Ubisoft helps the environment: no more instructions manuals, recycled cases

http://kotaku.com/5520261/ubisoft-does-away-with-tree+killing-instruction-manuals

Ubisoft declares they will stop including game manuals in their game releases, in their place there will be extensive (skippable) in-game instructions. Also, they have developed a new DVD case made of 100% recycled materials. If you own the PC version of Splinter Cell Conviction you are already holding one of these eco-cases.

They report that one ton of paper used to make instruction manuals equals to 13 trees, 13.000 gallons of waste water and 6.000 pounds of carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere. Now multiply that a few dozen times and you get the full picture of how much those booklets alone cost in terms of pollution.

I like where this is going. I mean, ok... it's a pity we won't get manuals anymore (although I personally never read them) and yes, UBI will ALSO save a lot of money this way, but it's nice to see someone launching a message to the industry. The next step I guess is digital delivery, although it would make me sad not to have hard copies anymore.

What do you think of this move?

I don't even understand what's the purpose of a game manual anyway. It's not like I need to assemble a bicycle of something.

I think overall this is a good move although I'm with you I really enjoy having the hard copy of the game not just as a back up, but I think there is a part of most humans that wants to physically own something. I don't see myself missing the game manuals to much except in a few rare instances where there were some nice pictures of the game or other cool cover art on it.

That's pretty nice, everybody should do it, besides it's not like you aren't using recycled items, besides i really don't use game manuals, i will barely notice the change.

I don't really think this is an environmental move. It's jsut a cost sutting measure.

And I don't like it. I find the manual much more useful and readable than instructions on the TV screen.

Seems like a good idea. I only read game manuals if I notice it has some story background or extra information. Nothing I can't google though.

They better not change to digital distribution though :x (I still like to have physical music CDs!)

This is no more about helping the environment than their DRM scheme is about customer service.

Couldn't care less.

This is no more about helping the environment than their DRM scheme is about customer service.

QuistisTrepe_

I don't think Ubisoft makes RPGs and those are the only games I read manuals for. Most games have a tutorial for the first level anyways.

And honestly, you'd think that somebody would have come up with a synthetic paper substitute by now.Greyfeld

*Looks at a forum where people are writing stuff but not using paper, pencil or ink*

This substitute that you desire exist.

A good instruction manual really compliments a game as a package. Like, take the old NES manuals that contained tons of extra info on enemies, and trivia. Or the Grand Theft Auto manuals that are usually designed like a parody on a tourist guide. It's a shame to see that developers keep investing less and less time into instruction manuals to a point where they just ditch them altogether. I don't know about the rest, but when I buy a video game, I don't just buy the content on the disc, but also a nice box to put into my collection, and an instruction manual that contains some fun, in-depth information on the game.

Most games these days already fail on instruction manuals. Love them when they are longer than 3 pages. (Halo 2 and Gears 2 great manuals)

Oh crap. I'll never buy a game without a manual.

I don't even understand what's the purpose of a game manual anyway. It's not like I need to assemble a bicycle of something.UpInFlames

Manuals are so weak now as it is though I mean half of the manuals are just so thin its not even funny, so I don't even bother looking at them anymore.

I bet that at Ubisoft's offices in general and via their advertising they consume more paper than they do printing booklets.albatrossdrums

But GameStop will be happy to put it in a plastic bag for you along with a mile long paper receipt.

Meh. Most of the games they release are recycled from other games. This move makes sense.

I don't think Ubisoft's motivation is helping the environment. It just happens they can use it as a marketing ploy.

I don't really think this is an environmental move. It's jsut a cost sutting measure.

And I don't like it. I find the manual much more useful and readable than instructions on the TV screen.

BuryMe

It doesn't matter if the primary intention was to cut cost if the side benefit is environmentally beneficial; most other industries do this all the time. The environmental help announcement helps you publicize a better image of your company though, which is a big plus.

But GameStop will be happy to put it in a plastic bag for you along with a mile long paper receipt.

SupaKoopaTroopa

i think this is a good idea. Personally, i either lose the manual or nevber open it. with no manuals and recycled cases, maybe we can ge the price of games dropped a little? cmon lol huh huh *nudge nudge*

[QUOTE="SupaKoopaTroopa"]But GameStop will be happy to put it in a plastic bag for you along with a mile long paper receipt.Black_Knight_00

[QUOTE="SupaKoopaTroopa"]

But GameStop will be happy to put it in a plastic bag for you along with a mile long paper receipt.

Black_Knight_00

Some manuals used to be great, but now almost all of them have next to nothing in them, probably a good thing thing they did this. I'm sure it is just to cut costs though.

That's kind of a silly reason not to accept a bag... I mean, the bag is already crafted and hanging on the shelf. Not using one isn't going to make it disappear in a puff and smoke while somebody pats you on the back for helping save the environment. Of course, you're welcome to your own feelings on the matter, but whether or not you accept a bag from them, it's going to make its way to the dump eventually anyway.

You can say the same thing about vegetarians. But if everyone who went to Gamestop stopped accepting bags then they would have no need to ever get more of them.

