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Why Splatoon’s On-Disc DLC Isn’t so Bad

Why Splatoon’s On-Disc DLC Isn’t so Bad

Nintendo has done something that most people would rail against, were it another company. It’s the sort of thing that makes people gnash their teeth and complain about the audacity of developers and publishers. I’m talking, of course, about on-disc DLC. People have data-mined Splatoon and discovered a bevvy of available maps, weapons, and modes that aren’t available yet, but seem to have some or all of the code already available, locked away. Yet no one is incensed.

It seems odd, especially since Splatoon was rather light on content at launch. There was one ranked gameplay mode available – Splat Zones. Only four maps were initially available. A decent array of weapons could be acquired, but had to be unlocked via leveling up Inklings in online play. It should have been a situation in which people were upset when the datamining truth was revealed. But they’re not, so let’s look at why.

One reason is that some of the Splatoon content that’s on the disc is a foundation. Not all of the maps and modes are 100% completely ready to go. There are things there, in some form, but people who have gone through the files can see that not all of it could successfully be used within the game.

Plus, the content that is being rolled out is free. Nintendo isn’t asking for any money for these Splatoon bonuses. The maps, weapons, and gameplay modes are complimentary. It makes it a lot easier to bear not everything being available at once when you know it won’t cost you anything when you do get it.

Why Splatoon’s On-Disc DLC Isn’t so Bad

I think the final reason everyone seems to be okay with the way Nintendo is doling out the Splatoon specials is because these items are coming out quite regularly. It isn’t as though we’re waiting weeks or months betweens updates. Every week something new is available in the game, luring people back in. The scheduling is perfect.

So yes, what happened with Splatoon could be considered a little bit skeevy, especially knowing that some of the stuff is right there, ready to go and be enjoyed. But we can take solace in the fact that Nintendo is handling it right. It isn’t charging extra, making us wait too long, and is even holding back a few things that aren’t completely finished. If a company is going to do on-disc DLC, at least this is a case of doing it “right.”

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