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I expected the number to be higher. Really I don't mind either but if I have an option I'll take the physical media. As I like my illusion of ownership not to mention I can resell the physical media a lot easier.
A proud part of that 64% right here. With the exception of Valve and their Steam platform I don't trust anyone with complete digital distribution right now.
I prefer physical over digital because I perceive there to be far more ways to get screwed over when digital distribution comes into the mix. Well, that and I'm a hoarder.
(Incidentally I should note certain exceptions, I have a few titles over Steam that were cheap enough that I'd have to be stupid to pass up on.)
(Incidentally I should note certain exceptions, I have a few titles over Steam that were cheap enough that I'd have to be stupid to pass up on.)
I like collect video games and anime boxsets. The physical portion is what I like to show off my collection:p
@Rhuno
I thought the same thing. I'll bet that number was a much higher just a few years ago. This shows that digital distribution is gaining ground, which will certainly make publishers happy.
I thought the same thing. I'll bet that number was a much higher just a few years ago. This shows that digital distribution is gaining ground, which will certainly make publishers happy.
Digital media doesn't bother me... if they could sort out the damn DRM issues. The assumption seems that people will only have one console in the household... but we now have 3 PS3's (one broken but hopefully fixed soon). Much of the DRM punishes legitimate owners (ie: Singstar songs can only be purchased for one PS3 unit only... the one that broke... but after jumping through Sony's hoops and barrels I will be able to redownload my purchased content to the new PS3... but hoops and barrels shouldn't be required). If they can ever get this resolved, I would be all for Digital media.
I like my entire PC library to be digital, for some reason, and my console games to all be physical copies. Probably just because the PS3 and Wii don't give the option to download retail games (other than Burnout: Paradise and Warhawk).
Two things I don't like about digital distribution are:
1. DRM: While in a network-connected console world, this can still be done with physical media, it seems like less so. When I buy something, I want to do what I want with it.
2. Bandwidth/Storage: I don't want to download a 25 GB game, and I don't want to have to delete another to make room, only to have to re-download that second 25 GB game when I want to play it on a whim.
The commonality between these two things is that I don't want my games to be difficult. This is what I like: Turn on console. Put game in slot. Enjoy.
1. DRM: While in a network-connected console world, this can still be done with physical media, it seems like less so. When I buy something, I want to do what I want with it.
2. Bandwidth/Storage: I don't want to download a 25 GB game, and I don't want to have to delete another to make room, only to have to re-download that second 25 GB game when I want to play it on a whim.
The commonality between these two things is that I don't want my games to be difficult. This is what I like: Turn on console. Put game in slot. Enjoy.
I prefer physical copies because I like owning things.
I don't like paying for digital chunks of code that have absolutely no value outside of the game itself. Especially when said code is the same price as a physical copy that has a nice case, book and the like.
And especially especially when said game has a physical release that includes a bunch of physical extras that I'd otherwise be unable to obtain.
I don't like paying for digital chunks of code that have absolutely no value outside of the game itself. Especially when said code is the same price as a physical copy that has a nice case, book and the like.
And especially especially when said game has a physical release that includes a bunch of physical extras that I'd otherwise be unable to obtain.
@RenegadePanda
To be fair when you're buying a game 99% of what you're paying for is that code. Very little is actually for that physical aspect like the disc, case, and booklet.
To be fair when you're buying a game 99% of what you're paying for is that code. Very little is actually for that physical aspect like the disc, case, and booklet.
I don't buy used games, but I need physical media.
If I am going to throw 60$ at a game, I want it on my shelf. I don't want to be reliant on some internet connection to be playing it. Even if I put a 500gb HDD in my PS3, it could have a ton of games on it, but I won't. If the HDD fails, I'll have to download everything again, do not want.
Also, my internet connection is slow, so downloading stuff takes too much time.
If I am going to throw 60$ at a game, I want it on my shelf. I don't want to be reliant on some internet connection to be playing it. Even if I put a 500gb HDD in my PS3, it could have a ton of games on it, but I won't. If the HDD fails, I'll have to download everything again, do not want.
Also, my internet connection is slow, so downloading stuff takes too much time.
I really, really don't want gaming to go fully digital. If it does you'll have to boy direct from the publisher, who'll keep the prices high.
There will be no shops competing to sell their copies, if you want a game you'll have to pay whatever the publishers wants.
There will be no shops competing to sell their copies, if you want a game you'll have to pay whatever the publishers wants.
My copy of Warhawk broke within my PS3. Instead of buying a new copy for $20 (used at $10), I downloaded it for $30. Take from that what you will.
They were asking console gamers, weren't they?
PC has steam and gog - two wonderful services you can trust. And if the publisher doesn;t act like an asshole (like rockstar or 2k), you can get steam games from everywhere without problems.
PC has steam and gog - two wonderful services you can trust. And if the publisher doesn;t act like an asshole (like rockstar or 2k), you can get steam games from everywhere without problems.
You can't put DD games on a shelf. In my world that's a total deal breaker no matter how "convenient" DD may be.
