Electronic Arts, or EA, is a very well known company. Madden NFL, FIFA Football and Burnout Paradise are just some of the popular game series from EA. However, EA has recently faced some controversy in its Battlefront II game and The Sims 4 for the same reason: DLC.

DLC stands for downloadable content and is used in various of ways. The producer will release new content for the game like weapons or clothing or a small new feature. The new content is usually pretty cheap and, while not needed, adds to the game. One of the famous examples would be the “horse armor” from Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

With Battlefront II, EA used a DLC called a “loot box.” These boxes could be redeemed for a randomized prize but all with actual money spent in addition to the price of the game. The prizes gave players an unfair advantage over those who did not buy the boxes, leading to criticism and backlash against EA.

The Sims series uses DLC as well and has since the first game with the expansion packs; The Sims 4 has continued this model. One thing EA has never done with The Sims is DLC for DLC – a DLC that requires another DLC to play it. On March 6, EA changed this with the announcement of My First Pet Stuff. A stuff pack that would require the Cats and Dogs expansion pack from four months ago.

My First Pet Stuff features small rodents and pet themed clothing and objects for $10. It also has a several objects that are useless without Cats and Dogs like pet beds and pet clothing.  

This was very frustrating for players of The Sims 4 who had bought Cats and Dogs for $40; My First Pet Stuff would be an additional $10, adding up to $50 for content many felt should have been in Cats and Dogs already. Previous pet-related expansion packs, like Sims 3 Pets, had a variety of small animals, making the rodents seem lacking in comparison.

The frustration led to some players refusing to buy the game and for a custom content (CC) pack to be made on tumblr.

I personally did not get it because I had no interest in spending $10 on a hamster that dies two weeks in game. As someone who has played The Sims since sixth grade, so about five years, I’m concerned at the possible direction this is going. It would be one thing if Cats and Dogs was an older expansion pack or if owners of Cats and Dogs received a discount on the stuff pack, but EA did not do that, which makes me wonder if EA did this for the fans or if they did it just for money.

The Sims 4: My First Pet Stuff costs $9.99 and is currently for sale.