Nintendo is working on an in-game billing system that will give gamers the option of buying and downloading additional content for games, similar to the way downloadable content (DLC) is purchased on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 gaming consoles.
Nintendo is playing catch-up with its gaming rivals after its misplaced trust in 3D lead to underwhelming 3DS handheld sales, slashed prices and the company’s expectation of its first ever annual net loss.
As a hopeful step from the wayward path, the Nikkei reports that the gaming company will finish programming of its billing system this November so that game developers can start implementing it.
Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has said that he expects the first games incorporating DLC to begin cropping up next year, and is being vindicated by Capcom president Haruhiro Tsujimoto.
“Consumers are already purchasing music and other content over the Internet. With games, too, the business does not need to end once a title is purchased. Offering services for purchased games is an attractive business model,” said Tsujimoto.