. It would be a good idea to add a paragraph mentioned that, if anyone is up to doing so. -->

Beanie Bo: clean up

2025-10-02T02:36:53Z

clean up

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:36, 2 October 2025
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	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans~~, however~~, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to ~~use DLC~~ to break up ~~their~~ complete products into multiple purchases ~~with no regard to the consumers~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans. However, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to employ downloadable content to break up complete products into multiple purchases without fair justification.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>

	==Dark patterns involving DLC==		==Dark patterns involving DLC==

	===Pre-order bonuses===		===Pre-order bonuses===
	A very popular method used by companies to incite the customer to purchase their game is to offer ~~them~~ additional content for pre-ordering.		A very popular method used by companies to incite the customer to purchase their game is to offer additional content for pre-ordering.

	This can range from:		This can range from:

	*~~[https://blog.bestbuy.ca/video-games/goro-lives-as-you-when-you-pre-order-mortal-kombat-x~~ Extra characters]		*Extra characters
	*Cosmetics		*Cosmetics
	*In-game currency		*In-game currency
	*Entire gamemodes		*Entire gamemodes
	*Closed Beta access		*Closed Beta access
	These ~~pieces of~~ pre-order pieces of content rarely will see a re-release, only in some scenarios where special edition re-releases will allow consumers who miss out on pre-ordering to have access to this content. These bonuses are reliant on a phenomenon known as [[FOMO]].		These pre-order pieces of content rarely will see a re-release, only in some scenarios where special edition re-releases will allow consumers who miss out on pre-ordering to have access to this content. These bonuses are reliant on a phenomenon known as ''fear of missing out'' ([[FOMO]]).

	===Day-one DLC<!-- Source to reference: https://forum.level1techs.com/t/problems-with-the-gaming-industry-day-one-dlc-and-pre-order-dlc/365 -->===		===Day-one DLC<!-- Source to reference: https://forum.level1techs.com/t/problems-with-the-gaming-industry-day-one-dlc-and-pre-order-dlc/365 -->===
	Often seen ~~mostly~~ from larger companies, day-one ~~DLC~~ is offered as a way to further monetize a product on launch. This ~~has however caused~~ concern from consumers since ~~these games that are hasty to offer DLC~~ on launch ~~appear to essentially break up~~ the base game content, thus harming consumers. These games can also have the DLC content already available on-disc, and it has historically caused outrage ~~from consumers~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Watts \|first=Steve \|date=3 Mar 2010 \|title=BioShock 2 DLC is Already On the Disc \|url=http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-2-dlc-disc \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108174303/http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-2-dlc-disc \|archive-date=8 Nov 2015 \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=1UP.com}}</ref>		Often seen primarily from larger companies, day-one downloadable content is offered as a way to further monetize a product on launch. This tends to cause concern from consumers since downloadable content on launch gives the impression that base game content is being broken up in a manipulative way, thus harming consumers. These games can also have the DLC content already available on-disc, and it has historically caused outrage.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Watts \|first=Steve \|date=3 Mar 2010 \|title=BioShock 2 DLC is Already On the Disc \|url=http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-2-dlc-disc \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108174303/http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-2-dlc-disc \|archive-date=8 Nov 2015 \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=1UP.com}}</ref>

