Some of you sound surprised about this. The industry has been using this model since the last console generation. I agree with BoB on this one. If the main game I buy is good, then I don't mind the DLC for extra items or expansions of the main game. People who want the extra stuff will buy it and people who don't won't.

It does bother me when there is 'Day 1' DLC for story elements or if you have to pay to see the 'expanded ending' DLC or other such BS which clearly would have been included in the main game in prior models. But the negative reaction to that model has made it more rare. The Airship DLC in this case was intended to be in the main game but rather than hold up the release for something they aren't even sure how to do yet, they are releasing it as is and the airship stuff will come later for free. Sounds pretty good to me. I'm sure there will be a plethora of paid DLC for costumes, weapons, special fights, and maybe even a few expansion areas or quests and I'm fine with all of that as long as the stand alone product feels complete and entertains me.

I'm not yet sure I agree with Tabata on best game design and mechanics (in fact I'm starting to believe that I don't) but everything the guy has done since taking over this project has indicated that he cares about producing a complete product that matches his vision and that he cares more about the fan reception of it than how much money his company will make out of it. So I don't think we need to worry about entire areas off limits until you pay for it (FFXIII-2), party members you need to buy (Mass Effect), or other such shenanigans with this game.