With the vast majority of the game-breaking bugs behind them, gamers have begun plugging away at the extensive Fallout: New Vegas quest options -- if they haven’t completed them already. For those that have run the well dry or for those who might be looking for a little something extra to fuel their Fallout ADD, Bethesda has announced some Xbox exclusive DLC titled 'Dead Money' that takes players to the land of the Sierra Madre.

Much like the Humphrey Bogart vehicle of the 40s, the Sierra Madre holds a great treasure within it. Originally planned to be one of the most successful resorts in the West, the Sierra Madre fell victim to the bombs that wreaked havoc upon the entire Fallout universe. Protected by a state-of-the-art security system, the local casino resort was locked up tight securing the vast fortunes inside. Over time, the air conditioning began to pump toxins through the air causing everyone but a group known as the Ghost People to leave or die.

Hearing a faint signal from the Sierra Madre brings our hero courier to its borders where he must deal with both the Ghost People, the security of the Sierra Madre, and a host of new enemies. At least, he must if he wants to make it out with the cash.

Taking place as its own standalone series of quests, Dead Money requires a loaded save file that takes place at any point before the endgame. For those hoping for an extension of the main storyline, perhaps DLC further down the line will scratch that itch.

After having a string of successful pieces of DLC for Fallout 3, it’s no surprise that Bethesda and Obsidian have put together a compelling little side quest for their first New Vegas offering. Details on the length of this DLC are unknown at this time, but at 800 MS Points the expectation should be around 3-5 hours. For those players who are still making their way through the NCR, you have about a month as Dead Money releases December 21st.

After all the bad experiences gamers had with New Vegas from the outset, would you be willing to download Dead Money on day one? Where would you like to see future DLC go?

Fallout: New Vegas is available now for PS3, PC, and Xbox 360.

Source: Bethesda Softworks