Releasing a Broken Base to Sell a Fixed DLC

Releasing a buggy or incomplete game alongside planned DLC can be both ethically challenging and frustrating for developers. This blog post explores the ...

potential problems arising from such practices and discusses some ethical aspects of this scenario.

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1. Understanding the Issue: Releasing a Broken Base to Sell a Fixed DLC
2. Ethical Considerations: Treating Customers Fairly
3. Conclusion: Prioritizing Integrity and Customer Service

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1.) Understanding the Issue: Releasing a Broken Base to Sell a Fixed DLC

1. Incomplete Game Release

When a game developer releases a base version of their game, which is incomplete or contains bugs, they then release subsequent content (DLC) that is supposed to fix these issues but at an additional cost. This practice can be frustrating for players who have already purchased the game because they are expected to pay again to experience the intended gameplay.

2. Frustration Among Players

Players often feel frustrated when a game they've bought does not function as expected and then are told that more content is available only if they buy it separately, effectively paying twice for what should be an integrated part of their purchase. This lack of integrity in the gaming industry can lead to distrust towards developers and subsequent reluctance to engage with future products from those same developers.

3. Unfair Business Practices

From a business perspective, releasing a game that is not fully functional as a base for DLC can be seen as unfair because it manipulates customers into buying more content under false pretenses. This practice does not encourage repeat business and may result in long-term financial losses for the developer through decreased customer loyalty and negative reviews or word-of-mouth about their products.

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2.) Ethical Considerations: Treating Customers Fairly

1. Transparency

Developers should be transparent with customers about what they are getting into when purchasing a game, including any limitations that might affect the experience until all planned content is released. This transparency helps in building trust and ensuring fair dealings between developer and consumer.

2. Value Perception

It's important for developers to manage customer expectations regarding value perception. This involves providing enough high-quality content upfront so that customers feel they are getting a good deal even if the game has some remaining issues, rather than releasing broken software with plans for additional paid fixes.

3. Post-Release Support and Updates

Developers should strive to provide post-release support in the form of patches or updates that address initial bugs and improve gameplay functionality. This can mitigate frustration and keep customers engaged until all planned content is available, ensuring a better overall experience for players.

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3.) Conclusion: Prioritizing Integrity and Customer Service

In conclusion, releasing a game with incomplete features to sell additional DLCs is not only frustrating but also unethical if it involves manipulating the customer into paying twice for what they perceive as a less valuable product than advertised. Developers should focus on creating high-quality games that meet or exceed expectations from the start and be transparent about their content plans, offering adequate support after release to maintain consumer trust and satisfaction in future products.

By adhering to principles of integrity and customer service, video game developers can not only improve their business practices but also foster a community of loyal customers who are more likely to engage with subsequent releases from the same studio.

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The Autor: CrunchOverlord / Dave 2025-06-02