I'm surprised the number isn't higher, though. Out of the people I talk to it's more like 80% prefer physical media.
I'm surprised the number isn't higher, though. Out of the people I talk to it's more like 80% prefer physical media.
I wasn't survey'd so there's a chance that percentage could be higher.
I download my fair share of great XBLA and WiiWare titles so I realize there is still room for both. That reminds me; I need to go download Risk: Factions!
I download my fair share of great XBLA and WiiWare titles so I realize there is still room for both. That reminds me; I need to go download Risk: Factions!
Steam and Xbox Live are the only services I trust for digital purchases. Neither of those is going anywhere anytime soon.
I'm fine with DD. I don't buy the "publishers will control all the prices!!!" spiel. The fact of the matter is that the system owners (sony, microsoft, and nintendo) will control the prices.... Kinda like they already do. The only loss consumers will notice are at the bargain bin.
@CelicaCrazed: I take that you were unlucky.
I greatly favor boxed releases. I like having a physically imposing game collection.
I greatly favor boxed releases. I like having a physically imposing game collection.
My preference is based on storage, really. If it takes up too much space, I get the physical copy, if it doesn't, I'll get the digital version. I don't need a physical copy of Prinny or Castlevania: SOTN.
Given how most gamers treat their physical copies of games like shit, I do get ever-so-tired of sorting through used bins or the pages of Amazon for a copy with a proper box and instructions - sometimes its just easier to have the digital version.
Seriously, if people have such a raging hard-on for physical media the least they can do is not treat the box and instructions like the wrapper of a fucking candy bar.
As for the newspaper statistic, I'm going to assume that part was a joke.
Given how most gamers treat their physical copies of games like shit, I do get ever-so-tired of sorting through used bins or the pages of Amazon for a copy with a proper box and instructions - sometimes its just easier to have the digital version.
Seriously, if people have such a raging hard-on for physical media the least they can do is not treat the box and instructions like the wrapper of a fucking candy bar.
As for the newspaper statistic, I'm going to assume that part was a joke.
What I like about digital distribution most is that I can install it on my hard drive and have several games available without having to switch discs. If I was able to buy a physical copy and install it on my machine and not need the disc to play it I would generally prefer physical media. This goes for all consoles. It's also very convenient to be able to download a game rather than going to a store when you want that option.
With all the DRM issues I keep reading about (coupled with the thriving pte-owned market) I am very surprised the number us that high.
My, I will always prefer physical when it comes to games and movies. I like the whiole experince cover art, phisical manuals etc.
My, I will always prefer physical when it comes to games and movies. I like the whiole experince cover art, phisical manuals etc.
I could be one of the surprisingly high 36%, however there are some things that must change before I were to be ok with fully digital distribution, which IMO are the reason the method has been slow to take over.
1. Developers/Publishers/etc. should stop being the greedy pigs they are.
2. They should get into their heads that gamers aren't idiots (not all of them at least) and will not willingly pay the same price for a digital game when they're surrendering the benefit of selling it once they're done with it/lending it, etc. That's one important reason for a price drop.
3. This is just another way of distribution, not another kind of product. They should leave any hope of making MORE money behind. Making the same profit should suffice.
4. Pass the savings to the gamers. This is what it all comes down to, this method of distribution brings the opportunity of serious savings for companies. A total reevaluation of the price point of games and every transaction implied in bringing a game from developers to gamers is in order.
Basically it depends on whether or not developers have the disposition to charge what would be decent of them to.
PS: If it isn't obvious I'm just sick of all the recent greedy schemes where companies invent products to charge more, deprive gamers of games because some part of the product/service doesn't comply with their robber baron standars of profit, or gives us crap and expect us to not realize it is after all the brainwashing of their advertising campaigns.
1. Developers/Publishers/etc. should stop being the greedy pigs they are.
2. They should get into their heads that gamers aren't idiots (not all of them at least) and will not willingly pay the same price for a digital game when they're surrendering the benefit of selling it once they're done with it/lending it, etc. That's one important reason for a price drop.
3. This is just another way of distribution, not another kind of product. They should leave any hope of making MORE money behind. Making the same profit should suffice.
4. Pass the savings to the gamers. This is what it all comes down to, this method of distribution brings the opportunity of serious savings for companies. A total reevaluation of the price point of games and every transaction implied in bringing a game from developers to gamers is in order.
Basically it depends on whether or not developers have the disposition to charge what would be decent of them to.
PS: If it isn't obvious I'm just sick of all the recent greedy schemes where companies invent products to charge more, deprive gamers of games because some part of the product/service doesn't comply with their robber baron standars of profit, or gives us crap and expect us to not realize it is after all the brainwashing of their advertising campaigns.
Until the day comes were I can freely sell or transfer the downloaded copy on a site like Ebay or Goozex...I'll stick with hard copies thanks.
I dont like the idea of being dependent on an online service to get my games. If I buy a game and only have a digital copy, once the server goes down for the service I lose my game whereas with a physical copy I have my game as long as I can maintain my console and disk or even build or buy a new console for the game making the copy last as long as I could ever need it for
Steam and GoG have changed my mind about digital media distribution. They have their advantages. However, as a collector, I still prefer physical media. GoG does the best job with their distribution to change my mind about that. Steam comes in a distant second.
