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[DownGrader]

A while ago I got bored and switched my 3DS language from Russian to English to re-read Smash 4 trophy descriptions in another language. Of course, I was playing other Smash games on English (since Smash 4 is the first in series to feature Russian translation) and I was reading various English articles about the game, so I wasn't surprised at all when I saw "Record Library" being "Sound Test" or "Trophy Hail" being "Trophy Rush"... I, however, was really surprised by the fact that "DLC Shop" is called "AOC Shop" in English, with AOC standing for "add-on content".

Sure, Smash translators could do nothing other than using similar abbreviation since the smallest you can shorten "дополнительный контент" ("add-on content", "extra content") in Russian is "допконтент", and that button was too small for this word. But this reminded me that Nintendo actually hasn't used the term "DLC" and uses the term "add-on content" instead all the time - from marketing to system UI. (Correct me if I'm wrong... but I really haven't heard "DLC" from Nintendo.)

But what, do you think, is the reason for that? Why Nintendo reinvents the term?

To distance Mario Kart 8 expansions from horse armor?
To emphasize the fact that, in most cases, we aren't actually download content but rather unlock keys for corresponding game update?
To combine downloadable and time-unlocked additional content, like in Splatoon? (Maybe they wanted to do that since the beginning...)

 

[Terrell]

"DLC" as an abbreviated phrase has so much baggage associated to it, it's no wonder they want to distance themselves from it.

EDIT: And considering that a lot of people are OK with how Nintendo chooses to make and implement DLC most of the time, perhaps the distinction isn't without a shred of considerable merit?

EDIT 2: It also seems the term "DLC" is being moved away from by the industry at large, from the looks of the thread, so NVM the last edit.

 

[Crimsonclaw111]

http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/mobile/dlc/

Says DLC right at the top. Also apologies for mobile link.

Although you are right, they often refer to DLC as add on content instead.

 

[Salsa]

they don't?

and a lot of companies still say add-on content too

 

[Benzychenz]

Because 'downloadable content' is a vague term, a full game digital download or a patch are 'downloadable content'.

And Nintendo being Nintendo, they like to keep everything basic and understandable, don't want to confuse the children or casual gamers.

http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/mobile/dlc/

Says DLC right at the top. Also apologies for mobile link.

Although you are right, they often refer to DLC as add on content instead.

Interesting that NoA uses DLC, the NoE page just has 'add-on content'.

 

[zeopower6]

Generally "DLC" is listed as "add-ons" on PS Store and game pages on PS4 so it isn't really unique to Nintendo I think...

 

[VLQ]

http://www.smashbros.com/us/dlc/

The entire third collection of DLC,
together in one bundle!

http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/dlc/

http://zelda.com/hyrule-warriors/dlc/

Expand your adventure with dlc packs

Buy new DLC packs to add playable characters, stories, and more. Buy them individually or pre-purchase all of them now!

 

[NeoGold123]

Fairly certain that the menu option in my Smash 4 is called "DLC shop".

 

[Sakura]

They use both. It's not like there are any rules or anything. Add-on content is an apt description.

 

[BooJoh]

Just checked. In the NA version it says "DLC Shop"

EDIT: There's also a permanent category on the NA eShop called "DLC Available"

 

[Zeyphersan]

It definitely says "DLC available!" For certain games on their eShop pages

 

[Forkball]

You can buy more add on content on the eleventh of September.

 

[DownGrader]

http://www.smashbros.com/us/dlc/


http://mariokart8.nintendo.com/dlc/

http://zelda.com/hyrule-warriors/dlc/

Thanks. I was pretty sure Nintendo hadn't ignored the term, but I was trying to remember something about FE:A and NSMB2 downloadable content.

Fairly certain that the menu option in my Smash 4 is called "DLC shop".

US copy, I suppose? Mine is the EU one, obviously.

 

[CloudWolf]

Because when you say DLC people automatically assume it's a bad thing.

 

[redcrayon]

Because 'downloadable content' is a vague term, a full game digital download or a patch are 'downloadable content'.

And Nintendo being Nintendo, they like to keep everything basic and understandable, don't want to confuse the children or casual gamers.



Interesting that NoA uses DLC, the NoE page just has 'add-on content'.

Nintendo's UK site definitely uses AoC, interesting to see the difference between NoE and NoA.

https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/201...ourses-plus-new-drivers-and-karts-913937.html

I agree with you, I think 'Add-on-content' implies additional courses, characters, expansions etc, whereas 'DLC' could mean anything these days. Probably just listed differently in their brand style guides for the websites.

 

[NeoGold123]

Thanks. I was pretty sure Nintendo hadn't ignored the term, but I was trying to remember something about FE:A and NSMB2 downloadable content.



