Yesterday I spent a lot of time ruminating on the good old days of E3 press packets. I'm talking about large binders full of videos, music, press releases and more. Sadly, the days of oversized packets have been replaced with FTP sites and asset discs. Think it can't get any worse? This year, the media attending are reporting sightings of on-disc downloadable content for premium prices. If true, this is just one of the egregious money grabs being waged at E3 2012.

The downloadable content was found while trying to locate additional pictures of Lost Planet 3. For 400 Microsoft Points ($5), the E3 media can upgrade their experience with two new characters. Hackers have discovered code for future characters and information, leading many to charge the Japanese powerhouse with purposely locking away content.

Capcom's spokesperson was quick to respond to allegations of impropriety, arguing that it was important to keep everybody 's discs in sync. NetherRealm's Ed Boon agrees, pointing out the numerous technical problems he had with the Mortal Kombat press kit. "As annoying as it is to the end consumer, it's a necessary evil we need to come to grips with."

This is not the first time a video game giant tried to get away with paid content on their press kit. Several years ago, Bethesda Softworks was publically ridiculed for selling an overpriced filter for their assets. This additional filter cost two dollars and added fancy horse armor to every screen shot. Pictures without horses were left unaffected, leading some to wonder how important this DLC actually was.

It turns out that Capcom isn't the only company ruffling a few feathers at this year's E3. Activision's press disc comes with an online pass to view the content. Those who pick up a press kit second hand will only have access to a limited amount of content (mostly games that have already been released and are inexplicably still on the show floor). Press looking for pictures of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD, Call of Duty: Black Ops II and the Amazing Spider-Man will have to pay ten dollars or track down a new copy of the 2012 press kit.

While most show goers didn't have a problem with companies handing out perks to people that pick-up unopened press kits, there were a few naysayers. As expected, some of Twitter's most hyperbolic members took to the service to spell the doom of the games industry. Some worry that this could lead to a future where used press kits won't work in modern systems. Every day we inch closer to a future where our used media blows up in our hands after 15 seconds.

Not to be outdone, Sony's E3 2012 Press Information DVD features its own annoying quirk. While you don't have to buy an online pass or download on-disc DLC, this DVD does require users to stay connected online at all times. This might be easy in the office or at home, but trying to keep a reliable connection while covering E3 in a scummy L.A. hotel room is nearly impossible. As a result, this Sony disc is practically useless.

To make matters worse, my account was immediately hacked upon inserting the disc and my credit card information was stolen. Now that I think about it, I'm still not sure why Sony's E3 packet required credit card information and my social security number. Either way, it's clear that Sony, Activision and Capcom have a lot to learn when it comes to making modern day press kits. Hopefully these are isolated instances and not the trend of the future.