News is fleeting. I can get that from websites.
Games and films (an yes, even music)? I want to be damned sure I own them.
Games and films (an yes, even music)? I want to be damned sure I own them.
My main concern is disk space, I play alot of games and eventually I'm going to have to delete games if they all need to be stored on the system.
GoG has worked well for me, as have Live and the PSN. Steam, on the other hand, is about 50/50. Some games work, others don't, and when you find out they don't, you remember that whole "no refunds" bit about DD.
Kind of a deal breaker.
Kind of a deal breaker.
for me it goes both ways. on pc i want nothing but digital content as much as i can help it. on a console, i want physical discs.
it's because steam is just so great its a hassle to deal with any other way to play pc games, and they frequently sell the games cheap enough to negate the need to resell them later.
digital games on consoles are still generally relegated to 2 year titles selling for twice as much as i can snag a copy on ebay.
it's because steam is just so great its a hassle to deal with any other way to play pc games, and they frequently sell the games cheap enough to negate the need to resell them later.
digital games on consoles are still generally relegated to 2 year titles selling for twice as much as i can snag a copy on ebay.
I will always prefer physical media. Besides the benefits of having a hard copy (after all you can't sell or borrow a digital copy) I like having a physical collection. I have a ton of dvds and blurays as well as a nice little stack of video games. Besides, I'd hate to be stuck with every single video game I've ever purchased. Constantly being reminded I spent money on Dante's Inferno would be a torture.
i'd like to actually have a physical copy years down the road. you can't really "collect" digital downloads.
I'm surprised the film poll was only at 50%. Most of my friends who are movie geeks (me included) are as proud of their DVD and Blu-Ray collections as they are of their first-born children.
But yeah, I'll never support an only digital platform (iPhone doesn't count).
I like collecting things, and I like the memories I associate with my SNES carts and the instruction book that came with Final Fantasy Tactics. Digital media can be convenient, but 80+% of the games I buy are physical copies. And I like it that way.
But yeah, I'll never support an only digital platform (iPhone doesn't count).
I like collecting things, and I like the memories I associate with my SNES carts and the instruction book that came with Final Fantasy Tactics. Digital media can be convenient, but 80+% of the games I buy are physical copies. And I like it that way.
No surprise.
For citizens of countries of the north is easy to prefer physical media. Just cross the street and buy your copy.
If they had to pay fees and taxes, taxes and fees and wait weeks or months to put his hand in a game. Maybe the result would be different.
For citizens of countries of the north is easy to prefer physical media. Just cross the street and buy your copy.
If they had to pay fees and taxes, taxes and fees and wait weeks or months to put his hand in a game. Maybe the result would be different.
I like physical media because I also like to think that I will be able to play the games that I've paid good money for in 25 years. I can still bust out the NES any time for some Super Mario Bros. action, but who's to say all my XBLA games won't dissapear in 5 or 10 years?
I agree with everyone here. Don't like not being able to sell or lend out something I've purchased doesn't feel right. And the xbox arcade games that don't work when your Internet goes down really sucks.
Trade in shops for games are alive and well because they offer a lot of dollars back. Is it all your money back? No, it's a $20 dollar rental. Publishers would compete better by cutting downloadable prices at release.
I like physical copies because I want to be able to play my games after the download services go down and everyone moves onto the next console. I like it that I am still able to play my NES and SNES games on the hardware they were made for, with the actual controllers, and I don't have to pay anything extra to do so.
Look at DSi ware. If you upgrade to the DSi XL, you can't even play the games you paid for on it. Digital copies take any power you have over your purchase away from you, and certainly don't do things to your advantage. It's all about how they can get the most money out of the consumer. Screw that. I'll just play my NES games until I'm 100.
Look at DSi ware. If you upgrade to the DSi XL, you can't even play the games you paid for on it. Digital copies take any power you have over your purchase away from you, and certainly don't do things to your advantage. It's all about how they can get the most money out of the consumer. Screw that. I'll just play my NES games until I'm 100.
I prefer having a physical copy of a game as well. but i prefer to get my news online.
I like Steam but sometimes they are overpriced (i guess if they figure no one else is selling the game) like Stalker: Call of Pipyat is $30 on their and at wal-mart its $20. Well unless you have a copy of Stalker clear skys or shadows of Chernobyl registered to your steam account, then its $20. Or Divinity 2: Ego Dragones is $50 which wal-mart had for $30, should have picked up a copy before they either sent them back or sold out for good.
I like Steam but sometimes they are overpriced (i guess if they figure no one else is selling the game) like Stalker: Call of Pipyat is $30 on their and at wal-mart its $20. Well unless you have a copy of Stalker clear skys or shadows of Chernobyl registered to your steam account, then its $20. Or Divinity 2: Ego Dragones is $50 which wal-mart had for $30, should have picked up a copy before they either sent them back or sold out for good.
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