How Long Does DLC Take to Make? A Comprehensive Guide
The development timeline for downloadable content (DLC) varies significantly depending on a multitude of factors. However, the average development cycle for a regular content update is around three months. This typically involves planning, design, pre-production, production, content/code completion, certification, and finally, release. However, larger, story-driven DLCs often have a much more extended schedule, mimicking the development cycles of entire games, just on a smaller scope. So, while a minor update might take a few months, a major DLC could take anywhere from six months to over a year to develop, sometimes even more.
Understanding the DLC Development Cycle
The process of creating DLC isn’t a simple, linear task. It follows a structured cycle that mirrors game development itself, albeit on a smaller scale. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages involved:
1. Concept and Design
This is where the initial idea for the DLC is born. The development team brainstorms new content, considering aspects such as the narrative, new gameplay mechanics, characters, and world expansion. This phase sets the foundation for everything that follows and involves detailed planning to ensure the DLC aligns with the core game’s mechanics and feel.
2. Pre-production
Once the concept is finalized, the team moves into pre-production. This stage involves creating detailed design documents, art assets, and initial prototypes for new game mechanics. Rigorous testing is crucial to identify and address any issues that may arise. This meticulous planning helps to streamline the subsequent production phase.
3. Production
The production phase is the most labour-intensive stage, where the bulk of the actual content creation takes place. Programmers, artists, designers, and writers work collaboratively to build and implement new game elements such as environments, character models, quests, and items. This stage involves constant iteration and refinements based on feedback from playtesting.
4. Content and Code Complete
After all the planned content is developed and implemented, the development team checks if all assets have been properly integrated. The team ensures there are no code errors and that the DLC runs smoothly. Reaching ‘content complete’ and ‘code complete’ is a big milestone.
5. Certification
Before the DLC can be released to the public, it needs to go through a certification process. This is primarily to ensure compatibility with the platform it’s being released on (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC). Each platform has its own rigorous testing protocols to ensure the DLC doesn’t compromise the gaming experience.
6. Release
The final stage is the release of the DLC. This involves deploying the content to online stores, marketing the new features to the gaming community and providing support as needed. The release strategy can involve a staggered rollout or a simultaneous release across all platforms.
Factors Influencing Development Time
Several factors can affect the length of the DLC development timeline:
- Scope and Size: Larger DLCs with new areas, lengthy storylines, and complex mechanics naturally require more time than small content packs.
- Team Size: Larger teams can typically work on a wider scope in less time, but that will also depend on how efficient the team is.
- Technological Challenges: Introducing new technologies or complex gameplay mechanics can significantly increase the development time.
- Platform Requirements: Each gaming platform has its own set of requirements and technical specifications which can influence the development timeline.
- Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing and quality assurance are vital, and the more thorough the testing process, the longer it may take to complete.
- External Factors: Unexpected production challenges, external approvals, or scheduling conflicts can also impact how long it takes to make a DLC.
The Evolution of DLC
The concept of DLC has evolved significantly since its earliest days. In the late 1990s, games like Total Annihilation introduced the idea of downloadable content, offering monthly free units. The Sega Dreamcast was among the first consoles that could connect to the internet, but it was Microsoft’s Xbox and Xbox Live that truly popularized DLC. The rise of online gaming and digital distribution platforms have made DLC a common part of the modern gaming landscape. Nowadays, most major titles feature some form of DLC, providing players with a way to extend their gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the average length of a story-driven DLC?
Most story-driven DLCs aim for a duration of a few hours, often coming in at around three hours. However, there are exceptions, with some DLCs considerably extending the base game’s overall playtime.
2. What was the first notable game to have DLC?
Total Annihilation, a 1997 real-time strategy game, was among the first games to have downloadable content. Its developers released a new free unit every month.
3. What game has the most DLC packs?
Train Simulator and Train Simulator Classic top the list, with over 600 DLC packs officially, and pushing past 800 with third-party content.
4. What are paid DLCs?
Paid DLCs are optional content for games that players can buy to access additional features, stories, or in-game items.
5. Does regular content updates take as long as paid DLC?
Regular content updates typically have a shorter development cycle, averaging around three months, while more expansive paid DLC can have a development timeline of six months to a year or more.
6. Can you sell a DLC?
No, you cannot sell DLC separately from the original game, as they are usually tied to the specific account that purchased them.
7. Are DLCs always paid for?
No, some games offer DLC for free, but it is more common to charge for DLC, especially for large expansions with new content.
8. What influenced the rise of DLC?
The rise of social media, mobile gaming, and digital marketplaces normalized microtransactions. This encouraged developers to continually add new content for players to buy.
9. How long did it take for Dark Souls to get DLC?
Dark Souls’ first DLC, Artorias of the Abyss, was released 13 months after the base game’s launch. On the other hand, Dark Souls 2’s DLC was released just four months after the base game.
10. How does team size affect DLC development time?
Larger teams can often develop DLC faster, but efficient workflow, quality assurance, and project management are also vital elements of development speed.
11. Why do DLCs exist?
DLCs provide a way to extend the lifespan of a game by adding new content, stories, and features that keep players engaged with the game for longer periods of time, as well as generate further revenue for the developers.
12. How does certification impact the DLC release?
Certification ensures that the DLC is compatible with the platform it will be available on, requiring rigorous testing. This can sometimes delay the release of a DLC if issues are found during the certification process.
13. Do different gaming platforms affect the DLC development time?
Yes, the technical specifications and requirements of each gaming platform can impact the development timeline. Developers must tailor DLC to be compatible with each console’s technical requirements.
14. How long does it take to 100% complete Fallout 4, considering DLC?
While the base game of Fallout 4 takes around 158 hours to 100% complete, this doesn’t include DLC content, which can significantly increase completion time. DLCs such as Far Harbor add tens of hours more gameplay and completion times.
15. How long is the average wait time for new DLC?
The average wait time varies quite a lot depending on the scope of the DLC, with some minor patches coming out each month, while more major DLCs have an average wait time of around 3-6 months. Major story DLCs can even take more than a year to release.
Conclusion
The creation of DLC is a complex process that requires careful planning, execution, and testing. While the average development cycle for a regular content update is about three months, larger DLC can take significantly longer. The development timeline is influenced by factors such as the scope of the DLC, team size, and technological challenges. DLCs have become an integral part of modern gaming, offering players a way to enjoy new experiences within their favorite games. Understanding the process and factors involved helps appreciate the effort and time required to create these game enhancements.