downloadable-content posts

Because the universe is infinite, Mass Effect's dramatic space opera should never end -- until the inevitable sequel, of course. In an interview with MTV Multiplayer, BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk teases future DLC (downloadable content) for Mass Effect.

"We're talking about that," Zeschuk said in response to MTV's query as to whether gamers could expect more DLC prior to Mass Effect 2's release. You know how we are. We're always very circumspect until we can go 'Aha! There it is.'"

Zeschuk went on to explain that BioWare's goal with everything they create is "to have this long-term relationship with the customer and always have something for them to try."

Though Zeschuk carefully skirted official confirmation, his statements do seem to imply that more Mass Effect DLC will eventually be transported onto gamers' Xbox 360 and PC hard drives.

Rockstar Games, popular child of parent company Take-Two Interactive, deals not in sandbox titles nor smut simulators, but in controversy. GamesIndustry.biz interview conducted with Take-Two CEO Ben Feder to discuss the controversial gaming landscape which the publisher's popular Grand Theft Auto games have decisively staked as its own territory, as well as the constantly changing topography of that landscape.

Now that many gamers have finished Grand Theft Auto IV's expansive campaign, the focus for many players looking for more storyline longevity from the title has shifted to the promised downloadable content. When asked how he feels about DLC's business model when (ostensibly) compared to other sales methods, Feder expressed his belief that the core GTA fans will be "screaming to buy it" when it becomes available.

Feder admitted that GTA software "just saturates hardware," but increased hardware sales are pivotal if GTA sales are to be increased. According to Feder, this holiday season's hardware sales will go a long way toward deciding which platform will receive more DLC. After all, noted Feder, it's financially wise for Take-Two to aim for the platform with the larger user base: more gamers equal more money.

The interview can be found on GamesIndustry.biz.

Since releasing a few, oddly sized, screenshots and gameplay footage of Burnout Paradise for PC, Criterion Games has been quiet about the upcoming version. However, as the team is hard at work creating fresh content (including motorbikes) for the console versions, its official site has teased the developer is experimenting with adding planes to the title. When the PC version of Burnout Paradise was announced, Criterion promised the version would include additional content, expanded modes and community driven content which leads us to believe the latest console updates will be included when it hits PC. As for the idea of planes in Burnout Paradise. We'd be interested to see where and how it would work.

Another added benefit of picking up the PC release of Mass Effect, besides the fantastic new control scheme, is the availability of free downloadable content that promises to expand the universe. While the first package, 'Bring Down the Sky,' was not included in the retail release, BioWare promised it would be made available when the game launched. Unfortunately the content has been delayed but the legendary Canadian developer is working diligently to bring the 90-minute chapter to PC gamers as soon as possible.

"BioWare's space hamsters are running as fast as they can in their orbital wheels to bring you your free," reads the Mass Effect PC page on BioWare's site.

When the new content is made available BioWare will notify gamers via the game launcher and official site. BioWare also recommends gamers create a BioWare Community Account and register their CD key to prepare for the downloadable content release .