DLC: Good or Bad?

I'm sure most people these days are aware of DLC, and what it is all about. However, a new study that surveyed 800 gamers, showed that 43% of those asked had no idea DLC even existed. This came to a surprise to me, as I figured all gamers that are hooked up to any online network would have at least a vague idea of DLC.

Other figures showed only 15% of those had actually purchased DLC and 41% said they were aware, but had never purchased any DLC.

This got me thinking, how big really is DLC for gaming and is it really needed?

Now we all know that the game companies all say that they have got x amount of money from DLC, but if this survey is an accurate representation of the bigger picture, surely the amount could be much higher if they marketed DLC better, so more gamers would buy/know about DLC.

This would then mean that the cost to make the DLC would rise, and therefore the DLC itself would rise in price, creating a vicious circle.

The main reason that I feel DLC can be bad, is because developers could be cutting short what they put on the disc and release content, which could be in the game in the first place, as DLC. This then means gamers are out of pocket.

Shouldn't developers just put everything into the game in the first place? That way gamers can feel happy and satisfied in the knowing that the game has got all the features, all the levels, all the characters in it already, and they don't need to worry about paying out for the game and the DLC.

Don't get me started on companies that announce DLC before the game is even released! That is just ridiculous.

Obviously if used right DLC can be good. It can keep the game from getting boring and stale. I just feel that some developers/publishers are abusing DLC.

What's the wider picture on it though? What do you guys think?