Digital Distribution Vs. Disk

i always prefer having the disk i cant go to the notion of owning something that does not exsit in my handssilverammo

^^^Dis man speaketh da trueff!!

it's inevitable that the industry will shift to digital distribution. it's already happened with music.shoeman12

How is it inevitable, music files a MUCH MUCH MUCH smaller than a game file, full games are multiple GB, and with music its convient for DD because you listen to it while your going about everyday life

You have to understand the industry and why they make that move before you go and say it "it happened with one industry it is GOING TO happen to another"

[QUOTE="shoeman12"]it's inevitable that the industry will shift to digital distribution. it's already happened with music.spidadragon1

How is it inevitable, music files a MUCH MUCH MUCH smaller than a game file, full games are multiple GB, and with music its convient for DD because you listen to it while your going about everyday life

You have to understand the industry and why they make that move before you go and say it "it happened with one industry it is GOING TO happen to another"

The size of music files were a big deal back in the day when we were in dial up.. I think its safe to assume with how fast internet is now and how fast its going to get, size is not the factor here..

DD is the future. People attached to disks sound like those old crones who resist any new technology because it's alien to them. I happily dumped VHS for DVDs and I'll happily dump disks for digital distribution. It is just clearly superior and the only reason anyone would resist it is because they are not familiar with it. When our tech advances to the point where DD is viable and fully integrated into all forms of entertainment you can keep your disks. I'll be enjoying the exact same experience as you but without the nuissance and expense of disk drives and I won't have to worry about disk storage, scratches, dust, etc.

You like to own a physical representation of your data? Just think about how that sounds. Exactly. Who cares how they get their data? Data is data

Plus, it's not like a computer file doesn't exist in the physical realm so I really dont understand what the big deal is. I think people who use the argument that disks are great because you can physically handle them think that there is a different universe inside their computer

You'll all see. Take that poll again in 8 years

[QUOTE="spidadragon1"]

[QUOTE="shoeman12"]it's inevitable that the industry will shift to digital distribution. it's already happened with music.sSubZerOo

How is it inevitable, music files a MUCH MUCH MUCH smaller than a game file, full games are multiple GB, and with music its convient for DD because you listen to it while your going about everyday life

You have to understand the industry and why they make that move before you go and say it "it happened with one industry it is GOING TO happen to another"

The size of music files were a big deal back in the day when we were in dial up.. I think its safe to assume with how fast internet is now and how fast its going to get, size is not the factor here..

Yea but with music it makes SENSE for DD to be the primary format because it is a passive medium, you sit back and listen, its more convenient, with a game you put in a disk and you play for hours and you take the disk out, its not worth going through all these problems just to get a DD game when you have a physical copy.

Maybe its me but I just don't understand why anyone would prefer something that they cannot hold then something tangible that you can LOOK AT, SEE, POINT TO, TOUCH

DD is the future. People attached to disks sound like those old crones who resist any new technology because it's alien to them. I happily dumped VHS for DVDs and I'll happily dump disks for digital distribution. It is just clearly superior and the only reason anyone would resist it is because they are not familiar with it. When our tech advances to the point where DD is viable and fully integrated into all forms of entertainment you can keep your disks. I'll be enjoying the exact same experience as you but without the nuissance and expense of disk drives and I won't have to worry about disk storage, scratches, dust, etc.

You like to own a physical representation of your data? Just think about how that sounds. Exactly. Who cares how they get their data? Data is data

Plus, it's not like a computer file doesn't exist in the physical realm so I really dont understand what the big deal is. I think people who use the argument that disks are great because you can physically handle them think that there is a different universe inside their computer

You'll all see. Take that poll again in 8 years

GunSmith1_basic

Throught the perspective of a console gamer, this would suck.. DD as it stands would kill the rental industry, and destroy the used game industry.. Top that off there is more then just that, what about being able to borrow games from friends? Not its made even more a hassle with most likely borrowing their accounts.

DD is the future. People attached to disks sound like those old crones who resist any new technology because it's alien to them. I happily dumped VHS for DVDs and I'll happily dump disks for digital distribution. It is just clearly superior and the only reason anyone would resist it is because they are not familiar with it. When our tech advances to the point where DD is viable and fully integrated into all forms of entertainment you can keep your disks. I'll be enjoying the exact same experience as you but without the nuissance and expense of disk drives and I won't have to worry about disk storage, scratches, dust, etc.

You like to own a physical representation of your data? Just think about how that sounds. Exactly. Who cares how they get their data? Data is data

Plus, it's not like a computer file doesn't exist in the physical realm so I really dont understand what the big deal is. I think people who use the argument that disks are great because you can physically handle them think that there is a different universe inside their computer

You'll all see. Take that poll again in 8 years

GunSmith1_basic

With my games, i want the disc.

