WWE 2K15: Quality Season Pass DLC Will Be Key to Game's Longevity

Post-release content has become a huge part of almost every major video game release. It has changed the way we view games and even evaluate them.

Back in the day, a game was released and whatever issues it had, you were forced to deal with. Now there are patches to fix almost anything. Also, developers had to put all of the content intended for the game on the disc or cartridge from the beginning.

Now downloadable content not only extends the playability of the game, but it also increases the earning potential for each title. 

The WWE 2K brand is in tune with both concepts.

On Thursday, it was announced that the Season Pass offer would be in effect for the upcoming WWE 2K15 video game. The announcement has already confirmed a playable version of WWE Diva, Paige.

For those who aren't familiar with how this works, here's a breakdown. Essentially, there's a healthy amount of post-release content made available to gamers a la carte or all inclusively for a reduced one-time fee.

This year, the offer will focus primarily on the 2K Showcase single-player campaign. The mode recreates legendary rivalries from the WWE's storied history. Initially, the game will feature the rivalries between HHH and Shawn Michaels as well as CM Punk and John Cena.

More rivalries will be made available via the Season Pass. Some may not like the fact that an integral part of the game is only available for additional purchase, but the receptiveness toward the concept depends on how in-depth each rivalry is and what the rewards/unlockables are.

In the past, similar modes were key in unlocking many of the game's additional characters, arenas, championships, etc. There would likely need to be a little more available to keep the community uproar at a minimum.

We don't know all of the details yet, but last year's Season Pass was available for $19.99, and it included three content updates. Gamers could purchase each one separately with components costing $1.99, $7.99 or $8.99, per WWE.com.

A total of 19 additional wrestlers, more than 30 new moves and creation parts were unlocked.

Per GameStop, this year's pass will cost $24.99.

If the takeaways are identical or too similar to what was offered from the 30 Years of WrestleMania mode in WWE 2K14, the experience might be damaged. No part of 30YWM had to be accessed through DLC, and it was a verbose and rewarding experience.

Potentially, 2K Showcase could be even bigger. There could be more gameplay in the long run and the opportunity to unlock more content.

Though the 2K Showcase focuses on one feud at a time and not as wide a range of years as 30YWM, the singular focus will allow gamers to be thrust into the back stories of the conflict even more.

Presentation, mic work and the like will weigh heavy here. The developers are charged with transporting the gamer to the time period being relived.

Each feud must feel like compelling chapters in a long and fulfilling book that ultimately makes up the 2K Showcase mode on the whole. Unlockables should bring about a sense of accomplishment, but obviously, there will still likely be a way to simply unlock everything if one chooses to have quick access to all the game's gems.

If done properly, 2K Showcase could keep even the most skilled gamers playing WWE 2K15's single-player campaign for months. If it isn't completely fleshed out, it'll be a good idea that simply fell flat.

Let's hope for the former.

Follow Brian Mazique aka FranchisePlay, the Sports Video Game Journalist