CHRIS GIANCAMILLI
STAFF WRITER

In the current era of gaming, the amount of downloadable content (DLC) is quickly rising. Unfortunately for gamers, this rise is a double- edged sword.

Don’t get me wrong—we love new maps, playable characters and added storylines. However, we have a serious problem with paying an extra $15 for something that should have been packaged with the game itself.

In some cases, the bonus content is available on the same day the game is released. According to Gamespy.com, “Mass Effect 3” will feature a new DLC storyline available on release day. The DLC is included with the Digital Deluxe Edition, but those who purchase the standard edition of the game will have to pay extra. Gamers are basically supposed to pay more for something that is ready on day-one.

Players also have “Game of the Year” (GOTY) or “Greatest Hits” editions to watch out for. When a game is rereleased with one of these tags, it generally features a lower price and past DLC included. Though this varies from game to game, those patient or frugal gamers might want to wait for one of these editions. Sadly, not all games are rereleased like this. So paying the full price could become the only solution for some.

Publishers are exploiting the wallets of gamers, and it’s killing all the fun. For money-conscious college students, an extra $10 or $15 could mean skipping a few meals for video game content that could have been free with purchase.