Downloadable content
Downloadable Content (DLC) is a method for developers and/or publishers to extend the monetization of their products for a longer period. This practice is not inherently anticonsumer, such as Factorio's Space Age DLC being regarded as paying for a new game according to fans, however, companies such as Electronic Arts and Ubisoft have been known to abuse DLC to break up their complete products into multiple purchases with no regard to the consumer.
Dark patterns involving DLC
Pre-order bonuses
A very popular method used by companies to incite the customer to purchase their game is to offer them additional content for pre-ordering.
This can range from:
- Extra characters
- Cosmetics
- In-game currency
- Entire gamemodes
- Closed Beta acess
Day one DLC
Similar to pre-order bonuses yet not including even when purchasing the game. This content is most often cut out of the base game and in some examples still on the game disc but still locked behind a paywall.