Do the download

In this decade, you would be hard pressed to find a gamer who has not downloaded a game via Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Wii Shop Channel or even on a mobile phone. Known as downloadable content or DLC, this medium has become increasingly popular. Some say that the digital side of the industry will eventually dominate over retail distribution. Although I don't think retail is simply going to disappear, here are some reasons why DLC has become so prevalent.

DLC increases the replay value of a game. Gamers invest a lot of money in new releases. Instead of being done with a game once you beat the final boss or master every map, you can explore more by simply downloading it. DLC keeps things fresh and players interested. Honestly, you get a lot more shelf life out of a game if it offers additional content. First-person shooters, such as Halo and Call of Duty, are good examples, as well as music-oriented games like Guitar Hero.

I know I mention my boyfriend a lot on this blog, but he always seems to serve as a good example for the topics I touch on! Lately he has been addicted to Castlevania: Harmony of Despair, a 2D installment of the series available on the Xbox Live Arcade. Every week, I hear all about the cool content he has downloaded, including new chapters and extra characters. It's honestly ridiculous how much replay value he's gotten out of the game!

Video Games | Castlevania: Harmony of Despair | Downloadable Content Interview HD

Xbox 360 | PlayStation 3 | Nintendo Wii | PC Games

The economy has a lot to do with the widespread success of DLC. It makes sense from a sales perspective. Think about it - developers make more money in the end. Gamers not only buy an individual item, but most also end up throwing down cash on additional content. It also make sense for gamers. As I said before, buying retail is expensive. Most gamers, including myself, are too impatient to wait five months for the price of a new release to go down. Pre-owned games aren't much cheaper. If I'm going to spend a lot of money, I better get some bang for my buck.

Still, there is controversy regarding digital distribution. Free-to-play games are spreading like wildfire. If you don't know what I'm talking about just refer to your favorite guilty pleasure - FarmVille. The problem with "freemium" is that the game might be free, but a lot of hidden, premium content costs money to access. Unsuspected gamers can rack up huge bills. while game companies make a fortune. Check out this in-depth article from Yahoo! Games. It provides some great insight into why the free components of these games are probably going to get smaller and smaller over time.

I really gives a whole new meaning to that classic piece of wisdom you learn on the first day of economics class - there's no such thing as a free lunch :P

I'm not sure how much the industry is going to transform, but we'll just have to see what happens!

Until next time :)

Love,
The Girl Informer