	===DLC overload===		===DLC overload===
	A more recent trend among major publishers has been live-service games. ~~What this~~ has brought ~~however, is~~ the need for monetization to keep development persistent. Unfortunately, these same companies have also been excessive with offering large amounts of ~~DLC~~. For example, [[Electronic Arts]]' [[wikipedia:The_Sims_4\|The Sims 4]] has currently over $1000 in DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Sims 4 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670/The_Sims_4/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]]}}</ref> ranging from what could be considered as micro-DLC with kits and stuff packs, to larger DLC such as expansion packs.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Naletilic \|first=Dora \|date=11 Jan 2024 \|title=Here’s Why The Sims 4 DLCs Are So Expensive (& How to Get Them Cheaper) \|url=https://fictionhorizon.com/heres-why-the-sims-4-dlcs-are-so-expensive-how-to-get-them-cheaper/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=GameHorizon}}</ref> Consumers have criticized the games for being lackluster without purchasing DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=TS4 feels empty? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/f009sl/ts4_feels_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Crane \|first=Maris \|date=5 Jan 2024 \|title=Why Does Playing The Sims 4 Make Me Feel Empty Inside? \|url=https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/why-does-playing-the-sims-4-make-me-feel-empty-inside/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2024 \|website=SuperJump}}</ref> with theories surrounding that it may be intentional due to the way DLC is handled between each game in the series.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Is it just me or does TS4 feel 'empty'? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/161t8eq/is_it_just_me_or_does_ts4_feel_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" />		A more recent trend among major publishers has been live-service games. This has brought the need for monetization to keep development persistent. Unfortunately, these same companies have also been excessive with offering large amounts of downloadable content. For example, [[Electronic Arts]]' [[wikipedia:The_Sims_4\|The Sims 4]] has currently over $1000 in DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Sims 4 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670/The_Sims_4/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]]}}</ref> ranging from what could be considered as micro-DLC with kits and stuff packs, to larger DLC such as expansion packs.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Naletilic \|first=Dora \|date=11 Jan 2024 \|title=Here’s Why The Sims 4 DLCs Are So Expensive (& How to Get Them Cheaper) \|url=https://fictionhorizon.com/heres-why-the-sims-4-dlcs-are-so-expensive-how-to-get-them-cheaper/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=GameHorizon}}</ref> Consumers have criticized the games for being lackluster without purchasing DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=TS4 feels empty? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/f009sl/ts4_feels_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Crane \|first=Maris \|date=5 Jan 2024 \|title=Why Does Playing The Sims 4 Make Me Feel Empty Inside? \|url=https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/why-does-playing-the-sims-4-make-me-feel-empty-inside/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2024 \|website=SuperJump}}</ref> with theories surrounding that it may be intentional due to the way DLC is handled between each game in the series.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Is it just me or does TS4 feel 'empty'? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/161t8eq/is_it_just_me_or_does_ts4_feel_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

	====Micro-DLC====		====Micro-DLC====
	Micro-DLC functions as the middle child between standard ~~DLC~~ and [[microtransactions]]. This is directly defined by the content it offers, where ~~you are buying~~ a significant amount of items~~, like~~ a stuff pack, or a small ~~thing~~ that has a noticeable impact on ~~the~~ gameplay~~, such as~~ a new character. ~~Often~~ micro-DLC is offered among a large pool of other pieces of small ~~dlc. In~~ [[Microsoft Flight Simulator X]], there's over $4k in ~~dlc~~ for planes or airstrips.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Are there any games on steam with more expensive DLC than this? (microsoft flight simulator x) \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/90e436/are_there_any_games_on_steam_with_more_expensive/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This is only surpassed by Train Simulator's $8k+ ~~in DLC~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Train Simulator Classic 2024 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/Train_Simulator_Classic_2024/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]]}}</ref>		Micro-DLC functions as the middle child between standard downloadable content and [[microtransactions]]. This is directly defined by the content it offers, where a consumer buys a significant amount of items (e.g. a stuff pack) or a small item that has a noticeable impact on gameplay (e.g. a new character). Oftentimes, micro-DLC is offered among a large pool of other pieces of small DLC, such as the case in [[Microsoft Flight Simulator X]] in which there is over $4,000 in downloadable content for planes or airstrips.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Are there any games on steam with more expensive DLC than this? (microsoft flight simulator x) \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/90e436/are_there_any_games_on_steam_with_more_expensive/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This figure is only surpassed by Train Simulator's $8,000+ worth of downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Train Simulator Classic 2024 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/24010/Train_Simulator_Classic_2024/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]]}}</ref>

