To be fair, the problem with "on the disk" DLC is most games are NOT co-op. It's a big distinction, and while you might not realize what it means, in this case what it means is EVERY DLC in any of the games is 'on the disk DLC' (well, except SR2 PC, they didn't get the DLCs). The game has to allow you to play with someone who has whatever added content bought, thus it had to have it in your files, just not usable. Weapons, vehicles, outfits, missions, everything is in the same game you're playing stock without addons. It's not the same as EA's "day 0 DLC" because it was added later. It's in because it has to be in this case, EA does it because they have a weird release/gold schedule and DLC can be authorized far faster, letting them finish parts of the game that would otherwise be cut and then charge extra for them too (according to what I've heard etc).
As for the actual DLC it is... I think the problem is they're suffering from the need to keep relevant. They constantly pump out quick cheap DLC packs with a few vehicle skins, weapon skins, a few costumes, or what have you. Sure it takes work and such, but it's a lot less work than a full-out mission pack like EtD was. The reason it's done is it's quick and only typically takes one or two people (plus testing) so they can have a few of them, even while the staff as a whole is working on the next bigger one. The problem though is their story DLCs seem to suffer. I know it takes a lot of work and time, but the DLC seems... smaller now. Shorter. Bethesda came up and while I dislike their overall practices (notably pump budget/time into marketing, not to programming or bugtesting, and certainly not for patches, and then rely on the fanboys to cry foul if you question the perfection of their game) they DO have a (mostly, remember horse armor?) good idea of DLC. Large stories, some large areas, etc. Actual NEW areas. A number of story missions in a whole new area added on. Something new to explore.
That's what Volition needs to do.. the biggest problem might be their engine however, as while the Creation Engine (or whatever it's being called now) can throw on new worldspaces and new content with a simple ini change to load it as it goes, the CTG engine has to stuff it all on one map. Maybe. I do remember the musings on another thread. That there is an inherent issue.. it means that while they can do some little new stuff there's a very limited space to do it in because of that physics box limitation, and thus stuff that doesn't go on the map like cars and costumes and guns are preferred because they can be added without issue (until the xtbl limits). What's really needed then is a serious look into ways to extend the engine to allow new worldspaces or to seriously increase the physics box (to stuff new areas off in the new ocean) and then really go at it. It'll take time, and a lot of money, but if we start to see DLC that looks more like an expansion pack than a quick mission pack, I'll be happy. Yes it will take longer and cost more, but I'd be willing to pay $20 for a whole new map to roam, collectables too, new missions (more than 5, seriously, maybe some actual sidequests like the loyalty/upgrade missions were) and new content.
