Downloadable content has become a huge part of the gaming industry. Even the most consumer-friendly developers have found ways to introduce microtransactions, effectively tampering with the $60 game standard no matter if you play on PC or console.

In recent times gamers have been very vocal about how much they dislike downloadable content, or at least when it isn't constructed in a fair way. This has become one of the most commonly discussed topics in the industry, one that would make you think its popularity is downtrending. However, that isn't so.

NPD Group performed a study to investigate the popularity of DLC, and found that at least 28% of the U.S. population has "purchased content online in the past 3 months". Among those purchases, expansion packs were the most popular leading at 55%.

This figure is up a few points over the last study conducted a few years ago which arrived at a figure of 22%. Although mobile gaming is a major factor that has influenced this larger number, the sheer volume of DLC in the industry is likely the most item of influence.

How do you feel about DLC? Are there cases where it's a good thing for gamers? Let us know what you think in the comments below.