Downloadable content

Downloadable content, or DLC, (sometimes expansions or add-ons) is any game-related content that can be downloaded by the player after the purchase of the original game. It is typically published after the release of the original game, though it could be released a the same time. DLC may be available for free or require purchase, but the term used alone often indicates paid content, with unpaid content being marketed as "free DLC". DLC is not to be confused with a patch.

Common forms of DLC content for visual novels include: soundtracks, digital artbooks, or extra stories/routes (which are sometimes offered on fandiscs). DLC which adds new story content is similar to a content patch.

For something to be considered DLC, it must have been released (or authorized) by the official creator of the original game. Unofficial, fan-created content might include mods and fanart.

Fandiscs

A fandisc is a sequel or add-on content to an existing visual novel or game. It typically refers to continuations or bonus content rather than complete spin offs and usually warrants the printing of a completely new product. Fandiscs are significantly more common in Japan than in the West, where similar content is more commonly branded as DLC (though the term is in use worldwide).

Patches

Patches are modifications to a game that are released by the game's official creators or publishers after the release of the game. They add and/or change content. They are generally understood to be fixes or small changes, rather than large additions (which fall under downloadable content), but the distinction is not always well-defined.

Types of Patches

Content

Content patches are patches that expand upon the content of an existing game, by adding or unlocking additional scenes, interactions, etc. Content patches which are purchased separately from the main game, as well as larger content patches available for free, are considered downloadable content.

Patches that include material not suitable for regular distribution due to sexual or otherwise explicit content are called 18+ Patches. Mods are similar to content patches or DLC, but they are created & distributed by fans or other unofficial parties.

Hotfixes

Non-intrusive patches and in-game changes to software are called hotfixes. They are used to improve performance, fix bugs, or otherwise correct errors.

Translation

Main article: Translation

A translation patch or localization patch is a patch intended to change the content and assets of a game or other piece of software so that it supports one or more additional languages. Translation patches that are made by unofficial parties are called fan translations.

While a translation patch is downloaded as an add-on to the original game, a localized version is a standalone, re-released version of the game in a different language.