	An honorable mention ~~for an excessive amount of micro-DLC~~ is Rocksmith, where the original has had nearly $1k in individually purchasable songs.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/rocksmith/comments/2k39t7/total_dlc_price_question/		An honorable mention is Rocksmith, where the original has had nearly $1,000 in individually purchasable songs.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/rocksmith/comments/2k39t7/total_dlc_price_question/

	"Edit: u/OsagaTheGreat points out that the Rock Hits packs, which I believed were subject to 3-pack pricing, are in fact mere labels for single tracks that were released contemporaneously. The names are at times confusingly inconsistent, culminating in "Rock Hits 70's 2" being distinct from "Rock Hits 1970s 2". I count 19 Rock Hits pseudopacks (including "Indie Rock Hits", which doesn't sort next to the others), each containing 3 songs. Each 3-pack in the original calculation contributed a price reduction of $0.98 compared to purchasing single tracks, so debundling all of them increases the total by $18.62 to $973.39. However, in contrast to my original strategy, you ''would'' now purchase the Allman, Öyster, and Pearl song packs to save $2.94. The revised total is '''$970.45'''."		"Edit: u/OsagaTheGreat points out that the Rock Hits packs, which I believed were subject to 3-pack pricing, are in fact mere labels for single tracks that were released contemporaneously. The names are at times confusingly inconsistent, culminating in "Rock Hits 70's 2" being distinct from "Rock Hits 1970s 2". I count 19 Rock Hits pseudopacks (including "Indie Rock Hits", which doesn't sort next to the others), each containing 3 songs. Each 3-pack in the original calculation contributed a price reduction of $0.98 compared to purchasing single tracks, so debundling all of them increases the total by $18.62 to $973.39. However, in contrast to my original strategy, you ''would'' now purchase the Allman, Öyster, and Pearl song packs to save $2.94. The revised total is '''$970.45'''."
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	===Imbalanced DLC===		===Imbalanced DLC===
	~~DLC~~ featured in competitive games can be stronger than base game content, ~~and~~ thus encouraging consumers to purchase this DLC if they want to be able to compete at a high level. This is an issue most prominent in fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat or Super Smash Brothers. In the case of Super Smash Brothers, significant controversy surrounds<ref>{{Cite web \|title=DLC characters are overpowered and brainless. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> ~~the DLC characters,~~ some of which are generally regarded as the strongest in the game, or as exceptionally easy for newer players.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Littlechild \|first=Chris \|date=6 Aug 2019 \|title=Smash Ultimate: Does The Hero's Down-Special Make Him OP? \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Steve is OP 😩 \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><!-- Historical examples		Downloadable content featured in competitive games can be stronger than base game content, thus encouraging consumers to purchase this DLC if they want to be able to compete at a high level. This is an issue most prominent in fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat or Super Smash Brothers. In the case of Super Smash Brothers, significant controversy surrounds the DLC characters,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=DLC characters are overpowered and brainless. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> some of which are generally regarded as the strongest in the game or as exceptionally easy for newer players.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Littlechild \|first=Chris \|date=6 Aug 2019 \|title=Smash Ultimate: Does The Hero's Down-Special Make Him OP? \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Steve is OP 😩 \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><!-- Historical examples

	Products to potentially mention later on: The Sims 4, super smash Brothers ultimate, Minecraft bedrock edition, certain Ubisoft or EA games, Fortnite, Halo infinite, assassin's Creed, Destiny --><!-- There was a blank section here for Season Passes. It would be a good idea to add a paragraph mentioned that, if anyone is up to doing so. -->		Products to potentially mention later on: The Sims 4, super smash Brothers ultimate, Minecraft bedrock edition, certain Ubisoft or EA games, Fortnite, Halo infinite, assassin's Creed, Destiny --><!-- There was a blank section here for Season Passes. It would be a good idea to add a paragraph mentioned that, if anyone is up to doing so. -->

Beanie Bo: Fixed tone issue and removed notice

2025-10-02T02:26:08Z

Fixed tone issue and removed notice

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:26, 2 October 2025
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	~~{{ToneWarning}}~~

