Gearbox already "considering" Borderlands 2 DLC

Gearbox revealed during PAX East that they're currently toying with the "idea" of a downloadable extra character for their upcoming RPG shooter, Borderlands 2.

The statement on Gearboxity.com says: "The Mechromancer will be an all-new playable character that we plan to develop after work on Borderlands 2 is finished and the game is in certification." It also mentions a compatibility update so that people who get the DLC can play with those who don't, and cites a possible release 60 - 90 days after the game's launch.

According to Gearbox, the Mechromancer only exists as preliminary concept sketches, and here they are. Ain't she cute?

Now, we try not to be cynical here at Made2Game, and we love Borderlands in all its cel-shaded sci-fi glory, but this statement sounds as though Gearbox are trying to pre-emptively dodge a bad press bullet when they release "Day One DLC".

Recently vilified as the anti-Christ of gaming, the use of Day One DLC has caused uproar this year and generated a lot of ill-feeling towards BioWare and Capcom over accusations that the extra content in their games (Mass Effect 3 and Street Fighter X Tekken, respectively) is already on the disc, and being "held back" as a ploy to coax more money from us poor gamers.

With a similar move to that given by 38 Studios and Big Huge Games, who "rewarded firsthand customers” by packaging an online pass with Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (despite the game having no online mode at all) that unlocked certain quests, Gearbox are justifying their decision thusly:

"As a special thank you to our early supporters, the Mechromancer will be available as free DLC to members of the Borderlands 2 Premiere Club, which you can gain access to by pre-ordering Borderlands 2 from a participating retailer."

As a tool to encourage people to buy the game new and "support" Gearbox, it's a harmless enough move – and more Borderlands 2 is always going to be a welcome prospect – but what do you think of the idea? A great way to reward pre-order customers, or are Gearbox just trying to dodge the “It’s on the disc!" bullet?

Let us know your opinions either way, and in the meantime here's a cracking Borderlands 2 trailer, just for the hell of it:

Borderlands 2 is developed by Gearbox and published by THQ. It is slated for release on September 21st. For more info visit the official website or read our Seven Things You Need to Know About Borderlands 2 feature.

Words by Mick Fraser (Twitter: @Jedi_Beats_Tank)

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