Why 'Rockstar Passes' Should be the Future for DLC

Just in the last few days, Rockstar announced the details of the Rockstar Pass, a special voucher you can buy on the PlayStation Store for L.A. Noire. The Rockstar Pass gives you access to all future DLC to be released for L.A. Noire, at the more than modest sum of £7.99 (not yet confirmed, but this should be an accurate estimate). This method of purchasing DLC means that die-hard fans of the game will in effect pre-order all the DLC that comes out, rewarding those fans because of its discounted price.

[omi25p]

I wish rockstar would do more dlc like TBOGT rather than rubbish short dlc like every other developer is doing.

rockstar made its name for doing things better than any other developer. Now they are doing the same as every other developer.

[rymanb]

Very true. I personally think Rockstar is the best developer out there at the moment for games - although like you say their DLC isn't brilliant. Hopefully this new strategy will help things along a bit.

[BakedGoods]

Rockstar is not the best developer. Keep in mind they did not develop LA NOIRE. Sure, they're good but there are other companies doing some incredible things too. See: Naughty Dog, Bungie, Blizzard, DICE, etc.

[rymanb]

Ok, maybe that came out wrong. I think Rockstar are the most consistent publisher over their history as a publisher. Sure, Rockstar didn't develop LA Noire but they did publish it right?

Of course, nowadays companies like Naughty Dog and Bungie etc. are making incredible games - I think Uncharted is the best gaming series this generation. But Rockstar's trademark features in their games are, for me, some of the best around (especially for open world stuff).

[Soldierone]

Well its DLC, its not supposed to be full fledged hours long. That would be more along the lines of an expansion. DLC should be cheap, and you should expect it to be quick.

I agree on the fact I wish we would get longer things like expansions though. I just assume i will be paying more for those.

[PhantomT1412]

I think these DLCs were cut down from the original game. At least, the first I've played (the traffic one) fits perfectly in the story...

WHile TBOGT and TL&D, as well as the Undead Nightmare were developed specifically for being a DLC.

[Breadisgood]

Well I played "The Naked City" dlc mission today and it was a pretty decent length. 800 points for four of these cases along with some other bits and bobs is pretty decent in my opinion. Certainly better than most other DLC these days.

[FaSCoRP]

It is everything in the disc media. If you check the download size on xbox live for example, it is only 184 KB !!! It is just a matter to unlock content ALREADY on the media

[PhantomT1412]

It's the pass that weights 184KB. You still have to download the 200MB-400MB case DLC after that.

[Soldierone]

While I agree, you are telling Activision to release a "deal" where you pay less to get all of the DLC. Take that to the table with COD and 15 dollar map packs...you are saying Activision will lose out on thousands to hundred of thousands of dollars....I don't really think i need to say anything beyond "Activision" to make people realize...it probably wont ever happen lol.

This works for Rockstar and LA Noire because fewer people are buying the DLC. They do this and it raises awareness about it, and makes people think they are getting a deal. Thus MORE people jump on board and buy it than normal, making it even out the "losing" cost of the discount.

[jack_burt0n]

I thought they said no more dlc for LA yesterday!?

[Jack-H]

THEY did...

[yamzilla]

or just go bak to the way it's done or once was done on pc, where developers, grateful for your purchase make add-on content free, in hopes that you will be a loyal fan and buy their further outings, eventually, full scale adventures may be released called expansion packs, which carry a price of about 80% of the original game

this is what activision does every year with cod only it is not a full expansion and only deserves 60% of the normal price but acti are greedy useles glags and ask 100% and also nickle and dime everyone for their shitty 5 map dlc that shouls just be free

STOP BUYING DLC!!

IT's almost always crap anyway

[Drake_Seraphim]

The Good: Developers will make a profit even if someone buys the game used.

The Bad: What guarantee do you have that there will be any DLC?

[Fallouts]

Great idea but would suck if the dlc sucks.

[hoof123]

DLC is great when it's done properly. Like the GTA4 add ons, Red Dead's Undead Nightmare. Experiences that add something new and more hours to the game at a cheap price. I can't stand the common practice of charging a 5ver for a few cars, or a fighter that was already on the disc in the first place. It's ridiculous and it's gotta stop!