Over the years, DLC has become the prominent focus in games. It gives developers a chance to extend the lifespans of their titles and it puts more money into the pocket of the publishers. There are naysayers who argue that because of DLC, you’re paying full price for only half a game. While this does makes sense, I found the because of DLC, I’ve played games longer and they have become more enjoyable.

 

                The one thing that we’ve seen become bigger this year is the evolution from extra downloadable map packs for games to full on single player content. In recent years, we have seen extra player content but this was the first time I could remember where the extra content was promoted just as much as the game. Alongside Assassin’s Creed 3 were advertisements for “The Tyranny of King Washington” and extra content for Halo 4 excited some fans more than the game itself.

 

 

                The explosion of DLC has brought us to a point where a full on downloadable title with periodically released episodes has just become Game of The Year at this year’s VGA’s. After playing The Walking Dead, I’m both intrigued and excited to see where 2013 and beyond takes us with downloadable gaming.

 

                What I love about Walking Dead is that because of the episodic style being released over time, it fits into my gaming schedule. It allows me to go in with a good starting point and a perfect ending point. It also makes the story more intense and engaging. Like an episode of the show, the game has a solid pace with down moments that give room for character growth. Watching these characters grow over the episodes makes their stories more interesting and some their eventual demises all the more heartbreaking.

 

 

                With the level of drama that Walking Dead has been able to accomplish through a steady flow of small episodes, I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for gaming. People who know me, know that I’m more about story than anything graphically or gameplay. Walking Dead’s shining spot for me isn’t its point and click, Heavy Rainesque style, but the character interaction and drama surrounding this entry in the zombiepocolypse genre. As we head into a new year, I hope that this trend continues of compelling storytelling.