Saturday February 11, 2012 8:43 AM AEST

Atomic MPC > News > Game > Console Games > BioShock 2 DLC surprises gaming community

BioShock 2 DLC surprises gaming community

The first BioShock 2 DLC comes pre-installed?

In a move that has rocked the boat for many gamers, word has been released that 2K games have packed their latest DLC pack, Sinclair Solutions, onto the retail discs of BioShock 2.

The pre-existing DLC was discovered by users on 2K's forums when they noticed the DLC's download size - a mere 24kb for PC and 108kb for the Xbox 360.

While some have joked that an ultra-compression was used to pack the DLC into a file the size of a word document, the reality is that the files are available already on the disc. But is that such a bad thing?

The official explanation of the content as posted on 2K's forums reads:

The way our engine and game structure works is that people need to have the exact same content for people to play together. One of the challenges with post launch content for MP is that it can split the player base, and we want to avoid that whenever possible. For this content, creating the DLC package the way we did allowed for us to not split the player base - so whether you purchase the new content or not, you can still play with your friends.

Though it's a strange way of going about such an extension to the game, BioShock 2 is still fully playable in both single and multiplayer without the Sinclair Solutions DLC, so you're not missing out on anything.

And if you buy the DLC (or rather, unlock the content you already have) you get something extra on top, saving bandwidth and time. Considering you don't 'buy' software, rather buying licenses for them, this isn't abnormal.

However, it's sure to split the community in two. What's your opinion? Is pre-distributed DLC a good thing, a bad thing, or do you not care? Post below with your thoughts.

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11 Comments

Bundywow Mar 15, 2010 11:15 AM	EA titles Mass Effect and Dragon Age had 'at launch DLC' but it was free for people who owned an original of the game. I Think this is the better way of going about it it also encourages people not to pirate or second hand trade in. I think at launch paid dlc is like double dipping into the customers pocket a little bit. I think it is a strategy though because if you see how game sales look the first week is always much higher than the sell through and they probably feel like cashing in on the 'first weekers'.
GhostFaceKilla Mar 15, 2010 1:30 PM	I thought this was a joke. But no. We are little more than 'consumers', dollar signs in the minds of developers and publishers. I am sick of being treated like a fool, to be manipulated and toyed with. I havent bought the game and nor have I bought or played the first. Even more reason not to now. Indeed I am fast getting over gaming in general. The only innovation that has been in gaming for the past 2 years at least has been how to give you less, and charge you more. I think, I earn and I spend. Publishers and developers would be best to remember that.
SquallStrife Mar 15, 2010 4:05 PM	Dude, dude, you really need to get that sand out of your vagina. It's not as if we ever were more than dollar signs. I think you're confusing businesses with charities.
GhostFaceKilla Mar 15, 2010 7:45 PM	No i remember a time when games came in big boxes with big manuals and they would take you weeks to finish. I remember a time when game developers made games that they themselves wanted to play - because they were all gamers not 'business graduates' - and consequently we wanted to play them as well. I remember a time when communities were encouraged to be critical and constructive, where games were creative and innovative, where every so often something would come along and go 'wallop'. I remember a time before DLC and a time before we spoke of a 'games industry'. Want me to go on?
.:Cyb3rGlitch:. Mar 15, 2010 8:22 PM	I remember a time when people would get off their arse and make their own games!
brumby92 Mar 15, 2010 11:28 PM	I can see it now. An option screen that says "would you like to play the next level? then please fork out an extra $10!! micro transactions are an evil.
alexdtree Mar 16, 2010 8:49 AM	in one way it seems like a cop out as they have already perfected that content at time of release and there fore should be included. but if you look at it in the sense that it means you dont have to go and download DLC saving you bandwith, quota etc its better than having to wait for a download @ghostfacekilla: i think your statements really exemplify the move in the industry towards the "Entertainment Industry" your point on the business grads is a good point because more people are getting onto games and thus more less informed people who can easily be suckered
drago13666 Mar 16, 2010 8:59 AM	It does feel a little like nickel and diming. I thought the idea of DLC was to get extra material that the game developers didn't have time to put in the game. Something halfway between a patch and an expansion. Having it on the disk already gives me the feeling like watching a movie on tv with a plethora of ad breaks and scene cuts only to remember at the end you had the dvd setting on your bookshelf. You know there was some cool stuff you missed out on but you can't be bothered rewatching the whole thing just for that little bit extra. There are alot of people that don't replay games or trade them in soon after they have bought them, if you really have to have DLC that is already on disk, at least let people buy it at release, or include it as one of the bonuses for the collectors addition, so people who play through it when it first comes out don't miss out.
index680i Mar 16, 2010 9:20 AM	"I remember a time when people would get off their arse and make their own games!" Cyber just pawned this topic ;)
TheFrunj Mar 16, 2010 9:54 AM	drago1366, the collector's edition already came with a bunch of stuff for $130 (huge display box, full soundtrack record [a printed LP!], soundtrack CD, 144-page artwork book, three posters), so a small multiplayer addon would've bumped the price up. Collector's edition was pretty much fanservice anyway for the people who loved the first BioShock, and multiplayer didn't add into that - everyone will love a CD, but not everyone will love more multi :)
GhostFaceKilla Mar 16, 2010 10:56 PM	Smiles with cyberglitch.

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Atomic Magazine

Issue: 133 | February, 2012

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.

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