The Rise of 'Expandalone' Games: A New Era for the Gaming Industry?

The recent trend of 'expandalone' games, where expansions are reimagined as full-fledged titles, has sparked debate about the future of DLC. Games like Dying Light: The Beast and Assassin's Creed Mirage were initially conceived as expansions before being reworked as standalone releases. This approach has led to iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. However, the rise of large downloadable add-ons has somewhat replaced these shorter semi-sequels. Recent examples suggest a pivot back towards 'expandalones', with Insomniac's Spider-Man series being a notable case study. The success of Spider-Man: Miles Morales, a shorter standalone game, has shown that this approach can work for both fans and developers. In an industry where development cycles are getting longer, 'expandalones' offer a appealing alternative, allowing for shorter development times, lower costs, and the ability to try new things. However, big DLC releases still have their place, particularly for live service games and titles with dedicated fan bases. The decision to release a game as a standalone title or DLC depends on various factors, including development costs, marketing, and the target audience. While there is evidence of a trend towards more 'expandalone' releases, it ultimately comes down to the game and the studio. The allure of a standalone release lies in its ability to reach a larger audience, but for big hit games, the DLC route may be more financially prudent. The AAA industry faces challenges, including longer development cycles and rising costs, making 'expandalones' a sensible approach. Nevertheless, this trend won't suit every game, and the world's biggest studios will continue to strive for innovation and boundary-pushing titles.