	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>

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	===DLC overload===		===DLC overload===
	A more recent trend among major publishers has been live-service games. What this has brought however, is the need for monetization to keep development persistent. Unfortunately, these same companies have also been excessive with offering large amounts of DLC. For example, [[Electronic Arts]]' [[wikipedia:The_Sims_4\|The Sims 4]] has currently over $1000 in DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Sims 4 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670/The_Sims_4/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]]}}</ref> ranging from what could be considered as micro-DLC with kits and stuff packs, to larger DLC such as expansion packs.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Naletilic \|first=Dora \|date=11 Jan 2024 \|title=Here’s Why The Sims 4 DLCs Are So Expensive (& How to Get Them Cheaper) \|url=https://fictionhorizon.com/heres-why-the-sims-4-dlcs-are-so-expensive-how-to-get-them-cheaper/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=GameHorizon}}</ref> Consumers have criticized the games for being lackluster without purchasing DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=TS4 feels empty? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/f009sl/ts4_feels_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Crane \|first=Maris \|date=5 Jan 2024 \|title=Why Does Playing The Sims 4 Make Me Feel Empty Inside? \|url=https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/why-does-playing-the-sims-4-make-me-feel-empty-inside/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2024 \|website=SuperJump}}</ref> with theories surrounding that it may be intentional.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Is it just me or does TS4 feel 'empty'? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/161t8eq/is_it_just_me_or_does_ts4_feel_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> ~~These theories are more solidified when comparing how DLC is handled between each game in the series.~~<ref name=":0" />		A more recent trend among major publishers has been live-service games. What this has brought however, is the need for monetization to keep development persistent. Unfortunately, these same companies have also been excessive with offering large amounts of DLC. For example, [[Electronic Arts]]' [[wikipedia:The_Sims_4\|The Sims 4]] has currently over $1000 in DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=The Sims 4 \|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1222670/The_Sims_4/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Steam]]}}</ref> ranging from what could be considered as micro-DLC with kits and stuff packs, to larger DLC such as expansion packs.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Naletilic \|first=Dora \|date=11 Jan 2024 \|title=Here’s Why The Sims 4 DLCs Are So Expensive (& How to Get Them Cheaper) \|url=https://fictionhorizon.com/heres-why-the-sims-4-dlcs-are-so-expensive-how-to-get-them-cheaper/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=GameHorizon}}</ref> Consumers have criticized the games for being lackluster without purchasing DLC,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=TS4 feels empty? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/f009sl/ts4_feels_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|last=Crane \|first=Maris \|date=5 Jan 2024 \|title=Why Does Playing The Sims 4 Make Me Feel Empty Inside? \|url=https://www.superjumpmagazine.com/why-does-playing-the-sims-4-make-me-feel-empty-inside/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2024 \|website=SuperJump}}</ref> with theories surrounding that it may be intentional due to the way DLC is handled between each game in the series.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Is it just me or does TS4 feel 'empty'? \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thesims/comments/161t8eq/is_it_just_me_or_does_ts4_feel_empty/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

	====Micro-DLC====		====Micro-DLC====
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	- u/PierreSimonLaplace</ref>		- u/PierreSimonLaplace</ref>

	~~===Season Passes===~~
	~~[stub section!] This section is a stub and the person who included this section appears to have left it blank~~

	===Imbalanced DLC===		===Imbalanced DLC===
	DLC featured in competitive games can be stronger than base game content, and thus encouraging consumers to purchase this DLC if they want to be able to compete at a high level. This is an issue most prominent in fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat or Super Smash Brothers. In the case of Super Smash Brothers, significant controversy surrounds<ref>{{Cite web \|title=DLC characters are overpowered and brainless. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> the DLC characters, some of which are generally regarded as the strongest in the game, or as exceptionally easy for newer players.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Littlechild \|first=Chris \|date=6 Aug 2019 \|title=Smash Ultimate: Does The Hero's Down-Special Make Him OP? \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Steve is OP 😩 \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><!-- Historical examples		DLC featured in competitive games can be stronger than base game content, and thus encouraging consumers to purchase this DLC if they want to be able to compete at a high level. This is an issue most prominent in fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat or Super Smash Brothers. In the case of Super Smash Brothers, significant controversy surrounds<ref>{{Cite web \|title=DLC characters are overpowered and brainless. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> the DLC characters, some of which are generally regarded as the strongest in the game, or as exceptionally easy for newer players.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Littlechild \|first=Chris \|date=6 Aug 2019 \|title=Smash Ultimate: Does The Hero's Down-Special Make Him OP? \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Steve is OP 😩 \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><!-- Historical examples

