Is DLC overpriced?

[Jandau]

The question is in the title.

Don't get me wrong, I don't object to the concept of DLC. I don't mind day 1 DLC. For the purposes of this thread, let's forget about the whole "DLC should have been included with the game" arguments. Also, it's not about wether or not you can afford it (let's assume you can). And of course, I'm aware that I don't have to buy it (let's assume I want to). Likewise, I'm aware that publishers get to charge what they want since it's their product and we can only vote with our wallets.

The question is: Are we being overcharged on DLC?

This has been bothering me for a while now and what prompted me to make this thread was Dragon Age: Origins. I love the game to bits and think it's the best game this year. However, the DLC that came out with it has given me pause. Most notable example is one of the two "content pack" DLCs, Warden's Keep. This DLC adds a new area to explore with an interesting plotline about the background of the Gray Wardens (game's protagonists). It's interesting, gives good loot, gray area plot choices, even two new abilities. Overall, it's well crafted.

However, it's 1-2 hours long and costs 7$. The game itself costs around 50$ A single thorough playthrough of the full game takes about 40 hours. So how is 7$ for a two hour quest good value? And it's not just Dragon Age. Most DLC offers seem very high priced when the amount of content they add is compared to the original game...

 

[TheDoctor455]

Generally no. And trust me, Warden's Keep is worth the $7. And... actually, because I got the digital deluxe version on Steam (when it was discounted), I ended up paying about $4 for it. (the total price I payed was about $54)

 

[Vlane]

But DLC is free!

Oh, you're talking about non-Valve games. Well, let me tell you, there is a reason I do not buy or play non-Valve games anymore.

Because you only like FPS's?

 

[Pimppeter2]

I think its fine.


Shivering Isles and KotN for Oblivion was what $20-$30 bucks and got me what? A couple hundred hours of playtime?

The rest of oblivon DLC is actually really cheap. Except Horse armor

 

[ravensshade]

No, because when I buy a game I want a FINISHED PRODUCT, or at the very least free DLC. I don;t want to buy a game just to find out they have more shit planned for it- at a cost. Fallout 3 pissed me off so much when I found out I had to PAY for what is already a staple of good western RPGs, open-endedness.

or you could just opt not to buy the DLC? but meh not my business (i don't buy dlc anyway)

I think its fine.
Shivering Isles

i believe shivering isles can be counted as an expansion.. (the pc version for it is on the shelves atleast)

 

[Pimppeter2]

I think its fine.
Shivering Isles

i believe shivering isles can be counted as an expansion.. (the pc version for it is on the shelves atleast)

Yea but isn't that the same for Fallout?

 

[ravensshade]

I think its fine.
Shivering Isles

i believe shivering isles can be counted as an expansion.. (the pc version for it is on the shelves atleast)

Yea but isn't that the same for Fallout?

hmm don't think so i believe fallout only has dlc i mean i haven't seen things like point lookout on the shelves in ordinary stores that happen to sell games. (that's how i keep dlc seperate from expansion since generally they do the same..)

 

[MGlBlaze]

I think its fine.
Shivering Isles

i believe shivering isles can be counted as an expansion.. (the pc version for it is on the shelves at least)

Personally, I just count all DLC as something like little, tiny expansion packs. Whether or not they're too expensive really depends on the specific piece of DLC in question, and whether or not the player gets much out of it.

 

[Pimppeter2]

I think its fine.
Shivering Isles

i believe shivering isles can be counted as an expansion.. (the pc version for it is on the shelves atleast)

Yea but isn't that the same for Fallout?

hmm don't think so i believe fallout only has dlc i mean i haven't seen things like point lookout on the shelves in ordinary stores that happen to sell games. (that's how i keep dlc seperate from expansion since generally they do the same..)

I would count all Game Add ons, even expansions, as DLC

 

[Delock]

I think its fine.
Shivering Isles

i believe shivering isles can be counted as an expansion.. (the pc version for it is on the shelves atleast)

Yea but isn't that the same for Fallout?

hmm don't think so i believe fallout only has dlc i mean i haven't seen things like point lookout on the shelves in ordinary stores that happen to sell games. (that's how i keep dlc seperate from expansion since generally they do the same..)

My big problem with the Fallout DLC is that they were all released bundled with the game for $60 later. This sounds great except that you relieze that either Fallout 3 is now $10 since all of the DLC's cost that (and the online marketplace is really reluctant to change that) or buying a DLC on a DISC is less expensive. Isn't the concept of downloadable content supposed to be that you shou be buying it online since buying it on a disc is more expensive? (Please don't go into the whole "It decreased in price" or "it was a bundle pack" because online it's still the same and there is no option online to download them all for a cheaper price).
As for DLC costs being too much. I'll agree. We're being charged $10 for a 2hour expansion most of the time (also extra stuff like costumes and weapons are insane in their price). Personally, I prefer the direction Ubisoft is going with the DLC (they have special achievements in their game that's total adds only to purchasing extra stuff for the game).

 

[War Penguin]

Only by a couple dollars. Chances are you'll only get one new level and some new equipment but that's it.You'll probably beat it in a day and that's it.

 

[Zac_Dai]

It is on the 360, especially if you factor in the way Microsoft sells you points.

 

[Croaker42]

Its not overpriced if your buying it.
Or, it is overpriced and you bought it anyway, making the price point ok to begin with.
So this thread should be.
Are we all so weak willed that we will buy whatever crap our favorite devs will throw down to us?

 

[occamsnailfile]

Yes, most DLC is overpriced. Furthermore, most 'microtransaction' goods in MMOs are overpriced. You get very little value for what they want you to pay, and you can't re-sell or loan or give it away when you're done as you can with your physical discs. I've never bought a one so far, where I used to occasionally buy boxed expansion sets that offered something in the way of value.

 

[Kilo24]

I would count all Game Add ons, even expansions, as DLC

...the acronym itself disagrees with you. Downloadable content usually is downloadable.

But, yes; in general, DLC in general is overpriced in comparison to the amount of content it offers relative to the amount of content the base game has. But, DLC frequently adds new twists to the game, which you may or may not consider to be worth the price.

 

[Gunner 51]

While there are a few exceptions to this, I think most DLC is overpriced. Most of it is just paying for something that can be done and dusted within an hour or two and then you have to pay half of what you originally bought the game for.

Red Faction: Guerilla being a prime example of this. One or two bonus missions - completable easily within an hour all for the sum of £10. Simply not worth the hassle of buying it.

But my major bugbear with DLC is that you can't preview it or get refunds to see exactly what you are getting like you can with a demo.

 

[Plinglebob]

For me it depends on what it is. Something like map packs or extra clothing isn't worth paying for in my opinion as I'm used to getting those things for free. However, additional quests and storylines for a game I enjoy are often worth the price (though possibly not the hassle of buying them). I normally try and base it on "do I expect to get more then an hours worth of entertainment for each £2 I spend."

 

[Gunner 51]

Very true, Plinglebob. And Avatar clothing is probably the biggest rip-off going on XBL.