One of the best things about digital games is that they lack the cost of physical production, packaging and shipping, ultimately meaning that they cost less to create and should therefore cost less to purchase. Unless of course, you’re Microsoft and Sony, who instead believe that downloads should cost exactly the same at retail.
It’s been discovered that the PSP will not be offering downloadable versions of retail games at a reduced price, with the revelation that Gran Turismo will cost $39.99 for both physical and digital copies. The same goes for Persona‘s PSP release, which will also cost $39.99 on both fronts. We knew Persona’s price previously, and Gran Turismo seems to confirm that this is going to be the standard.
This is, to put it politely, complete and utter bullsh*t. This reduces the appeal of the digital-only PSPgo even more than ever, with customers now expected to pay the same amount of money for a product that doesn’t have a box or manual. Even worse, this is something that Sony Computer Entertainment America has introduced off its own back. In Japan, downloadable games are being sold at a discount. For some reason, SCEA decided we don’t deserve the same treatment.
In the case of Persona, not only will the physical UMD come with its own packaging, but consumers will also get a two-disc soundtrack as a free bonus. Those downloading the game get f*ck all. In fact, you can even buy the physical copy of Persona on Amazon for $36.99, making it cheaper than the downloadable copy.
Absolute crap like this just makes the PSPgo look like a scam, and does absolutely nothing to promote the benefits of downloadable games.Why the hell should we download, when we’re paying the same amount of cash for less content?
That’s simply pathetic, Sony.
