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Constructor: Hoang-Kim Vu
Relative problem: Simple-Medium
THEME: none
Phrase of the Day: DLC (35D: Gamer’s post-purchase add-ons, for brief) —
Downloadable content material (DLC) is further content material created for an already launched online game, distributed by the Web by the sport’s writer. It may well both be added for no additional value or it may be a type of online game monetization, enabling the writer to achieve further income from a title after it has been bought, typically utilizing some sort of microtransaction system.
DLC can vary from beauty content material, reminiscent of skins, to new in-game content material reminiscent of characters, ranges, modes, and bigger expansions that will comprise a mixture of such content material as a continuation of the bottom sport. In some video games, a number of DLC (together with future DLC not but launched) could also be bundled as a part of a “season cross“—usually at a reduction compared to buying every DLC individually.
Whereas the Dreamcast was the primary dwelling console to assist DLC (albeit in a restricted kind attributable to {hardware} and web connection limitations), Microsoft’s Xbox console and Xbox Dwell platform helped to popularize the idea. For the reason that seventh era of online game consoles, DLC has been a prevalent function of most main online game platforms with web connectivity.
For the reason that popularization of microtransactions in on-line distribution platforms reminiscent of Steam, the time period DLC has develop into a [synonym] for any type of paid content material in video video games, no matter whether or not they represent the obtain of recent content material. Moreover, this led to the creation of the oxymoronic time period “on-disc DLC” for content material included on the sport’s authentic information, however locked behind a paywall. (wikipedia)
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The factor about DLC is, when you (or somebody) would possibly say “any gamer would know that,” there’s nonetheless the issue of non-gamers, and the way on the planet they’d even start to come back at these three letters. It is the “Seemingly Random Three Letters” that’s actually the ugly, exclusionary half right here. I consider all the rubbish that clutters up the grid, a lot of it 3-letter abbrs., after which I feel “Why … would you wish to add to that?” Why would you need this Roman numeral-looking chunk of stray letters smack dab in the course of your grid? Simply because a solution is new (and that is, in truth, a debut reply) doesn’t imply that it’s “recent” or “good.” I don’t thoughts studying new terminology, new slang, and many others., however DLC is simply ugly on its face—and the truth that its letters are barely inferable makes it uglier. I attempted to determine what the letters meant and the one factor I might provide you with appeared means too obscure to be proper … and but it was. Downloadable Content material. The place “Loadable” will get its personal letter (?!). I do not suppose HRT (hormone alternative remedy) is nice fill, but it surely’s a factor anybody might need heard of, and its letters are moderately inferable. Ditto CPU. I suppose SETI stands for Indicators of Extraterrestrial Intelligence … rattling, it is “Search,” not “Indicators.” Effectively, shut sufficient.
Let’s look now on the different 190 letters on this grid. The central stack was not price DLC, but it surely was fairly good. The COLUMNIST a part of FOOD COLUMNIST made me roll my eyes and say “la di dah, appears just like the meals author has purchased himself a prime hat and a monocle,” however OK, certain COLUMNIST, in the event you insist. None of the remainder of the grid was terribly thrilling, although if I might identified what a FOAM PARTY was, possibly that may’ve been thrilling. I just like the SE nook of this grid an excellent deal. I’m wondering if VISUAL GAG was FOOD COLUMNIST’s equally socially aspirational date to this FOAM PARTY, as a result of within the non-caviar world we name them “sight gags.” Nonetheless, that reply was acceptable, and CLAW GAME and “HOW WAS IT?” are enjoyable and stable.
Past DLC, nothing actually grated, besides possibly ZOOM HOST (1A: Fashionable assembly organizer). I had bother with the HOST half, regardless of being one, technically, for over a yr through the peak of the pandemic. This may occasionally clarify my aversion to ZOOM content material. I simply do not wish to take into consideration ZOOM any greater than I’ve to. Anyway, I did not know “organizer” was speculated to be an individual, so I had ZOOM MENU (!?) in there for a bit. I had PASS ON earlier than PASS UP (21D: Flip down), and I actually struggled to get HE/HIM as a result of I do not precisely perceive how “signature” is getting used within the clue (22A: Sure descriptor after a signature these days). Is any look of your identify thought-about a “signature” now? As a result of I’ve solely seen pronouns typed out after a typed out identify (on-line, on identify tags, and many others.). This clue in all probability means an “electronic mail signature.” I nonetheless consider “signature” as one thing finished by hand. Silly Twentieth-century me.
Explaining:
- 50D: The 411 (DEETS) — The 411, the knowledge, the small print … the DEETS
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28A: Brown-y factors, for brief? (TDS)
— look, I am simply guessing right here, however … as an instance Jim Brown? It is a bizarre clue, contemplating a lot of Browns have been soccer stars. Antonio Brown, for example, is a 7-time Professional Bowler. Tim Brown is within the Corridor of Fame. Really, I feel the clue desires you to consider the workforce, the Cleveland Browns. “Brown-y factors” is a pun that’s each painful and unclear. - 62A: Periods of congress? (TRYSTS) — So, “sexual congress,” as the children say these days
- 38D: Curing approach (DRY SALT) — “DRY-SALT” is a verb which means “to remedy or protect (meat, hides, and many others.) by drying and salting” (dictionary.com). “Dry curing” additionally seems to be a way … additionally involving salt … and “dry brining,” identical … all of them seem to be vaguely comparable issues?
- 47A: Leaves for lunch, possibly (SALAD) — ah, the “Leaves” pun within the SALAD clue. An oldie however a goodie.
- 4D: Charybdis, for one (MAELSTROM) — whoo, this one is kinda laborious! Everybody (give or take) is acquainted with Scylla & Charybdis, however they’re kinda used metaphorically. I do not suppose a Ton of thought is often given to what *precisely* they’re. I assumed Charybdis was an underwater monster that *created* MALESTROMs (i.e. “giant whirlpools able to dragging a ship beneath water”). However wikipedia tells me that “In some variations of the story, Charybdis was merely a big whirlpool as an alternative of a sea monster.” So OK, I assume Charybdis = MAELSTROM does compute, then. See, I do like studying issues! Damaging Like Charybdis! There is a DLC I can get behind.
Signed, Rex Parker, King of CrossWorld
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