Bethesda isn’t perfect, as Notch and Mojang could attest in the wake of the “Scrolls” trademark lawsuit the Minecraft developer and Bethesda’s parent company are currently embroiled in. But with Skyrim’s launch, it’s shown a level of restraint and thoughtfulness heretofore reserved for the likes of Valve. It seems that not only were DLC plans shelved until the game was properly patched, but even the DLC content itself has been given thorough consideration.
“For Fallout 3 we did five DLCs. That was a very aggressive path for us,” said Bethesda’s Todd Howard. “Our plan now is to take more time, to have more meat on them. They’ll feel closer to an expansion pack.”
“With Fallout 3, it was, ‘Ten dollars is the sweet spot for us and we know we want to put out five of them. And we had overlapping teams. We were coming off Fallout 3 and right back in.”
Quality Over Quantity
Bethesda’s approach to downloadable content (DLC) for Skyrim marks a significant shift from their previous strategy. In the past, the company focused on releasing multiple smaller DLCs in quick succession. This was evident with Fallout 3, where five DLCs were released in a relatively short period. However, this aggressive approach often led to concerns about the quality and depth of the content. Players sometimes felt that the DLCs were rushed and lacked the substance that could have made them more engaging.
With Skyrim, Bethesda decided to prioritize quality over quantity. By taking more time to develop each DLC, the company aimed to create content that felt more like traditional expansion packs rather than just add-ons. This meant that each piece of DLC would offer a richer, more immersive experience, with new quests, characters, and locations that would significantly enhance the base game.
Lessons Learned from Fallout 3
The experience with Fallout 3’s DLCs provided valuable lessons for Bethesda. While the five DLCs released for Fallout 3 were generally well-received, there were criticisms regarding their length and depth. Some players felt that the content was too short and didn’t offer enough new gameplay elements to justify the price. This feedback prompted Bethesda to rethink their approach for Skyrim.
Todd Howard’s comments highlight this shift in strategy. By aiming to create DLCs that feel more like expansion packs, Bethesda hoped to address the criticisms they faced with Fallout 3. This approach not only allowed for more substantial content but also gave the development team more time to polish and refine each DLC, ensuring a higher level of quality.
The decision to delay DLC plans until the game was properly patched also demonstrated Bethesda’s commitment to delivering a polished and stable experience for players. By addressing bugs and issues in the base game first, the company ensured that players would have a solid foundation before introducing new content. This level of thoughtfulness and restraint is something that has been more commonly associated with companies like Valve, known for their meticulous approach to game development.
Impact on the Gaming Community
Bethesda’s new approach to DLC had a significant impact on the gaming community. Players appreciated the focus on quality and the effort to create more meaningful content. The decision to treat DLCs as expansion packs rather than quick add-ons resonated with fans who were looking for more substantial and immersive experiences.
This strategy also set a new standard for other game developers. By demonstrating that taking the time to develop high-quality DLCs could lead to greater player satisfaction and long-term success, Bethesda influenced the industry as a whole. Other developers began to reconsider their approach to DLC, recognizing the value of delivering well-crafted content that enhances the overall gaming experience.
In conclusion, Bethesda’s approach to Skyrim’s DLCs marked a significant departure from their previous strategy with Fallout 3. By prioritizing quality over quantity and taking the time to develop more substantial content, the company set a new standard for the industry. This thoughtful and restrained approach not only benefited players but also demonstrated Bethesda’s commitment to delivering the best possible gaming experience.
Source Kotaku
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