Epic Games on the Development of ‘Pre-Launch DLC’

It's widely known that DLC–especially when being developed before the game has even launched–is a controversial topic among gamers; some like it and some think it's just another way to put money in publisher's pockets.

Many consumers believe that everything being developed pre-launch should be included in the game, saving the DLC development after the title it hits shelves. Whichever category you fall in, Epic's Cliff Blesinski and Rod Fergusson believe that it's just the way the industry works; they discussed the topic in latest issue of Game Informer magazine.

"What people need to understand is that extra content is something that you have to plan." said Fergusson. "There are people who think that the first day of DLC development is the day after you launched. That's not the way it works."

 "You don't just lift up a rock and say, 'oh shit, there's new levels! A lot of it is that you have to prepare and plan and manage your resources and your people and everything to allow for that." added Bleszinki.

Fergusson continues, "I think that as the industry has matured, we've gotten more into that."

He goes on, explaining that DLC is another way handle the used game marke–an issue that many publishers have claimed is becoming a hindrance to sales.

"It's less about shipping what's left over. It's not about, 'Oh, we had this map left over'… it's keeping the disc in the tray. In a used game culture that you have to actively fight against, I think DLC is one of the ways that you do that."

Damn you, used games; always foiling plans! Yeah, that's right, I'm looking at you, hundreds of copies of Grand Theft Auto 4 in the used bin at my local Gamestop!

Personally, if the DLC is decent enough and is relevant to the story, I'll buy it. What about you?

[Source, Gamer Informer Mag via Kotaku]