An aggressive DLC campaign has become standard with any big-name title's launch, and videogame publishers are now beginning to experiment with different methods to entice you to pay for digital content. Case in point: THQ has announced a DLC subscription model for its upcoming wrestler, WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2011.

Dubbed Fan Axxess, the subscription plan will give owners of the game access to the full catalog of paid DLC packs released over the life of SmackDown vs. Raw for the one-time cost of $9.99 on PlayStation Network or 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live.


"The Fan Axxess program for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 offers consumers a very attractive value proposition to significantly enhance the virtual WWE experience," THQ's Exec VP of Core Games, Danny Bilson, said in a statement. "We have some of the most passionate fans in the industry, and we are pleased to offer them an opportunity to access premium gameplay content, customization features and recognition for their loyalty for one price point."

The downloadable content will include a number of playable WWE Legends, WWE Superstars and WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, playable arenas, a WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer, instant access to all unlockable content and an in-game badge to recognize the game's biggest fans.

Illustrating the potential savings, THQ said the first paid DLC pack, included in the Fan Axxess subscription, will be sold separately for $6.99/560 MS Points.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is being developed for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game is set to ship on on October 26.


Sharkey says: I've got a feeling THQ's idea will take off and we'll start seeing DLC subscriptions on a larger scale, with more options, and from multiple game publishers. What's your take on the DLC subscription model?