	Products to potentially mention later on: The Sims 4, super smash Brothers ultimate, Minecraft bedrock edition, certain Ubisoft or EA games, Fortnite, Halo infinite, assassin's Creed, Destiny -->		Products to potentially mention later on: The Sims 4, super smash Brothers ultimate, Minecraft bedrock edition, certain Ubisoft or EA games, Fortnite, Halo infinite, assassin's Creed, Destiny --><!-- There was a blank section here for Season Passes. It would be a good idea to add a paragraph mentioned that, if anyone is up to doing so. -->

	==References==		==References==
	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]

Beanie Bo: Tone notice

2025-09-06T02:27:08Z

Tone notice

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:27, 6 September 2025
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			{{ToneWarning}}

	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>

Keith: reworded a section, and moved an incomplete segment into a comment

2025-08-30T09:22:07Z

reworded a section, and moved an incomplete segment into a comment

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 30 August 2025
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	[stub section!] This section is a stub and the person who included this section appears to have left it blank		[stub section!] This section is a stub and the person who included this section appears to have left it blank

	===DLC ~~bias~~===		===Imbalanced DLC===
	~~Often, the~~ DLC featured in games can ~~leave bias from either the developer or publisher~~, and thus ~~imbalance the game to encourage~~ consumers to purchase this DLC. This ~~imbalance problem~~ is ~~mostly seen~~ in ~~competitive~~ games, such as Mortal Kombat or Super Smash Brothers. Super Smash Brothers ~~in particular has brought the largest amount of concern from consumers~~,<ref>{{Cite web \|title=DLC characters are overpowered and brainless. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> as ~~DLC fighters end up being cited~~ as ~~more powerful~~ for ~~casual~~ players.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Littlechild \|first=Chris \|date=6 Aug 2019 \|title=Smash Ultimate: Does The Hero's Down-Special Make Him OP? \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Steve is OP 😩 \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>		DLC featured in competitive games can be stronger than base game content, and thus encouraging consumers to purchase this DLC if they want to be able to compete at a high level. This is an issue most prominent in fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat or Super Smash Brothers. In the case of Super Smash Brothers, significant controversy surrounds<ref>{{Cite web \|title=DLC characters are overpowered and brainless. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/11e977q/dlc_characters_are_overpowered_and_brainless/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> the DLC characters, some of which are generally regarded as the strongest in the game, or as exceptionally easy for newer players.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Littlechild \|first=Chris \|date=6 Aug 2019 \|title=Smash Ultimate: Does The Hero's Down-Special Make Him OP? \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/smash-bros-ultimate-hero-dlc-down-special-op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|title=Steve is OP 😩 \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SmashBrosUltimate/comments/jdf910/steve_is_op/ \|url-status=live \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><!-- Historical examples

	~~==Historical examples==~~		Products to potentially mention later on: The Sims 4, super smash Brothers ultimate, Minecraft bedrock edition, certain Ubisoft or EA games, Fortnite, Halo infinite, assassin's Creed, Destiny -->
	Products to potentially mention later on: The Sims 4, super smash Brothers ultimate, Minecraft bedrock edition, certain Ubisoft or EA games, Fortnite, Halo infinite, assassin's Creed, Destiny

	==References==		==References==
	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]

Keith: removed incomplete

2025-08-30T09:13:34Z

removed incomplete

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:13, 30 August 2025
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	~~{{Incomplete}}~~

