If you look 20 years ago, it will become obvious that the computer industry was just beginning its development at that time. Computer games were available on floppy disks, had an extremely small amount and, accordingly, low functionality. But progress did not stand still. Soon the distribution of games was on CD, then switched to DVD. Now a popular medium is Blue-Ray, which holds huge volumes of information, allowing you to play games made in HD quality.
However, gamers are gradually abandoning physical media, preferring to purchase and download games over the Internet - this method is becoming increasingly popular. And if most games can still be found on physical media, then certain additions to them - DLC - are downloaded only from the network. And many now have a legitimate question: "DLC - what is it?"
Internet add-ons
Everyone knows about the existence of mods that gamers themselves create on the basis of their favorite games, and add-ons that are released by the gaming companies themselves as small story extensions. But the DLC is something special that differs from both of them. To the question of what DLC is, what is it, the easiest way to answer is if you decrypt and translate this abbreviation. This is done quite simply - behind these three letters is the Downloadable Content, which translates into Russian as “downloadable content”.
But one translation of the whole essence of the DLC is impossible to explain, so it’s worthwhile to talk about everything in more detail. So, downloadable content is a digital addition to any game, released by the development company itself and distributed exclusively through the Internet. This may be a kind of addon, which adds several levels to the game, prolonging its plot. It can even be a small addition containing a separate storyline. And it may turn out that the DLC is just a set of certain types of weapons, characters, maps, locations, items, and so on. Therefore, always make sure when you are going to download the DLC that this is exactly what you need, because many gamers do well without bonus things, but do not mind to enjoy a few more hours of the game.
Distribution on all platforms
Do not think that downloadable content is available only to users of a personal computer. DLCs for Xbox-360 games are available for download from the Internet via Steam or any other available means. Previously, consoles supported only those cartridges or discs that contained the game itself. Now, consoles are a game analogue of a computer that has Internet access, allows you to play on the network and download data. Therefore, if you have such a device, and not a PC, then do not despair, because you can still get the DLC you want. Xbox and Play Station have network access and their own memory, so you can easily download both games and DLC without using a computer.
Varieties of DLC
One of the main questions that gamers ask, in addition to "DLC - what is it?", - "Is it really all free?" In fact, the situation is a little more complicated than it might seem. There are different types of downloadable content, and it all depends on the developer - whether he decides to demand rewards from the players. Sometimes DLCs are completely free, sometimes completely paid. There are also cases where a gamer who buys a game receives a discount on downloadable content. There are also add-ons that only certain players receive - for example, those who have collected all the achievements in the game or spent more time in the virtual world than others. Therefore, it cannot be said specifically, free DLC or paid - it all depends on the specific case.
How to install DLC?
You’ve learned that your favorite game has additional downloadable content. Naturally, you want to try it out as soon as possible. You pay the required amount, if necessary, download the necessary files. But what to do next? If you have already downloaded the add-on files yourself, then most likely you only need to run the installer and specify the installation path to the folder where the main game is already contained. But most often, if the process is legal, that is, you buy a game and DLC, then you practically do not need to do anything. It is enough to launch the game updater and it will find available add-ons that appear, download and install.
Chic Add-ons for Skyrim
It is unlikely that now you can meet a gamer who would not hear about the magnificent RPG project Skyrim, which became the fifth part of the series The Elder Scrolls. This game shocked the whole modern world, as the third part, called Morrowind, did in its time. Role-playing game with a huge world, great opportunities and tens of hours of the process ... But this was not enough.
As a result, after some time for Skyrim DLC appeared on the network. Two of them added new storylines to the game, that is, they served as original add-ons. Naturally, they were accompanied by new items, locations, quests, characters, and so on. But it’s much more interesting to pay attention to other additions, for example, to the DLC, which allows you to take care of your character’s personal life: buy a house, arrange a plot, grow and cook food. An addition was also released that completely redrawed the appearance of the RPG, making it even brighter, more colorful and visually designed. Well, the smallest DLC is the one that adds the Portal robot to Skyrim.
Total additions
Also known for its DLC is the Total War series, which in the main plot most often makes it possible to play for several factions, while most remain inaccessible. For example, in the game Rome 2 you can play for only 7, while add-ons add a few more. Thanks to the DLC, Rome 2 is becoming a more interesting and exciting game.
In total, this series has 9 downloadable add-ons, three of which are free and add one fraction each. But two paid DLCs offer us a total of 6 new fractions at once, playing for which will be even more interesting. There is also an addition that is not available to persons under the age of 18, as blood is added to the physics and rendering of the game, as well as severed arms, legs, heads, and so on. In general, the game is becoming more violent. There are also three plot additions that add exciting new campaigns. Only with the help of the DLC Rome 2 becomes a really vibrant and impressive strategy.
Space DLC
One of the best examples of DLCs created for a space setting is in addition to the notorious Mass Effect role-playing game. To make Captain Shepard's adventures even more fun, gamers can download more than 30 different DLCs, each of which brings something new to the game. Some additions add a new location on the galactic map along with characters and tasks associated with them, some - increase the assortment of weapons. But in the case of Mass Effect, the DLC is far from the most necessary for the gameplay, since the RPG itself is a ready-made masterpiece.