While players frequently criticize new downloadable content (DLC) upon release, Steam researcher and consultant Chris Zukowski points to two key exceptions: supporter packs and digital soundtracks. During a presentation at GDC, Zukowski shared data from successful indie games, illustrating how these specific DLC types offer a remarkably straightforward and profitable income stream for developers.
According to Zukowski, developers “need to embrace this approach” when it comes to these two categories. Supporter packs primarily function as “tips” for developers, often bundled with simple bonuses like cosmetic items. Digital soundtracks, conversely, allow players to purchase the game’s musical score. He emphasizes their value, stating, “These are completely useless cosmetics, but they are worth it.”
He explicitly advises against releasing traditional expansion DLCs, explaining, “I don’t recommend expansion DLCs because Steam players typically voice complaints, but supporter packs and soundtracks are excellent alternatives.” The main reason for player dissatisfaction with conventional DLCs stems from the perception that their content was complete and should have been included in the base game. In contrast, standalone soundtracks and donation-based supporter packs are perceived much more positively by the gaming community.
One developer shared a compelling example, reporting that just 2.59% of purchases for their supporter packs generated an impressive $11,531 with “minimal effort.” Zukowski famously characterized this profit, remarking:
“This is an $11,000 texture.”
Another striking instance involved a digital soundtrack, which contributed $60,980 from a 2.8% conversion rate. These examples demonstrate that even with relatively low conversion percentages, such DLCs remain highly lucrative due to their minimal development costs, ensuring a substantial return on investment for game creators.