Keep It Coming: Microsoft Announces DLC for Fable 2

Microsoft just announced that as of December 12th, gamers will be able to get more out of the world of Albion. As of that morning, they will release the first downloadable content pack for Fable II, making a lot of people very happy. I know I will be. But this is another example of how developers are getting the most out of games by offering DLC and extra content. It’s a trend I like and I hope will continue.

Microsoft announced that the DLC for Fable II will include an excursion to Knothole Island, where your hero must undergo the trial of three shrines in order to save the inhabitants of the island. There will be new characters, new quests and a lot of new treasure available in this pack…for a mere 800 Microsoft points.

In addition, the developers are also offering a free download available in the LIVE Marketplace. Players will be able to engage in co-op play with a friend, but they will need to download both the free and the premium packs in order to do so. Plus, when you download either DLC pack, you will receive free gifts of armor, potions, etc. Basically, Lionhead and Microsoft are giving us Christmas a few weeks early.

A lot of developers have been giving us presents of DLC lately. Despite the wait, GTA IV’s DLC was finally detailed and a new (hopefully more official) date for its release set, and some older games are constantly releasing a bit more to keep gamers engaged. This trend could have some interesting effects on the gaming community, though.

After all, if developers keep releasing new DLC for old games, we could see new video game sales going down, and DLC sales skyrocketing. Which could lead to fewer new games being released, and longer wait times for sequels. After all, why wouldn’t a developer keep releasing DLC to keep gamers interested while slowly developing a sequel (making it perfect and utilizing all the new technology possible).

We’ll see how all this turns out.

But for now, enjoy the first DLC for Fable II. I’m sure there will be more coming soon, though!