Recently, we detailed the features of the BioShock 2 DLC "Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack" and, though we already had lukewarm feelings about the new content, we were nonetheless excited to download the new characters and outfits.

Imagine our surprise when, like many other players, we cued up the download - only to discover the DLC file was a mere 24KB.

Anyone familiar with DLC knows a file that small isn't actually DLC but a digital key to unlock features already on the retail disc.

Elizabeth Tobey, Community Manager for 2K, responded to frustrated players over the weekend with a post in the official 2K forums - asserting the content was included on the retail disc in order to prevent the multiplayer base from getting segmented:

"I noticed there was a bit of confusion about our Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack file size, and I wanted to clear things up for you. The way our engine and game structure works is that people need to have the exact same content for people to play together. One of the challenges with post launch content for MP is that it can split the player base, and we want to avoid that whenever possible. For this content, creating the DLC package the way we did allowed for us to not split the player base — so whether you purchase the new content or not, you can still play with your friends.

I know some of you have strong beliefs about DLC, and I'm not here to sway your opinion or convince you to buy our stuff - if you like what we're offering, I hope you get it and enjoy it. If it's not your speed, enjoy BioShock 2 as we released it."

I completely understand not wanting to segment the player base but why charge for the content then? If it was ready to go on day one?

Personally, I don't mind DLC but this particular release doesn't sit well with me.

I had no problem paying for both of the "corrupted memories" in Assassin's Creed II - which many players accused Ubisoft of removing simply in order to charge for it later. I was willing to give Ubisoft the benefit of the doubt, maybe the two memories still needed a bit more polish and cutting them would help the developer make the full game's release schedule - or maybe Ubisoft intentionally took them out. Either way, Assassin's Creed II provided over twenty hours of great gameplay and I had no problem dropping another few bucks to extend the campaign experience. The DLC episodes weren't the best but they were worth the money.

The DLC content for BioShock 2, however, is mostly cosmetic: raising the rank cap, adding a few new characters, and outfits. Why even allows gamers the option of purchasing a key to unlock something this thin?

I'm not speaking out of internet-induced bitterness where we all gang up on 2K for denying us free content that we should have been entitled to - I don't believe we are automatically entitled to it. As Tobey says, "If it's not your speed, enjoy BioShock 2 as we released it." When we purchase a game, we should expect to be satisfied with the game as-is (minus any game-breaking bugs, etc) and complaining about content that could have been free but wasn't is counterproductive.

That said, I'm more disappointed that 2K thinks the "Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack" was enough content to constitute a DLC release for features that were already on the disc - especially for $4.99. It's ridiculous the developer would withhold these features as part of their DLC strategy and makes me wonder if we'll see any worthwhile DLC content for BioShock 2.

I'm sure there are players who are satisfied with their purchase and are enjoying hundreds of hours fighting in Rapture's multiplayer maps. As I mentioned in my review, there's no doubt 2K put together a great competitive multiplayer experience for the game and I was hoping the "Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack" would be a good excuse to get back into it - as it is, and as a result of some people's feeling about DLC, the pack may have actually succeeded in splitting the user-base anyway - into people who play BioShock 2 multiplayer and those who decided this DLC release was a good time to move onto something else.

Would you feel okay about paying for DLC content that's already on the retail disc?

BioShock 2 is available now for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Source: 2K Forums