Former Paradox CEO defends DLC model

A fair amount of Paradox Games are known for a long line of DLC packages being released after the game's initial launch, from Europa Universalis 4 to Crusader Kings 2, and now former Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester (now Executive Chairman of the Board) has defended the DLC policy in a series of tweets.

"Our DLC model is based on the idea that you pay for new content after the full game release. This helps to finance the further development of the game, which is of gain for all players," he started off.

"Every time we release a DLC we also release a big update for free, which means that you get continous upgrades of your game even if you choose not to buy any DLC. This would not be possible to fund otherwise."

"In multiplayer, you always play with the DLCs of the player who has the most DLC installed. This means you have access to all content in MP without having paid for it. It has been a way for us to avoid splitting up the player base."

"I know this is not a flawless model and that a lot of new players get intimidated by seeing a game with hundreds of $$$ in DLC, however we also run deep discounts on all our games and DLCs regularly [...] like with all business; if you don't think it's worth it, don't buy it. Paradox should not be an exception."

"The DLC model also allows us to experiment more and be a bit crazy with content, hopefully resulting in more interesting content over time."

"And now for the grand finale: I am personally in favor of DLCs that are purely enhancements of graphics (skins, flags etc). Why? They have no gameplay effect (pay to win), doesn't lock out functions and helps fund the game and make it better."

Wester finished off by saying that, while it's not the perfect model for releasing content, Paradox is always working to make games better and they're listening to feedback, although not those who are saying "BLURG BLARGH GREEDY BASTARDS DLC BAD OOGA BOOGA".

He also added later on that he thinks it's a balancing act. "It's a balance, you need to create more content or the players will leave, so you can't spend 2 years per DLC unfortunately," he writes in response to one fan.

Do you agree with this view?