While THQ’s plan to release MX vs. ATV at a cheaper price and then make the rest of the retail price off through DLC didn’t pan out, they are trying again with one of their other popular franchises: Saints Row. Announced by THQ’s Brian Farrell is the publisher’s plan to provide Saints Row: The Third purchasers with content for up to 40 weeks after the release of the game.

Whether or not this content will be substantial, how much it will cost, and what type of DLC they are aiming to provide is unclear, but we anticipate there will be a combination of crazy vehicles, weapons, and perhaps some missions. Or, if pre-orders take off like THQ is hoping, they might release the Professor Genki pre-order bonuses for a small fee.

Read into the 40 weeks of content claim as you like, but if it’s of the same caliber that gamers have been seeing in trailers for the game then I would say bring it on. But, on the other hand, if this is a chance for THQ and Volition to milk their fans for all they’re worth than that is a new issue entirely.

THQ has recently come under fire for some poor financial decisions — stemming mainly from the poor reception and sales of their alternate reality shooter Homefront — and it’s going to be with Saints Row: The Third that might decide their fate.

Granted, Saints Row: The Third, after a surprising showing at E3 2011 and then continuing to surprise us with promotional trailers and screens, has been rising through the ranks of gamers’ most anticipated of 2011 list. But it’s still a franchise that might get lost in the plethora of games that are releasing before the year is up. Still, with a promise of an almost yearlong lifespan, Saints Row: The Third might just be the best investment of the year.

What do you think of THQ’s decision to release up to 40 weeks of DLC for Saints Row: The Third? Do you think this is a legitimate attempt to prolong the experience, or it is simply THQ trying to squeeze as much money as they can out of a single title?

Saints Row: The Third releases November 15, 2011 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Source: Games Industry (via Destructoid)