Computer game extension

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An expansion pack or an expansion ( English add-on , expansion , or expansion pack ) for a computer game is an installable package with additional content for an existing (main) game.

Add-ons usually require a base game in which they are installed and within which they are executed. In some cases, the base game is only required at the time of installation for licensing reasons.

As an extension that is usually chargeable, add-ons enrich already published computer games with new content. These can be new levels , maps , opponents, weapons or even new functions such as a multiplayer mode . Extensions (such as Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne or The Sims 2: Open for Business ) can usually not be executed independently; the base game (here Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos or The Sims 2 ) is usually installed on the Calculator required. However, there are also independent expansions ( called stand-alone ) that can also run without the underlying game (for example Unreal: Return to NaPali or Crysis: Warhead ).

In contrast to sequels, the original game principle and the graphics engine are not significantly changed compared to the basic game, since the underlying technology and user interface of the main program are still used and, if necessary, adapted or expanded in some points. A free update or a patch , on the other hand, usually only eliminates the errors ( bugs ) of an existing program, but does not offer any new content. All patches of the main program that were released up to the date of manufacture are usually integrated in extensions, so that these sometimes also bring greater stability compared to the unchanged main program. In addition, minor changes are often made, for example to standard settings or the game balance (for example, in Diablo II, the changes to character abilities).

An extension usually costs much less money than the actual main program. There are also free extensions that the developers are making available to players. If players make changes to a game themselves, these are usually referred to as modifications, or mods for short .

For particularly successful games, there are sometimes several extensions. One of the frontrunners in this regard is likely to be the Microsoft Flight Simulator , which now has hundreds of commercial extensions for almost all published versions. There is also a very large number of free extensions, some of high quality, on the Internet.

Add-ins

Generally incorrectly used as a synonym for add-on , one often speaks explicitly of an add-in within the community if the extension is completely integrated into the application (an example is a game extension that provides additional content such as new Areas, stories, quests, characters, etc.). As a rule, add-ins , like add-ons , cannot be removed or uninstalled on their own because this would irreparably damage the - now expanded - basic installation. A complete deinstallation of the main application would be necessary.

Downloadable content (DLCs)

A relatively new form of expansion is (mostly) chargeable downloadable content ( downloadable content or DLC for short ), which is available via the Internet (for example via Internet sales platforms such as Xbox Live , PlayStation Network , Steam , Games for Windows - Live or manufacturer websites ) and, if at all, published later on a conventional data carrier. The name only describes the originally used sales channel, while the extensions can be both add-ons and add-ins.

Additionally downloaded content usually costs less than conventional extensions, but also offers less scope. Advantages for the manufacturer are savings in the distribution media, transport costs and possibly also for the distributor.

As a further motivation of the manufacturers for increasingly chargeable DLC parts in current games, it is also speculated that this is a sales measure that is primarily directed against buyers of used games. In contrast to licenses that are tied to media, individualized licenses (e.g. Steam licenses) cannot be transferred.

There are also controversies about DLCs with regard to their scope of content, which is often small compared to the basic product and is therefore perceived as overpriced or has a poor price-performance ratio. The notorious prime example of useless and overpriced DLC content is the "Horse Armor DLC" on the Xbox Live marketplace for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion .

DLCs ​​also received criticism in the form of continuously necessary microtransactions in games. A well-known example is the idea of Electronic Arts CEO Riccitiello to collect $ 1 every time for reloading ammunition in Battlefield 3 , which he presented at a shareholders' meeting.

The term “Day-One-DLCs” criticizes the possibility of breaking down existing content into small, individually sellable DLCs that are available on the first day of publication. Critics complain that this only serves to take more money from the players. When Electronic Arts was voted “Worst Company in America” by The Consumerist in April 2012 with the “Golden Poo” trophy, the use of this practice was cited as one of the reasons for choosing Electronic Arts.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Daniel Raumer: Electronic Arts - ... fights against used games . In: GameStar . IDG . February 18, 2010. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
  2. Jim Sterling: Oblivion's Horse Armor DLC still selling! ( English ) Destructoid. March 13, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2013: " The" Horse Armor "downloadable content for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has become notorious as the premier example of bad DLC. It's a pointless waste of money that gives something totally useful to a non-character you'll barely use. "
  3. Tim Smith: Remebered: EA's CEO and Charging for In-Game Ammo - Micro-transactions lead EA's John Riccitiello to charge for Battlefield Reloads ( English ) spong.com. July 3, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  4. EA CEO John Riccitiello On Gaming Microtransactions (June 27, 2011, English)
  5. Erik Kain: Why Day-One DLC Isn't Just Bad For Gamers, It's Bad For Business ( English ) Forbes. November 14, 2011. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  6. Chris Morran: The Voters Have Spoken: EA Is Your Worst Company In America For 2012! ( English ) April 4, 2012. Retrieved on September 23, 2013: “ EA and its ilk deliberately hold back game content with the sole intent of charging a fee for it at a later date. It's one thing to support a game with new content that is worth the price. It's another to put out an inferior - and occasionally broken - product with the mindset of "ah, we'll fix it later and make some money for doing so." "
  7. Electronic Arts: 'Worst company in America'? Consumerist says yes ( English ) Retrieved on September 23, 2013.