Movies, i could care less. The other day i was looking thur the movies on the PSN, I saw a lot of movies that i would download and treat them just like my other disc movies that i buy.

[QUOTE="GunSmith1_basic"]

DD is the future. People attached to disks sound like those old crones who resist any new technology because it's alien to them. I happily dumped VHS for DVDs and I'll happily dump disks for digital distribution. It is just clearly superior and the only reason anyone would resist it is because they are not familiar with it. When our tech advances to the point where DD is viable and fully integrated into all forms of entertainment you can keep your disks. I'll be enjoying the exact same experience as you but without the nuissance and expense of disk drives and I won't have to worry about disk storage, scratches, dust, etc.

You like to own a physical representation of your data? Just think about how that sounds. Exactly. Who cares how they get their data? Data is data

Plus, it's not like a computer file doesn't exist in the physical realm so I really dont understand what the big deal is. I think people who use the argument that disks are great because you can physically handle them think that there is a different universe inside their computer

You'll all see. Take that poll again in 8 years

sSubZerOo

Throught the perspective of a console gamer, this would suck.. DD as it stands would kill the rental industry, and destroy the used game industry.. Top that off there is more then just that, what about being able to borrow games from friends? Not its made even more a hassle with most likely borrowing their accounts.

There must be a solution for sharing the game with friends as well

[QUOTE="GunSmith1_basic"]

DD is the future. People attached to disks sound like those old crones who resist any new technology because it's alien to them. I happily dumped VHS for DVDs and I'll happily dump disks for digital distribution. It is just clearly superior and the only reason anyone would resist it is because they are not familiar with it. When our tech advances to the point where DD is viable and fully integrated into all forms of entertainment you can keep your disks. I'll be enjoying the exact same experience as you but without the nuissance and expense of disk drives and I won't have to worry about disk storage, scratches, dust, etc.

You like to own a physical representation of your data? Just think about how that sounds. Exactly. Who cares how they get their data? Data is data

Plus, it's not like a computer file doesn't exist in the physical realm so I really dont understand what the big deal is. I think people who use the argument that disks are great because you can physically handle them think that there is a different universe inside their computer

You'll all see. Take that poll again in 8 years

-Mad_Rhetoric-

i always prefer having the disk i cant go to the notion of owning something that does not exsit in my handssilverammo

This this this! I'll never buy anything that doesn't have a physical copy of it, because I never feel like truly owning it unless I can point my finger at it and say "I bought this." And no, pointing to a file folder or Steam account doesn't count. I guess I just like to collect stuff, you know physical stuff that actually exists? And there are a lot of people who feel the same.

DD is the future. People attached to disks sound like those old crones who resist any new technology because it's alien to them. I happily dumped VHS for DVDs and I'll happily dump disks for digital distribution. It is just clearly superior and the only reason anyone would resist it is because they are not familiar with it. When our tech advances to the point where DD is viable and fully integrated into all forms of entertainment you can keep your disks. I'll be enjoying the exact same experience as you but without the nuissance and expense of disk drives and I won't have to worry about disk storage, scratches, dust, etc.

You like to own a physical representation of your data? Just think about how that sounds. Exactly. Who cares how they get their data? Data is data

Plus, it's not like a computer file doesn't exist in the physical realm so I really dont understand what the big deal is. I think people who use the argument that disks are great because you can physically handle them think that there is a different universe inside their computer

You'll all see. Take that poll again in 8 years

GunSmith1_basic

You do realize that from VHS to DVD is still a phyical property right? From DVD/Blu-Ray to DD is something completely different

How is it superior? You can't see it, you can't touch it. you can't hold it, and it's the same. Your saying your going with the "progress" just for the sake of "progress" like a puppet.

YES I DO ACTUALLY LIKE A PHYSICAL REPRESENTATION OF WHAT I'M PLAYING! So your saying you don't like having a case with boxart that you can look at and open and put the disk into the console?

i prefer havign a disc....but i still think that DD is going to take over.

im not overly against DD. the only problem i have with it really at the mo is that u cant transfer ownership of ure game (or in the rare cases that u can, u have to pay. so if i want to give my copy of HL2 to my friend (so that i no longer have it in my list on steam...im not talking about copying)...i cant unless i give him my steam account details or, i think, i give valve 10 bucks to transfer it over.

its the same with the consoles...i cant give my copy of lost winds to a friend. there is a gift system on wii, but only for new purchases.

and so on.

DD can be very handy for smaller games and for getting games not available on the shelf anymore. but there are some things that need sorting.

[QUOTE="GunSmith1_basic"]

DD is the future. People attached to disks sound like those old crones who resist any new technology because it's alien to them. I happily dumped VHS for DVDs and I'll happily dump disks for digital distribution. It is just clearly superior and the only reason anyone would resist it is because they are not familiar with it. When our tech advances to the point where DD is viable and fully integrated into all forms of entertainment you can keep your disks. I'll be enjoying the exact same experience as you but without the nuissance and expense of disk drives and I won't have to worry about disk storage, scratches, dust, etc.