[QUOTE="Black_Knight_00"][QUOTE="SupaKoopaTroopa"]But GameStop will be happy to put it in a plastic bag for you along with a mile long paper receipt.Greyfeld

The fewer people who use bags, the fewer bags that need to be made. How is that silly?

[QUOTE="Greyfeld"][QUOTE="Black_Knight_00"] That's why I never accept plastic bags. I mean, i think my hands can still hold a DVD case without the need of a non-biodegradable plastic bag.muthsera666

The fewer people who use bags, the fewer bags that need to be made. How is that silly?

[QUOTE="muthsera666"][QUOTE="Greyfeld"]That's kind of a silly reason not to accept a bag... I mean, the bag is already crafted and hanging on the shelf. Not using one isn't going to make it disappear in a puff and smoke while somebody pats you on the back for helping save the environment. Of course, you're welcome to your own feelings on the matter, but whether or not you accept a bag from them, it's going to make its way to the dump eventually anyway.Greyfeld

You're right. We're all just one person. Let's do whatever we want, because one person doesn't have any meaningful impact. :?

[QUOTE="Greyfeld"][QUOTE="muthsera666"]The fewer people who use bags, the fewer bags that need to be made. How is that silly?muthsera666

You're right. We're all just one person. Let's do whatever we want, because one person doesn't have any meaningful impact. :?

Still, if no company has done this before it must mean the money they'll save is not as much as we think, because if this was the case we'd already have been without manuals a long time ago.Black_Knight_00

A very interesting notion that deserves notice.

The the sentiments of some of the members here whom believer their abolition are quite ignorant of those whom do enjoy the manuals. As stated by of one the members, this is a stride that hurts consumers and not technically those of the company.

As for the other side, think of the interesting things they could do with an in-game manual. Could add contextual music, graphical enhancements, and perhaps provide a better understanding of the game itself.

I remain neutral on the position, but as an advocate of non-digital distribution of video games, I find this bothersome.

[QUOTE="Black_Knight_00"] Still, if no company has done this before it must mean the money they'll save is not as much as we think, because if this was the case we'd already have been without manuals a long time ago.whisperingmute

A very interesting notion that deserves notice.

The the sentiments of some of the members here whom believer their abolition are quite ignorant of those whom do enjoy the manuals. As stated by of one the members, this is a stride that hurts consumers and not technically those of the company.

As for the other side, think of the interesting things they could do with an in-game manual. Could add contextual music, graphical enhancements, and perhaps provide a better understanding of the game itself.

I remain neutral on the position, but as an advocate of non-digital distribution of video games, I find this bothersome.

That's kind of a silly reason not to accept a bag... I mean, the bag is already crafted and hanging on the shelf. Not using one isn't going to make it disappear in a puff and smoke while somebody pats you on the back for helping save the environment.Greyfeld

Hell, I don't want to sound like a tree hugger here, but, dude...

Meh. Most of the games they release are recycled from other games. This move makes sense.

Alter_Echo

Really?

I'd rank Ubisoft as one of the best publishers/developers out there right now. Hell, they even release killer apps on the Wii like Red Steel 2 and No More Heroes 1 and 2.

And the newest Splinter Cell is one of the better stealth games to date.

[QUOTE="muthsera666"][QUOTE="Greyfeld"]All I'm saying is 1 person not taking 1 bag from 1 shop isn't going to do anything. If you really want to make a difference when it comes to that sort of thing, get yourself some canvas shopping bags to use at the grocery store. That's what my girlfriend does.Greyfeld

No, I think you missed the entire point of someone making a conscious decision to change the way that he chooses to do things. It may not be much on one person, but every course taken in human history has been begun with one person.

[QUOTE="Greyfeld"][QUOTE="muthsera666"]You're right. We're all just one person. Let's do whatever we want, because one person doesn't have any meaningful impact. :?muthsera666

No, I think you missed the entire point of someone making a conscious decision to change the way that he chooses to do things. It may not be much on one person, but every course taken in human history has been begun with one person.

[QUOTE="Greyfeld"]That's kind of a silly reason not to accept a bag... I mean, the bag is already crafted and hanging on the shelf. Not using one isn't going to make it disappear in a puff and smoke while somebody pats you on the back for helping save the environment.Black_Knight_00

Hell, I don't want to sound like a tree hugger here, but, dude...

Again, completely missing the point. Read my post shortly after the one you latched on and ranted about.

[QUOTE="muthsera666"][QUOTE="Greyfeld"]I think you completely missed the point of my entire post...Greyfeld

[QUOTE="Black_Knight_00"]

[QUOTE="Greyfeld"]That's kind of a silly reason not to accept a bag... I mean, the bag is already crafted and hanging on the shelf. Not using one isn't going to make it disappear in a puff and smoke while somebody pats you on the back for helping save the environment.Greyfeld

Hell, I don't want to sound like a tree hugger here, but, dude...

Again, completely missing the point. Read my post shortly after the one you latched on and ranted about.