Wouldn't this be a very wise fatality move to shake off that contract with Microsoft? The next expansion might involve the Thalmor, and it won't be exclusive.

We have a winner!

What contract?

The reason Dawnguard was released for 360 first was because of the contract Microsoft made with Beth, making the first two pieces of DLC exclusive to the xbox for 30 days. With Hearthfire being the second release, the contract is done and the next actual DLC will not be a timed exclusive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYxy55L3TWA&feature=related

Your implying that some how microsoft would be somehow what make a "epic super awesome FTW!" DLC fail because they released it second instead of third?

What does this sentence even mean? lol

also the other good thing to come from this dlc is the features that can be expanded apon in future dlcs and the resources it will provide to modders .

The op is implying that some how the microsoft contract is inhibiting the release of a "good" DLC.

No he's not - he is suggesting that Bethesda is holding the bigger DLC's back so that they can release them
simultaneously on all platforms - out of respect for PC and PS3 users. Basically a, "thanks for the money
Microsoft, but you're not getting a 30-day exclusivity on the really good stuff!"

What if Hearthfire is counted as an add-on and not a full DLC? This seems the case

Oh, okay. I got ya.

I feel like it partly was, only because when Dawngaurd came out first there was that huge ordeal where PC players were like "GOD DAMMIT WHERE'S MY DAWNGUARD" even before the 30 days were over. And it was easier for that entire fanbase to be exposed to spoilers.

Wouldn't an add on be a expansion pack these days? Most DLC I see around just adds small content.

While it is certainly less awesome than many people were hoping, its release timeframe is absurdly short compared to, say, Dawnguard. Not to mention 5 bucks places it in the category of "technically fulfilling the details of the Microsoft contract, but otherwise minor", so I agree completely with the OP. Its a maneuver to get an early release from their contract with MS.

If you want HF, then get it. If not, then don't. In the meantime I sincerely doubt the time and effort put into HF has impacted the timeframes for either a functional PS3 version of Dawnguard or for release of the next true DLC expansion. Seriously, there are already mods with the basic housebuilding features in them. HF goes a bit farther and is undoubtedly slicker, but Beth gets to patch the executable instead of relying on an external script extender so that's only natural.

The only people who really have grounds for screaming about this are the folks at Microsoft, and considering how theyve gamed the industry in the past I think they richly deserve getting gamed now. Kudos to Bethesda.