You like to own a physical representation of your data? Just think about how that sounds. Exactly. Who cares how they get their data? Data is data

Plus, it's not like a computer file doesn't exist in the physical realm so I really dont understand what the big deal is. I think people who use the argument that disks are great because you can physically handle them think that there is a different universe inside their computer

You'll all see. Take that poll again in 8 years

spidadragon1

You do realize that from VHS to DVD is still a phyical property right? From DVD/Blu-Ray to DD is something completely different

How is it superior? You can't see it, you can't touch it. you can't hold it, and it's the same. Your saying your going with the "progress" just for the sake of "progress" like a puppet.

YES I DO ACTUALLY LIKE A PHYSICAL REPRESENTATION OF WHAT I'M PLAYING! So your saying you don't like having a case with boxart that you can look at and open and put the disk into the console?

I really do not relate to the people here saying that they like to be able to hold the game in their hands or they like the instruction booklets, or whatever. All I see is the experience of playing the game

Digital distribution is a waste.

1. I don't want to wait 4+ hours for a multi-GB game.

2. If I'm buying a virtual copy, I want the game for less than the physical copy.

3. I want the ability to burn the digital copy to my own physical disc in as high of quality and with the same lastign quality as a professionally made copy.

4. I want a multi-terrabyte harddrive capable of storing all of the games I would own for a cheap and fair price.

5. I want assurances that 10 years down the road I can still download my copy of the game I bought. The same goes for 20 or 30 years.

6. I don't want my digital copies linked to one specific PC or console. Systems break.

When digital distribution can take care of all of those issues, I'll care.

Velric

1 I'd rather download stalker cs and crysis warhead on steam now, than wait a week for it at the shop (doesn't come out for another week here in nz)

2 again they are both cheaper than at the retail store

3 steam let you back everything up

4 1tb is dirt cheap

5 not like steam is going to go bust tomorrow

6 steam games aren't tied to hardware but to user account.

Hard copy lbjkurono23

so I can grab it and snap it in half for a joke? :lol: can break my dd games

As a PC gamer I find this great.. As a console gamer I say NO.. This will most likely kill the rental service that console gamers enjoy.. This will destroy the used game trade as we know it.sSubZerOo

its a win win for the dev no more people ripping them off

[QUOTE="lbjkurono23"]Hard copy imprezawrx500

so I can grab it and snap it in half for a joke? :lol: can't break my dd games

[QUOTE="Velric"]

Digital distribution is a waste.

1. I don't want to wait 4+ hours for a multi-GB game.

2. If I'm buying a virtual copy, I want the game for less than the physical copy.

3. I want the ability to burn the digital copy to my own physical disc in as high of quality and with the same lastign quality as a professionally made copy.

4. I want a multi-terrabyte harddrive capable of storing all of the games I would own for a cheap and fair price.

5. I want assurances that 10 years down the road I can still download my copy of the game I bought. The same goes for 20 or 30 years.

6. I don't want my digital copies linked to one specific PC or console. Systems break.

When digital distribution can take care of all of those issues, I'll care.

imprezawrx500

1 I'd rather download stalker cs and crysis warhead on steam now, than wait a week for it at the shop (doesn't come out for another week here in nz)

2 again they are both cheaper than at the retail store

3 steam let you back everything up

4 1tb is dirt cheap

5 not like steam is going to go bust tomorrow

6 steam games aren't tied to hardware but to user account.

The only probleme I have is bandwith cap... a 5gig download would take 1/4 of my montly cap... each gig is 7$ more.

Digital distribution is far more convenient, but discs are safer purchases and offer more quality. If your download doesn't work, good luck with that one. Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game.Skittles_McGee

When did a download never work...

And it has nothing to do with quality, why do people even associate that?

[QUOTE="lbjkurono23"]Hard copy imprezawrx500

so I can grab it and snap it in half for a joke? :lol: can break my dd games

I can't physically break them, but I can make your digital copy so farking useless that it would make a DVD rewinder envious.

[QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"]Digital distribution is far more convenient, but discs are safer purchases and offer more quality. If your download doesn't work, good luck with that one. Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game.Bebi_vegeta

When did a download never work...

And it has nothing to do with quality, why do people even associate that?

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

[QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"]Digital distribution is far more convenient, but discs are safer purchases and offer more quality. If your download doesn't work, good luck with that one. Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game.Skittles_McGee

When did a download never work...

And it has nothing to do with quality, why do people even associate that?

Just like hardware... it never fails right?

[QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"][QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

[QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"]Digital distribution is far more convenient, but discs are safer purchases and offer more quality. If your download doesn't work, good luck with that one. Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game.Bebi_vegeta

When did a download never work...

