Evolve DLC controversy 'a good thing' says Take Two CEO Strauss Zelnick

Take Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has described the controversy surrounding DLC plans for Turtle Rock Studios' impending multiplayer shooter Evolve as "generally speaking, a good thing".

There was backlash in January when extensive plans for post-release DLC and various special editions of the game with bonus content were announced. Fans were angry about the seemingly exploitative nature of planning for paid DLC before the game had even been released.

During a Take Two earnings call (via VG247), Zelnick answered a question about the furore, saying: "There was some controversy started up by an online post, and I guess, controversy, generally speaking, is a good thing.

"People can argue about the business model. I think we're delivering a fantastic title that's well versed with consumers who will pay for it. And all signs are extraordinarily positive."

Their plans involved a Hunting Season Pass for the game, a Digital Deluxe Edition, a PC Monster Race Edition and a fourth playable monster called Behemoth. That's just the surface, more detail about each edition also furthered fan confusion.

Zelnick went on to boast that Evolve was the "only game in history" to ever win the Game of Show prize at both E3 and Gamescom in a single year.

"Never like to claim success before it's occurred," he later added without a hint of irony. "This looks to be a good news event. I'm going to leave it at that. Hopefully, in our next call, we'll have great news to report."

Evolve is set for release on 10 February for PS4, Xbox One and PC.