The impact of downloadable content has always been a matter of conjecture amongst gamers and game companies alike. Does it add to the value of a game or is it just an excuse for a developer to squeeze a couple extra bucks out of your wallet? Regardless of your feelings on DLC, it’s clear that some games are able to pull it off better than others. It seems that SCEA’s Scott Steinberg feels as though GTA IV is just one of those games that DLC won’t be a major factor for.

Steinberg explains, “[Microsoft] spent the GNP of several small Latin American countries to get that [content], and if you’ve ever played San Andreas…there’s a lot of game to Grand Theft Auto and there’s going to be a lot of game to Grand Theft Auto IV to the point where I think most people will have that Grand Theft Auto experience on the PS3, day and date, same core game shipping on the 360.”

Perhaps Steinberg had taken offense to the remarks a Microsoft lawyer had made earlier, as he takes the time to throw a little dig in MS’s direction, “Perhaps they’ll be shipping some episodic content in the fall, but there is a whole lot of product shipping on the PS3 in April and I personally don’t think there’s going to be a huge percentage of folks who jump into downloadable content for another price when they’re still playing through the core product.”

To be honest, what else would he be expected to say? Given the fact that Sony did not secure a DLC agreement with Rockstar, this seems like just a little bit of posturing. Until I see an advertisement for a Microsoft vs. Sony celebrity boxing program, I have to advise all the rabid fanboys to take these kinds of back-handed insults with a grain of salt. Welcome to the world of business.

[See also: Grand Theft Auto IV gallery]