Not DLC, SCEA VP Wants More Content On Disc

the gaming industry in Fewer changes over the past few years have caused more debate than the rise of downloadable content -- and even hardware executives are chiming in. Speaking to Gamasutra, Sony Computer Entertainment America vice president Rob Dyer explained why he wants to see more content going on discs and less sold later on the Internet.



Dyer say "That way, 100 percent of the users are going to get it. 100 percent," . "What are we, north of 70 percent [of PS3 owners] on the [PlayStation Network] now? 73, I think. Microsoft probably the same... [That's] still a significant number of people that aren't able to get [it], whether they don't have broadband, whether they just flat out can't get on the network. Whether or not you do it, they're not using it. I want it on the disc, that way when they buy it, they get it. So, if I can do that, that's great."

Still, Dyer also acknowledged why DLC does remain a component in today's videogame market. "Now, you can talk about why DLC is important to help limit the used game business and to keep people holding onto [the game]," he said. "I'm all about that, too. I love that. But I want it on the disc so that 100 percent out there that can play this thing."

Dyer also talked about another, less-discussed reason for why DLC is so prevalent: how it's used to boost pre-order sales, and in-turn a game's sales in total. "What has now happened is that you go to a publisher or developer and say, 'Look, guys. You got to start planning things in like pre-sale. What's your pre-sale DLC? What are you going to do for the Amazons, the GameStops, or whoever has that presale?'" Dyer said.

"So, you have to literally plan this in your [pre-production] in order to make sure you have the time, the assets, the resources because it's not just about used games; it's about, 'How do I get more pre-sale business, which absolutely determines my day-one initial orders. Am I going to get support from a first-party? How am I going to do that?'"

So in other words...for a variety of reasons, don't expect the focus on DLC to abate anytime soon, no matter how much an SCEA VP might want to see it happen.