US copy, I suppose? Mine is the EU one, obviously.

Ah, yes, US here. Might have something to do with regional laws? Something in EU about calling it DLC?

 

[The Abominable Snowman]

Because DLC is a stupid abbreviation. If the D stands for 'downloadable' and the C is 'content' what does the L stand for? It isn't broken into Down Loadable Content. A download and a down load are two different things in today's vernacular.

 

[Giolon]

It's not downloadable b/c it's already on the disc (sometimes).

 

[DownGrader]

Because 'downloadable content' is a vague term, a full game digital download or a patch are 'downloadable content'.

And Nintendo being Nintendo, they like to keep everything basic and understandable, don't want to confuse the children or casual gamers.



Interesting that NoA uses DLC, the NoE page just has 'add-on content'.

Ohhh... so it might be just the NoE thing. Now I know why I was under impression that Nintendo in general avoids the term "DLC" - I'm mostly following European media and watching European Directs.

 

[redcrayon]

Ah, yes, US here. Might have something to do with regional laws? Something in EU about calling it DLC?

More likely to be something within the law of a specific EU country about trading online/digital content that means they wanted a different overarching term, but I think its probably just differences in house style and NoE wanting to differentiate it from the tidal wave of other DLC available.

Also, several Nintendo games have regular free updates/unlocks, maybe they think its a better inclusive term for them, when most DLC is paid for.

 

[DownGrader]

Because DLC is a stupid abbreviation. If the D stands for 'downloadable' and the C is 'content' what does the L stand for? It isn't broken into Down Loadable Content. A download and a down load are two different things in today's vernacular.

I believe "D/L" is standard abbreviation for "download" in computer electronics.

 

[Madness]

DLC is increasingly used in a negative connotation while add-on makes it seem like they're just adding on to the game. Just an industry trend, like Game of the Year Edition, Day One edition, or the use of 'season pass'.

 

[DownGrader]

More likely to be something within the law of a specific EU country about trading online/digital content that means they wanted a different overarching term.

I might google that, thanks. Now I understand why they didn't really care about 100% perfect translation for Russia, LOL.

 

[sonto340]

Yeah it's been said a bunch already, but DLC is an almost toxic term these days.

That and Nintendo doesn't like to use others terms directly. They do it "their way" and give it a different name.

 

[Aequitas]

Assuming that Nintendo didn't use the term DLC...
It does make sense that they would want to use "DLC" as a term for add on content as little as possible given all of the negative connotation it has with it.

For example: when I think DLC, I think of fond memories such as: horse armor,
"skip-actually-playing-the-damn-game" packs, and lack-luster maps and OP as fuck weapon packs.

It's basically the pursuit of a better image of add-on downloadedable content in the eye of the consumer.

TLDR: it's just marketing bro.

 

[Two Words]

Because Amiibo content is on the disc.

 

[DownGrader]

Because Amiibo content is on the disc.

Nintendo hadn't used "DLC" or "AOC" when talking about amiibo content. But if you wanted just to hate on amiibo, then boo to you.

 

[PreyingShark]

Ohhh... so it might be just the NoE thing. Now I know why I was under impression that Nintendo in general avoids the term "DLC" - I'm mostly following European media and watching European Directs.

It's just an NoE thing for whatever reason. More proof towards NoA using the term: http://mariogolf.nintendo.com/buy-now/#dlc

My personal theory is that NoE is just full of hipsters.

 

[Industrialist]

There must be better things to think about than this, surely?

Think of all the time you could have spent playing games.

 

[Circinus]

Negative connotation maybe?

 

[Mr-Joker]

To be fair Add on content does sound much better than Download content. Not only that Iwata himself didn't like the term "free to play" as he found it misleading and felt that the term Free to start should be adopted.

 

[-Horizon-]

To be fair Add on content does sound much better than Download content. Not only that Iwata himself didn't like the term "free to play" as he found it misleading and felt that the term Free to start should be adopted.

yeah, to me, it does sound better now that you mention it.

add on makes it feel like you're getting more than the base game

download content makes it feel like you're getting parts of the base game

 

[Shiggy]

They don't always.

With the release of the upcoming DLC pack alongside a free update, Mario Kart 8 is set to offer yet more options for players to enjoy its unforgettable gameplay.

https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/201...elease-of-new-courses-and-content-984289.html

Featuring a free* tutorial where players can try seven introductory puzzles, players may also choose from a selection of four additional DLC packs to fulfil their puzzle game needs

https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/201...-Nintendo-eShop-for-Nintendo-3DS-1016319.html

 

[BocoDragon]

Wasn't the term basically promoted by Microsoft at the dawn of the 360?