What DLC Won Game of the Year? The Elusive Award and The Best of the Best
The direct answer is, no DLC has ever been awarded Game of the Year (GOTY) by any major award show. While DLC can significantly enhance a game and even revitalize its lifespan, GOTY awards typically focus on the original, standalone game release. However, DLC can often influence whether a game receives a GOTY award. A truly exceptional expansion can bolster the original game’s reputation and impact, making it a stronger contender for the prestigious title. DLC excellence can also impact the Game of the Year Edition, increasing its worth and desirability.
The Impact of DLC on GOTY Recognition
While DLC itself isn’t eligible for Game of the Year, its quality undeniably influences the perception and longevity of the base game. Think of it this way: a fantastic DLC can patch up flaws, introduce fresh mechanics, or expand the narrative in ways that make the overall experience feel complete. This can significantly enhance a game’s chances of being remembered fondly and, therefore, increase its chances of securing GOTY awards retroactively or influencing discussions around the game’s legacy.
Several titles have seen their reputations enhanced by exceptional DLC, making them stronger contenders in “best of” lists and retrospective discussions:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt benefited immensely from its two expansive DLC packs, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. These expansions were so well-received that they are often considered essential parts of the Witcher 3 experience, contributing significantly to its GOTY wins and enduring popularity.
- Bloodborne‘s The Old Hunters DLC is another example. Widely praised for its challenging combat, haunting atmosphere, and enriching lore, it solidified Bloodborne‘s position as a masterpiece.
- Cyberpunk 2077 saw a resurgence in popularity and critical acclaim with the release of Phantom Liberty. While the base game had a rocky launch, the quality of Phantom Liberty helped to redeem it in the eyes of many players and critics.
Therefore, while a DLC itself doesn’t win Game of the Year, it plays a vital role in shaping the overall perception and lasting impact of the game it enhances, ultimately potentially swaying opinions in the GOTY conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DLC and GOTY
Here are some common questions related to DLC and Game of the Year awards, including information referenced from the original article:
What is DLC?
DLC stands for Downloadable Content. It’s additional content created for a released video game, distributed digitally to players. This content can range from cosmetic items and new characters to entire new story campaigns and gameplay mechanics.
Does Game of the Year Edition always come with DLC?
Generally, yes. A Game of the Year Edition typically includes the base game plus all previously released DLC. It offers players the complete experience in one package.
Will Elden Ring get paid DLC?
Yes! As noted in the source article, Elden Ring is confirmed to receive a major post-launch DLC expansion called Shadow of the Erdtree.
What is considered the best DLC of all time?
This is subjective, but popular and highly-rated DLC expansions include Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course, Battlefield Bad Company 2: Vietnam, Dishonored: The Brigmore Witches, Borderlands 2: Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep, Destiny: The Taken King, Mass Effect 3: Citadel, Fallout: New Vegas, Bloodborne: The Old Hunters, and The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine.
Does DLC affect the base game’s story?
It depends on the DLC. Some DLC adds entirely new stories and characters that are separate from the main game, while others expand upon the existing narrative or provide context for events that happened during the main story.
How much does DLC typically cost?
The price of DLC varies widely depending on the amount of content it includes. Smaller content packs with cosmetic items or a few new levels may cost a few dollars, while larger expansions with new story campaigns can cost upwards of $20-$40.
What is the oldest game to get DLC?
The source article mentions Total Annihilation, an RTS game released in 1997, as one of the earliest examples of DLC. Developers offered a new free unit as downloadable content every month.
Do game DLC codes expire?
Download codes purchased from retailers generally do not expire. However, promotional codes given out for specific events or distributions may have an expiry date.
What game had the first DLC?
As mentioned before, Total Annihilation is often cited as one of the earliest games to feature downloadable content in the form of monthly free units.
Do gamers like DLC?
The article summarizes that gamers generally appreciate the additional content offered by DLC, but some find it unfair when it provides a significant advantage to paying players. Concerns about monetization and potentially unfinished base games are also present.
Which game has the most expensive DLCs?
The article lists some games with extremely expensive DLC, including Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War (where costs are potentially incalculable due to microtransactions), Entropia Universe ($6,000,000), and Curiosity: What’s Inside The Cube? ($60,000+).
What makes a good DLC?
A good DLC should offer meaningful additions to the base game, such as new stories, characters, gameplay mechanics, or environments. It should feel like a worthwhile investment for players and not simply be a rehash of existing content. It needs to be a complete experience that seamlessly integrates with the base game.
Does the success of DLC guarantee a sequel?
Not necessarily, but it can increase the likelihood. If a game’s DLC is well-received and sells well, it indicates strong player interest and a potential market for a sequel. However, other factors, such as the development team’s availability and the publisher’s priorities, also play a role.
How long does it take to develop DLC?
The development time for DLC varies depending on its scope and complexity. Smaller content packs can be created in a few months, while larger expansions can take a year or more to develop.
Where can I learn more about game design and DLC development?
There are many resources available online and in educational institutions. A great place to explore further information about game design and related topics, including the impact of DLC on gaming experiences, is the Games Learning Society website. You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to access research, articles, and resources related to game-based learning and the broader impact of games on society.
In conclusion, while no specific DLC has ever won Game of the Year, the quality and impact of DLC can significantly affect a game’s overall reception, longevity, and its potential to be remembered as a true classic. It’s a crucial part of the modern gaming landscape that continues to evolve.