Downloadable content released close to a game's release date is always suspect, since people usually have a problem spending additional money on a game they've already purchased. When it comes to BioShock 2, that skepticism was even higher, since the content was for the multiplayer, which wasn't at all the game's strongest or most popular element. Those who did actually buy the DLC, though, found that upon purchase, the download was smaller than they had expected, leading many to believe that it was already on disk. This is, as it turns out, actually correct, and 2K was quick to jump on the defensive.

On the 2K forums, Community Manager Elizabeth Tobey tried to explain their actions, and to convince everyone that it was actually a good idea to do it this way.

"The way our engine and game structure works is that people need to have the exact same content for people to play together. One of the challenges with post launch content for MP is that it can split the player base, and we want to avoid that whenever possible. For this content, creating the DLC package the way we did allowed for us to not split the player base - so whether you purchase the new content or not, you can still play with your friends. I know some of you have strong beliefs about DLC, and I'm not here to sway your opinion or convince you to buy our stuff - if you like what we're offering, I hope you get it and enjoy it. If it's not your speed, enjoy BioShock 2 as we released it."

Their excuse sort of sucks. It makes sense, but there have been other games that handled this in much better ways, and their attempts to spin "we're making you pay for something you already purchased" into "we're doing you a favor" are a wonderful example of failure. Content cut from the game coming back as DLC is already infuriating, but content not cut from the game? That shouldn't be paid for. Not at all. If they really wanted to do this they should just have handled it like EA does - a DLC code in new copies of the game. Instead, it makes them look horrible, and should leave a sour taste in gamer's mouths for some time to come.