What Was the First Video Game with DLC?

The title of first video game with DLC (Downloadable Content) is often debated, primarily because the definition of “DLC” has evolved over time. However, generally accepted, the first true example of DLC is considered to be Armored Core: Master of Arena for the original PlayStation, released in 1997. This game included a “Version Upgrade Disc” that added new missions, parts, and arenas to the base game, expanding the gameplay experience significantly.

The Dawn of Downloadable Content: Armored Core: Master of Arena

Before the ubiquity of broadband internet and digital distribution platforms like Steam, the concept of downloadable content was a nascent idea. Patches and updates were common, often distributed via gaming magazines or limited-time offers. Armored Core: Master of Arena took a different approach. Instead of just fixing bugs, the Version Upgrade Disc added substantial new content, requiring players to physically purchase the disc to unlock the new features. This method foreshadowed the digital DLC model that would become standard in the industry.

Why Armored Core Stands Out

While other games might have offered additional content through promotional items or limited-time downloads, Armored Core: Master of Arena‘s release stands out for several reasons:

• Significant Content Addition: The Version Upgrade Disc wasn’t just a minor patch; it added new missions, parts for the armored cores, and entirely new arenas for combat, enriching the overall game experience.
• Commercial Availability: Unlike free patches, the Version Upgrade Disc was sold as a standalone product, marking the first instance of developers charging players for additional content designed to enhance the core game.
• Expansion of the Core Gameplay: The added content was fully integrated into the core game, unlike stand-alone expansion packs which were regarded as the complete game itself, not necessarily added to the base game. The Version Upgrade Disc aimed to extend the lifespan and replayability of the original Armored Core: Master of Arena game.

Alternative Contenders: Early DLC Attempts

While Armored Core: Master of Arena is widely regarded as the first to truly embrace the DLC concept, other games and platforms flirted with the idea of downloadable content around the same time. It’s important to acknowledge these attempts when discussing the history of DLC.

The Sega Channel

One notable precursor to DLC was the Sega Channel, a subscription-based service for the Sega Genesis console launched in 1994. It allowed subscribers to download and play a selection of games each month, which effectively provided a stream of new content to players, though not in the same way we think of DLC today since the downloaded content was temporary, not permanently added to their library.

PC Gaming Experiments

The PC gaming world also experimented with downloadable content early on. Games like Doom and Quake had user-created mods and maps available for download through websites and FTP servers. While this wasn’t officially supported DLC in the modern sense, it demonstrated the potential for extending the life of a game through player-generated content.

The Evolution of DLC: From Discs to Digital Downloads

Following Armored Core: Master of Arena, DLC gradually evolved from physical media to digital downloads. The advent of broadband internet and the launch of online gaming services like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network revolutionized the way DLC was distributed and consumed.

Xbox Live and the DLC Revolution

Xbox Live, launched in 2002, played a crucial role in popularizing DLC. Games like Halo 2* and *Forza Motorsport offered downloadable maps, vehicles, and customization options. These offerings marked a pivotal moment in gaming history, as players were now able to easily access and purchase new content directly from their consoles.

The Rise of Microtransactions

As DLC became more prevalent, developers began exploring new ways to monetize their games. This led to the rise of microtransactions, where players could purchase small, often cosmetic, items for a nominal fee. This practice, while controversial, became a mainstay of many free-to-play and AAA games.

The Impact of DLC on the Gaming Industry

DLC has had a profound impact on the gaming industry, both positive and negative.

Advantages of DLC

• Extended Game Lifespan: DLC allows developers to continually update and expand their games, keeping players engaged for longer periods.
• Increased Revenue Streams: DLC provides developers with a new source of revenue after the initial game sale.
• Customization and Personalization: DLC allows players to tailor their gaming experience to their individual preferences.

Disadvantages of DLC

• Potential for “Day One” DLC: The practice of releasing DLC content alongside the base game has been criticized as a way to artificially inflate the price of a game.
• Concerns About Value: Some players feel that DLC is overpriced or doesn’t offer enough value for the money.
• Impact on Game Balance: DLC can sometimes disrupt the balance of a game, giving players who purchase certain items an unfair advantage.

FAQs About the First Video Game with DLC

Here are some frequently asked questions about the history and evolution of DLC:

1. Was Armored Core: Master of Arena the first example of downloadable content, or was it delivered on physical media?

   • Armored Core: Master of Arena used a physical disc (the “Version Upgrade Disc”) to deliver the DLC, but it represents the conceptual beginning of paid, downloadable content.

2. Why is the Sega Channel not considered to be the first true instance of DLC?

   • The Sega Channel provided access to a rotating library of games through subscription, but it wasn’t “downloadable” in the sense of permanently adding content to a game. The content was temporarily available, ceasing when the subscription expired.

3. What role did Xbox Live play in the popularization of DLC?

   • Xbox Live made DLC more accessible and convenient for console gamers by providing a centralized platform for purchasing and downloading content.

4. How have microtransactions affected the gaming industry?

   • Microtransactions have become a significant source of revenue for many game developers but have also drawn criticism for their potential to be exploitative.

5. What is “Day One” DLC, and why is it controversial?

   • “Day One” DLC refers to content released alongside the base game. It’s controversial because some players view it as content that should have been included in the original release, thus artificially increasing the cost of the game.

6. How has DLC changed the way developers design and support their games?

   • DLC has incentivized developers to support their games for longer periods, continually adding new content and features to keep players engaged.

7. Are there any examples of DLC that significantly improved a game?

   • Yes, many games have benefited from DLC that added new storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics that enhanced the overall experience. Examples include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Borderlands 2.

8. What are some of the criticisms leveled against modern DLC practices?

   • Some common criticisms include overpriced DLC, a lack of value for money, and the potential for DLC to disrupt game balance.

9. How does DLC differ from expansion packs?

   • DLC is typically smaller in scope and focuses on adding content to the existing game, while expansion packs are often larger and introduce entirely new areas, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. In the past, expansion packs could even be regarded as stand-alone games.

10. Has DLC always been a paid feature in video games?

    • No, some games offer free DLC as a way to reward players or promote a game. However, the majority of DLC is paid.

11. What impact has DLC had on the used game market?

    • DLC has reduced the value of used games by providing an incentive for players to purchase new copies to access exclusive content.

12. How do indie game developers approach DLC differently than AAA studios?

    • Indie developers may be more likely to offer free or low-cost DLC as a way to build goodwill with their player base, while AAA studios often focus on more ambitious and profitable DLC projects.

13. Does DLC contribute to the long-term preservation of video games?

    • DLC can complicate game preservation efforts because it’s not always included with the original game release.

14. What are some examples of games that are notorious for their excessive or controversial DLC?

    • Games like Train Simulator and Dead or Alive series have been criticized for their high volume of DLC, often priced at levels considered excessive by many players.

15. How do subscription services, like Xbox Game Pass, influence the DLC landscape?

    • Subscription services can provide access to a library of games and their DLC, offering players a more affordable way to experience a wider range of content. They can also shift the focus from purchasing individual DLC packs to subscribing for access to a broader collection of games and content.