Download Format vs Disc Format

slinxy

slinxy

slinxy

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3 Dec 2002
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Groovin' @ the disco
I'm quite a collector of retro games so I do or did prefer to have the disc, but with all three console manufactures offering retro or online games libraries, the download format is becoming much more attractive to me.

For example, games like Tombi and Castlevania: SOTN on the playstation sells for a stupid price. I've recently picked them up on psn, and this has allowed me to play it on my ps3 and psp, it will also allow me to play it on my ps vita and likely my ps4, when it arrives.

OK, I can only play the game on one home console at once, but the thought of being able to play it on a handheld when needed and with it being available on future consoles is a major bonus.

There's so many games that I want for the playstation 3 at the moment, as its really coming to a golden age for it, and I'm seriously considering getting the downloaded format version rather than the disc version, in the hope it simply means that if and when the game does come out on the playstation 4, sony may respect the fact that I've already purchased it in the past and let me have it again for free.

The opposite may happen, Sony may say forget you and charge me again for the same game, the game may never come out for the ps4 or future consoles , the Gaikai service maybe pants or even worst; they may just pull the plug on the game on the old console so I wont be able to even play it on the original console when I want to...

Any thoughts on the subject?
 
I much prefer to have games digitally (unless much more expensive) for the simple reason that it's easier and simpler. I'm lazy and don't like switching my games out all the time, and they take up space.

I understand the argument about how I may not be able to play them in 10, 15 years time and I would with a physical copy, but... it's extremely rare that I'd want to do that. The oldest game I remember recently playing was Secret of Mana (childhood favourite) and I was happy to pay the couple of quid to get it on my phone (however terrible the controls were.)
 
In regards to retro games I think it all depends on what sort of person you are. If you just want to play the games then the download option is a good alternative if a hard copy is too difficult to source or too expensive to justify. If you buy games to build a collection though that's different.
 
Steam works brilliantly for me, and I've no real issues even with the likes of Origin. Given the choice I'd gladly go all digital. Console digital prices need a slap in the face though to bring them down to realistic levels.

Personally I thought it was a real shame that MS canned the online checks for the Xbox One. Installing the disc and forgetting about it so everything ran from the HDD would have been great, unfortunately they caved in to the naysayers.
 
atm main reason i prefer disc format is for the sole reason you can sell it on...the thing you purchase doesn't suddenly become worthless.

Not sure if you can sell on digital versions YET... (possibly this battle is still being fought)
 
I prefer the physical box, disc, manuals and all that clutter...

but can see the appeal in having everything in one place, with lots of real space not being taken up by boxes.
 
For me the whole point of "retro" is playing around with both the hardware and software and thus I like to have everything in hard copy original format. I do have some digital copies of certain games as I do enjoy playing them on say my Vita, but I also own the hard copies for playing on the original hardware.

Ultimately it is subjective but there is something about being all digital - relying on the servers not being taken down to access your media in the future - that doesn't sit well with me.
 
If the price of digital games on consoles was a decent price and the games were available on launch day then I'd probably buy more digital games. Until then I'll buy disc games.
 
Providing digital prices match retail prices on next gen, I will pick things up digitally instead from now on.

Looking forward to not having a shelf full of. console boxes.
 
i hope that digital games will have a midnight launch along side the disc copys, will be better than having to queue for an hour for lets say cod, just start downloading and can start playing while its still downloading if am right.
can see benefits of having a disc to as its nice to look when your collection builds
 
Digital downloads for teh win.

when you have ferral kids like I do - last thing you want is a CD/DVD lying around for them to get their grubby mits on! :(
 
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If they can get rid of the costs of production of the media/packaging, retail percentage and distribution making the total VAT is being applied to from launch date. Digital format would be so much appealing.

It makes me laugh how a 40 pound game can be half price after a month and then bargain prices soon after. Platinum and essentials labelled games come out of the factory in to the shops at budget prices, but I guess the publishers have already made their money on the title.

While titles like puppeteer, is a full new IP with its own developed engine, unique graphics and art work can go on sale for £30 pounds and expect to make money (amazing game btw) when there's plenty of re-hash games being sold at full price.

I think I stick to disc format for now, I have purchased quite a few psn only game, ps one classics (down to the cost of the disc version) and minis but I still managed to get games like journey on disc and looking for the walking dead.
 
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