It’s being milked and exploited, by Microsoft and EA mostly. Microsoft started it up, charging high prices for content is absurd. I’m sorry, $10 is too much for new map packs for Halo and Gears of War. Bungie has stated multiple times that they would like their maps to be free, but Microsoft wont let them.
And don’t even get me started on EA. I’ve bought a couple of games from them, only to discover a large portion of the game was missing, and u for sale in the market place. The purposely put unfinished games in stores, then make you buy the rest of it later for a price.
I try to stay away from it for the most art except for the occasional ma pack. They are overpriced, but Bungie puts a lot of effort into their maps and they rock. I think right now, the Rock Band tracks are the only thing reasonably priced.