And it has nothing to do with quality, why do people even associate that?

Just like hardware... it never fails right?

I'm really confused as to where you're going with this. Really confused.

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"][QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"][QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

When did a download never work...

And it has nothing to do with quality, why do people even associate that?

Skittles_McGee

Just like hardware... it never fails right?

I'm really confused as to where you're going with this. Really confused.

Euh, I was pretty confiused when you were talking about quality...

But i'll remind you what the arguement was, since you seem to be lost... The argument was: Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game AND your download doesn't work, good luck with that one.

Knowing you need software in order to run your hardware... hardware can fail just as much as software.

[QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"][QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"][QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"][QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"]

[QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"]Digital distribution is far more convenient, but discs are safer purchases and offer more quality. If your download doesn't work, good luck with that one. Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game.Bebi_vegeta

When did a download never work...

And it has nothing to do with quality, why do people even associate that?

Just like hardware... it never fails right?

I'm really confused as to where you're going with this. Really confused.

Euh, I was pretty confiused when you were talking about quality...

But i'll remind you what the arguement was, since you seem to lost... The argument was: Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game AND your download doesn't work, good luck with that one.

Knowing you need software in order to run your hardware... hardware can fail just as much as software.

[QUOTE="Bebi_vegeta"][QUOTE="Skittles_McGee"]

Um... hardware can fail too.

I'm really confused as to where you're going with this. Really confused.

Skittles_McGee

Euh, I was pretty confiused when you were talking about quality...

But i'll remind you what the arguement was, since you seem to lost... The argument was: Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game AND your download doesn't work, good luck with that one.

Knowing you need software in order to run your hardware... hardware can fail just as much as software.

What... now i'm confused...

This is what you said : Its much easier to get a working disc than a downloaded game AND your download doesn't work, good luck with that one.

I don't resell my games and you can re-download them off of PSN/LIVE if something happens to your HDD..

DD for me...

Ok, here's my take on this whole thing (I won't even go in-depth).

Recently I had been thinking "yes DD is the future for sure", and I still kinda think that but I'm having second thoughts. And here is why.

DD is going to take over the movie service. I'm almost positive of that. DD in the games arena, however, is going to be a much bigger problem. The problem is on several levels

1. Infrastructure

- no need to elaborate this. Long d/l speeds, games are getting bigger, ISPs are putting caps on their services, etc.

2. Used game market

- people absolutely, unequivocally loved used video games. They love selling them and buying them. Video games are easily the most expensive media and people want to experience the title and be able to exchange it once they get their fill. I'd almost argue that people love buying used games more than new games.

3. Pricing

- as I said before, people LOVE used games, they just love 'em. The question now is whether or not the publishers will adjust their pricing. They are going to have to entice (most) people to purchase a game over digital distribution. A $60 retail game CAN NOT cost $60 to download. It just can not. If publishers try to do this they will kill DD right there. So you're telling the consumer, yeah, we're gonna sell you a $60 product (which is a sizeable purchase for one singular piece of entertainment for people) for the same price they're gonna sell it to you at Gamestop up the road (hell they might even have it used their for $10 less). And oh yeah, you don't get any packaging, and if you want a manual, well here's a website where you can go download a PDF file. Hope you have your Adobe Reader up to date! And oh yeah, you wanna sell it back and recoup some of your purchase? Nah, can't do that either. Hope you enjoy owning Big Rigs 3 forever, (because you can never trade that piece of garbage in for anything).

edit: Ok, I got kinda long-winded, sorry.

DD has a long uphill battle in my eyes.

Uh... well my point is that no matter how many times you download a game, its usually going to have the exact same files. If a disc doesn't work, the most likely answer is that some of the files were written wrong.
Skittles_McGee

so you're assuming it's more likely the DD service screwed up the files they got then you getting a defective disc.

Even with a 10gbit internetz and a 100T HDD i would still prefer having a game on a disc. But the possibility of installing the game is fine.(if u dont have to pop it in everytime u play like xbug 360)

[QUOTE="imprezawrx500"]

[QUOTE="lbjkurono23"]Hard copy Verge_6

so I can grab it and snap it in half for a joke? :lol: can break my dd games

Then I just go an download it again

I can't physically break them, but I can make your digital copy so farking useless that it would make a DVD rewinder envious.

I'm a collector. I prefer a hard copy with the box, insert, and manual.famicommander

that 2 page cod4 manual? :lol:

[QUOTE="Verge_6"][QUOTE="imprezawrx500"]

[QUOTE="lbjkurono23"]Hard copy imprezawrx500

so I can grab it and snap it in half for a joke? :lol: can break my dd games

Then I just go an download it again

I can't physically break them, but I can make your digital copy so farking useless that it would make a DVD rewinder envious.

Then ibjkurono here can just buy a new copy when you break it.