It's basically a requirement for all triple-A games in today's market: it doesn't matter what type of game you're shipping, it has to have downloadable content. It could be extra costumes, or extra game modes, or even just a season pass - as long as there's something extra for gamers to spend their cash on, it doesn't really matter.
Evolve is no different: Turtle Rock Studios' monster-hunting multiplayer shooter has come under fire for its DLC plans in the past, but once it was fully explained, the plan didn't seem so bad. Free multiplayer maps are great, and the team seems dedicated to making sure everyone can play - not just those with the DLC. However, now that the game is out, it's easy to see that Evolve's DLC plan is a bit more expansive than previously imagined.
How expansive? Well, with all cosmetic options and the game's season pass, the grand total for all of Evolve's DLC is over $130 - more than twice the cost of the actual game.
It's worth noting that the content included in the $25 Hunting Season Pass isn't even available yet: four more playable classes are planned for release sometime this spring. The fourth monster, dubbed the Behemoth, isn't included either: that'll be another $15 for those that didn't preorder the game.
The rest of the cost is made up of extra cosmetic options; players who want to distinguish their Hunters, monsters or gear from everyone else are going to have to pay for it. At least there are options: 44 separate cosmetic items are available now, and there's likely more on the way.
It's obvious that 2K and Take-Two aren't really holding back when it comes to extra content; seeing as how Grand Theft Auto Online is basically printing money for the publisher, it's easy to assume that similar models will make their way into the rest of the publisher's library at some point in the future.
Evolve is far from the first game to feature microtransactions, but seeing it on such a scale ready for launch is somewhat disconcerting. Even a few years ago, character skins and special weapons were something that players could earn and unlock - they were included in the game, not miniature cash-grabs. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like things will turn around soon - Evolve is a clear example that microtransactions are here to stay - and they're only going to get bigger and bigger.