Image courtesy of Next Gen Gaming Blog.

Gaming trends have changed over the past few years. The rise of online passes and DLC clubs has led me to come to one sure-fire prediction for 2012: Game of the Year Editions!

Even two years ago, this trend was starting to become big. Some of the biggest releases in 2009 were given “GOTY” editions even when they weren’t awarded top honors. How, though, can “Arkham Asylum,” “Gears of War 2,” “Borderlands” and “Uncharted 2” all be the game of the year?

The past year may be a small step towards changing this, but I really don’t see that. DLC clubs for “Uncharted 3” and “Gears of War 3” just make me believe that developers are trying their hardest to nickel and dime first adopters while rewarding the late comers with fuller versions.

What really took the cake in 2011 was “L.A. Noire.” Not only did the complete version come out in the same year, but Rockstar didn’t even try to label it as anything different. It’s literally called “L.A. Noire: Complete Edition.” Well, why did I spend $60 on the first print?

I remember a time when GOTY Edition was simply a repackaging of the game at a lower price point. Remember “Unreal Tournament?” That GOTY came with some free mods and retailed for $20 less; totally awesome!

I guess we all bought too many of them. Now GOTY editions come with content that should have been included with the main game. With the confirmation of a “Mortal Kombat: Complete” for 2012, here are my predictions for what we’ll see in 2012:



“Saints Row – The Third: Gang Bang Edition”

With a completely lackluster ending and a campaign mode that feels way too short and repetitive, “Saints Row – The Third” is a strange title. Its core missions are fantastic and outdo even Uncharted, but its small size and lack of innovation are just disappointing.

Well, THQ already announced a DLC season pass, so what’s to stop them from double dipping with a complete edition? Why not make the name of that edition something ridiculous and offensive?

I have no idea what THQ could have cut from the game, but a proper ending is definitely in store. I’m sickened at how developers feel the need to just short change us and then provide closure after the game is released. Stop charging full price and maybe I’ll get some of your DLC.



“Batman: Arkham City – Dark Knight Edition”

I think that title is actually the name of the collector’s edition. Maybe I made that up, but with all the post release character packs and cut content in the form of an online pass, why would WB Games not release a GOTY version?

This is doubly true because of how they released one for “Arkham Asylum.” Now, the content included in that version wasn’t necessary to the story and all of the DLC released thus far hasn’t added a single thing to City’s campaign mode.

Still, why are any of these maps released as paid DLC? I grabbed Asylum: GOTY on Steam for $5 and I felt that the extra levels were totally underdeveloped and pointless. Why even bother with a double dip when you can release the extras for free?



“Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deceptions Game of the Century”

The amount of praise for this game is unparalleled. While I don’t agree with all of it, Uncharted 3 has been declared GOTY by most websites. NaughtyDog would be silly to not release a version with the entire multiplayer DLC on the disc, especially since “Uncharted 2” had the same.

But, I see NaughtyDog actually rewarding late adopters with some bonus content. With the announcement of “The Last of Us,” I think trailers and documentaries for that game will be included on the disc.

In edition to that, I believe NaughtyDog will also include “Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune” with the package at no additional cost; either that or a PS3 version of “Golden Abyss.” The later is less likely.

So, not an entirely bad deal, then.



“Gears of War 3: Brothers Till The End Edition”

The conclusion of the Gears trilogy sees a lot of upsets in story development and a DLC season pass for Epic to milk gamers with. While not all the content will be multiplayer focused, the fact that Epic is going to expand the story further and expect players to own their newest game is just silly.

If it’s DLC, why can’t the content be a separate XBLA release? Regardless, I know Epic will work quickly to capitalize on the GOTY nominations they received. Not only that, but they’ll probably go out of their way to criticize the critics who gave the game an 8 out of 10.

Expect the bonus content to be nothing more than the DLC season pass, but missing all of the golden bonus guns and skins that come with it.

It’s a shame that developers can’t provide fuller experiences with their new releases. While I can understand wanting to expand your game beyond the original scope, why do most titles not finish now a days?

I hate reaching a fever pitch in story development only to have the campaign abruptly stop and tease me with DLC. I don’t want DLC if my story mode never ended! It’s some kind of reverse psychology that isn’t cutting it!

So that’s my prediction for 2012. While some of you may see “complete” editions as a bonus, I see it as a horrible trend. I know, for one, that I’m buying a hell of a lot less games next year because of it.