Upgrades

An upgrade is different from a patch. It represents additional content created to enhance the original game. Companies create upgrades for a number of reasons. In some cases, it is simply to extend the life of the original game. If add-ons appear, retailers are more likely to keep the original on the shelves . In other cases, it's an effective strategy to keep part of the team gainfully employed while a smaller group goes on to the early stages of their next project.

Fresh content is an important issue for multiplayer online gamers who are paying monthly subscription fees. They expect that as they level-up and explore their online world there will always be new places to go and interesting things to experience.

Many of the multiplayer game companies conduct seasonal or holiday events for their subscribers, which could include special limited-time missions, crafting options, and/or item drops .

In any case, an upgrade is a mini-project and needs to be handled like one, with testing, milestones, and all the other paraphernalia associated with good software management.