If you’ve spent hours and hours playing PS4 or PC games, surely the term ‘DLC’ sounds familiar to you. Not only that, but there are also some Android games that have their DLCs, such as Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition. The DLC provided in these games serves to unlock further episodes of the storylines. So, what does DLC actually mean? Here’s the explanation!

The Definition of DLC

DLC or downloadable content is additional content made for a game that has been released. DLC is distributed via the internet by the publisher of the game. DLC is divided into several kinds, such as additional storyline, additional characters, and other expansions.

In other words, DLC may add new game modes, objects, levels, challenges, or other features into the game as a complementary content. It also serves as an additional source of income for the game publisher. Usually, DLC is sold at a low price to make it more appealing to gamers. However, there are also some games that set high prices on certain DLCs.

Furthermore, there are also DLCs that can be downloaded for free. Prices for DLCs vary from USD1 to USD20. To give an example for the DLCs that contain additional characters are Tekken’s and Dragon Ball Fighter Z’. In Tekken, players can unlock certain additional characters, such as Negan, Kratos, Joker, and many more.

The History of DLC

The earliest form of DLCs were offerings of full games, as in the GameLine Atari 2600 service that allows users to download games via the telephone network. A similar service, Sega Channel, allows downloading games into your Sega Genesis via the telephone network.

In this era, DLC is usually distributed via online console store platforms, such as Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, Playstation Store, or similar stores for PC games like Steam. 

For some time after a publisher released their game, they have the choice to release a new version of the same game title with the DLC at no charge. These games are usually labeled with special titles, such as Game of The Year Edition or Definitive Edition.

An example of an expansion DLC is No Man’s Sky Beyond. With new content called Beyond, this game provides an expansion on its multiplayer mode to 32 players. This content introduces the VR support and Nexus hub. This DLC also has improved gameplay quality, adding abilities such as animals taming to computer gaming.

That was, more or less, the definition of DLC or downloadable content that you probably didn’t know about. If you happen to like the discussion, feel free to share it with your friends. Wait for another Gamer’s Dictionary columns on DuniaGames!

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