2011's Biggest Games Aren't Dead Yet

Whether you excitedly buy it the day it comes out, completely ignore it, or complain about it until it goes on sale, downloadable content is a big part of the future of video games. The holiday may have passed and 2011’s biggest games have already released, but that doesn’t mean that you need to get rid those games you already beat. Here’s what is coming, and what has released.

Saint's Row: The Third
Genki Bowl is the first of a few planned DLC add-ons for Saint’s Row: The Third, and it falls in line with the absurd themes of the main game. You’ll be setting pedestrians on fire, Katamari-ing your way through Steelport as a giant ball of yarn, and jumping out of airplanes dressed as a panda. Click here for our impressions. The next two packs have been titled and tentatively dated. Gangstas in Space should be available sometime this winter, and The Trouble With Clones should be available in the Spring. Click here for some more info.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
Uncharted 3 began its DLC deluge with a series of cosmetic skins letting players use characters from the previous Uncharted games. A Killzone-themed accessory pack was also released. Recently though, some bigger DLC came in the form of new multiplayer maps. They were maps from the first two Uncharted games, but they have been updated with new graphics and assorted weather effects like snow and rain. Naughty Dog has also promised more skins in the future, and has teased more maps.

Assassin's Creed Revelations
When the game released, Ubisoft announced a pack of multiplayer content and some other vague future plans. The Mediterranean Traveler map pack released recently. It doesn’t add a ton to the Assassin’s Creed multiplayer experience, but it does offer three new maps and three old maps from Brotherhood. Here's some more info.

Batman: Arkham City
Technically, Arkham City had DLC on day one in the form of player skins, the Catwoman missions (which was really part of the main game that was separated), challenge maps, and the Robin bundle pack, depending on where you bought the game. Much of that content was exclusive depending on the retailer, but now it has been opened up to everyone. There are a few new items, as well. Along with the skins and challenge maps, you can now download Nightwing as a playable challenge map character who comes with a new set maps and skins. There hasn’t been any word on what else could possible coming to Arkham City, but many (myself included) are hoping for some single-player story content DLC.

Battlefield 3
Back to Karkand was made a available for free to special edition owners of Battlefield 3, but regular edition owners can pay if they so desire. Back to Karkand features four classic Battlefield multiplayer maps updated with the new Frostbite engine. The SPECACT Kit & Dog Tag Bundle was originally only available to those who pre-ordered, but as of two days ago, it is now available to everyone for purchase. Click here to check out our impressions of Karkand. There hasn't been any official announcement of additional multiplayer maps, but it is an online shooter after all, so feel free to make educated assumptions.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Call of Duty has never been shy about offering post-release content, and Modern Warfare 3 is no exception. It is a little different this time around, offering special privileges to those who are part of the Elite service. There are two maps available right now, if you’re an Elite member, with plenty more on the way. Every month through September, Elite members will get first crack to collections of new multiplayer maps and missions, with availability of the content opening up to the broader non-Elite audience every few months. The first widely available set of content will be available in March. Here’s the full schedule if you were thinking about becoming an Elite member.

Gears of War 3
Gears of War 3 has a hefty list of DLC, which is available at a discount if you spring for the season pass. The Horde Command Pack added characters, weapon skins, and new maps to the multiplayer and horde modes. The Versus Booster Map Pack and the Fenix Rising DLCs each added five new maps, as well as some new character skins and the ability to level up to 100 multiple times. RAAM’s Shadow added new weapons, characters, and single-player content that served as a prequel to the original Gears of War. Click here for our impressions on RAAM's Shadow.

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim will have DLC in the future, and you will be able to get it on Xbox 360 first. That's about all we know so far. In the meantime, Bethesda will keep offering patches to try and fix its buggy game.