	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>

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	===Day-one DLC<!-- Source to reference: https://forum.level1techs.com/t/problems-with-the-gaming-industry-day-one-dlc-and-pre-order-dlc/365 -->===		===Day-one DLC<!-- Source to reference: https://forum.level1techs.com/t/problems-with-the-gaming-industry-day-one-dlc-and-pre-order-dlc/365 -->===
	Often seen mostly from larger companies, day-one DLC if offered as a way to further monetize a product on launch. This has however caused concern from consumers since these games that are hasty to offer DLC on launch appear to essentially break up the base game content, thus harming consumers. These games can also have the DLC content already available on-disc, and it has historically caused outrage from consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Watts \|first=Steve \|date=3 Mar 2010 \|title=BioShock 2 DLC is Already On the Disc \|url=http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-2-dlc-disc \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108174303/http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-2-dlc-disc \|archive-date=8 Nov 2015 \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=1UP.com}}</ref>		Often seen mostly from larger companies, day-one DLC is offered as a way to further monetize a product on launch. This has however caused concern from consumers since these games that are hasty to offer DLC on launch appear to essentially break up the base game content, thus harming consumers. These games can also have the DLC content already available on-disc, and it has historically caused outrage from consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Watts \|first=Steve \|date=3 Mar 2010 \|title=BioShock 2 DLC is Already On the Disc \|url=http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-2-dlc-disc \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108174303/http://www.1up.com/news/bioshock-2-dlc-disc \|archive-date=8 Nov 2015 \|access-date=27 Mar 2025 \|website=1UP.com}}</ref>

	===DLC overload===		===DLC overload===

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: Removed old wikitable.

2025-08-30T09:00:33Z

Removed old wikitable.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:00, 30 August 2025
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	{{~~Under Development\|stage=Somewhat developed~~}}		{{Incomplete}}

	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>

Elxroid: fixed citation mistake

2025-08-17T15:20:54Z

fixed citation mistake

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 17 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Under Development\|stage=Somewhat developed}}		{{Under Development\|stage=Somewhat developed}}

	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite ~~article~~ \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>

	==Dark patterns involving DLC==		==Dark patterns involving DLC==

Elxroid: Copy changes, added citation, removed citation needed

2025-08-17T15:17:13Z

Copy changes, added citation, removed citation needed

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 17 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Under Development\|stage=Somewhat developed}}		{{Under Development\|stage=Somewhat developed}}

	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''' is a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products ~~for a longer period~~. This practice is not inherently ~~anticonsumer~~, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to ~~abuse~~ DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.{{~~CitationNeeded}}<!~~-- ~~Citation needed,~~ but ~~shouldn't be too hard to find NGL~~ -->		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''', also referred to as Expansions or Expansion Packs, are a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products. This practice is not inherently anti-consumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to use DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.<ref>{{Cite article \|last=Hruska \|first=Joel \|date=14 August 2015 \|title=Executive calls on disc dlc complaints nonsense but the truth is more complicated \|url=https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/212245-ea-executive-calls-on-disc-dlc-complaints-nonsense-but-the-truth-is-more-complex \|access-date=17 August 2025 \|website=extremetech.com}}</ref>

	==Dark patterns involving DLC==		==Dark patterns involving DLC==

Keith: Added an 'under development' template to account for the fact that this still reads very WIP

2025-08-15T23:55:55Z

Added an 'under development' template to account for the fact that this still reads very WIP

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:55, 15 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
			{{Under Development\|stage=Somewhat developed}}

	'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''' is a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products for a longer period. This practice is not inherently anticonsumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to abuse DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.{{CitationNeeded}}<!-- Citation needed, but shouldn't be too hard to find NGL -->		'''[[wikipedia:Downloadable_content\|Downloadable Content (DLC)]]''' is a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products for a longer period. This practice is not inherently anticonsumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as [[Electronic Arts\|'''Electronic Arts''']] and '''[[Ubisoft]]''' have been known to abuse DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumers.{{CitationNeeded}}<!-- Citation needed, but shouldn't be too hard to find NGL -->