The game industry, like most entertainment media, is continually moving toward an all-digital future. While broadband speed and prevalence in the United States isn't quite to the point yet where publishers can consider entirely doing away with physical software, it's obvious that disc-based games are not long for the world. Presently, you can download plenty of titles digitally, but really, downloadable add-on content is what's really directing the publishers' attention.
THQ is no exception, and with the upcoming release of "Saints Row: The Third," the company is looking to expand their downloadable-content model exponentially.
Speaking to attendees (via gamesindustry.biz) during the recent Cloud Gaming USA conference in San Jose, THQ CEO Brian Farrell stated that the company was interested in expanding the user experience beyond the traditional "box, ship, and done" model. That means offering different pricing structures for different levels of players, as well as distributing additional content post-release for an extended period of time.
"We intend to create an online digital ecosystem with the consumer that keeps them interested for almost a year, perhaps even longer," Farrell said. "And we expect most of our large console games going forward will extend the base experience with DLC packs. Things like online in-game storage, and consumables and other online items that will go on for at least a year post-release."
Downloadable-content packs are nothing new. Recently, Activision announced that "Call of Duty: Black Ops" map packs sold over 18 million copies in just nine months. At $15 a pop, you can imagine why THQ – as well as every other publisher – are interested in seeing similar success.
Farrell noted that "Saints Row The Third" will apparently receive 40 weeks – yes, 40 weeks – of downloadable-content post launch. It's not immediately clear what that content contains, but his mentioning in-game storage and consumables are probably an indicator.
THQ and Volition previously announced Professor Genki's Hyper Ordinary Pre-order Pack as day-one content for those willing to throw down five bucks. Seriously, if you haven't seen that trailer yet – well, just enjoy.