Hard copies VS. Digital copies - Which do you prefer? Is it important to you?

I'm a game collector, so I much prefer the hard copy of a game over a digital copy 100% of the time. I'm not even taking advantage of the Welcome Back program that Sony is offering simply because of the fact that it is offering a digital copy of a game. I was so excited to hear that an HD version of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil Code Veronica was being released, but I was extremely disappointed when I found out that it was only going to be available on XBL and PSN through digital distribution. Because of this, I will end up passing on the games because I have no interest in owning digital copies of them, I want hard copies to add to my collection. Hopefully they do in fact end up releasing a hard copy of it somewhere down the line. I really like having the box, box artwork, manuals, discs etc. That's half the fun in buying a game in my opinion.

So what do you prefer? Hard copy or digital copy? Is it important to you at all?

For the average game I prefer digital. Even on Xbox 360.

For games I'm really looking forward to, are fairly complex with manuals, maps, etc....I want hard copy. These are rare though.

I like hard copies because I don't really feel as though I really 'own' the game if it's digital. Weird, but I'm there's some of you who know what I mean.

I was once a hard-copy only guy. I liked the feeling of the game box, CD and manual in my hands and also had the reassurance that if ever something happened, I was sure to have a physical copy in order to re-install it. Just recently (last year), I've begun buying games off of Steam (for PC) because of the nice sales the platform offers at frequent intervals that allows me to save loads of money and thus, more games!

However, when it comes to music, I still buy the physical CD because I buy them on sale and it's still cheaper than digital and all of the benefits I consider of physical concerning CD's are identical to those of games.

Hard copies I'm a collector I want to have my games on my shelf.

For PC I'm Digital Only. On PS3 I have 2 Digital games and 2 Hard Copied Games.

hard copy..cant beat the smell of a new game, its like getting a new car or guitar theres just that smell of newness.

Aswell as being able to sit your collection up in the corner, and pre-order bonuses and the whole going in the shop.Just buying games or CD's in a shop feels more worthwhile for some reason.

Hard copy, I infinitely prefer them though I've bought stuff on Steam, PSN etc. Just doesn't feel the same to just have them on the computer/console. The new-game smell is just too hard to resist.

Hard copy for consle games and digital copy for PC games most of the time.TheGuardian03

Hard copy. Don't have to wait for my game to download, recently a lot more free stuff, and the box just looks cool! :D

I cannot, for the life of me, understand people who want their console titles on hard copy but prefer digital for PC. Im assuming you all can see the advantages of a digital-only ecosystem? Dont have to worry about discs at all, one button and press and you're playing the game, updates happen automagically in the background, etc.

Why would you NOT want that for your console as well?

Digital. I wish everything was digital. Everything right there, neatly organized, waiting for you, and with quicker load times to boot.

Down with Hard Copies of Everything!

I cannot, for the life of me, understand people who want their console titles on hard copy but prefer digital for PC. Im assuming you all can see the advantages of a digital-only ecosystem? Dont have to worry about discs at all, one button and press and you're playing the game, updates happen automagically in the background, etc.

Why would you NOT want that for your console as well?

XaosII

Console games: Hard copies

PC games: Digital because of the awful boxes they use.

hard copys are way better. so much more you can do with them! I can resell them, trade them, give them to a friend. With digital content its not even real and is locked down. i love having a collection rather then just a short cut on a hard drive.

These days both,but digital is the future.Arach666

[QUOTE="Arach666"]These days both,but digital is the future.khoofia_pika

[QUOTE="khoofia_pika"][QUOTE="Arach666"]These days both,but digital is the future.Arach666

Hard copies is much better, then you can sell games you get tired of

I'm a game collector, so I much prefer the hard copy of a game over a digital copy 100% of the time. I'm not even taking advantage of the Welcome Back program that Sony is offering simply because of the fact that it is offering a digital copy of a game. I was so excited to hear that an HD version of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil Code Veronica was being released, but I was extremely disappointed when I found out that it was only going to be available on XBL and PSN through digital distribution. Because of this, I will end up passing on the games because I have no interest in owning digital copies of them, I want hard copies to add to my collection. Hopefully they do in fact end up releasing a hard copy of it somewhere down the line. I really like having the box, box artwork, manuals, discs etc. That's half the fun in buying a game in my opinion.

So what do you prefer? Hard copy or digital copy? Is it important to you at all?

arkephonic

When given the choice, hard copy for sure, but I'm not so crazy about it that I will deny myself enjoying a game like you apparently are TC. Would it really hurt you to take advantage of the FREE games in the Welcome Back program. Are you going to miss out on enjoying those HD RE games just because you cant put a disc in the console?

I could understand if you were a real game collector. You know, the guy that buys rare games, special edition games, or any other titles of significance and never plans on opening those games.

But since you are buying games solely for entertainment purposes I think its a bit strange.

[QUOTE="Arach666"]

[QUOTE="khoofia_pika"] You like SS, your opinion does not matter :twisted:khoofia_pika

Hard copy for console games and digital copy for PC games most of the time.TheGuardian03

[QUOTE="khoofia_pika"][QUOTE="Arach666"] You like Zelda,your opinion became obsolete many years ago. :x

Arach666

[QUOTE="khoofia_pika"][QUOTE="Arach666"] You like Zelda,your opinion became obsolete many years ago. :x

Arach666

[QUOTE="Arach666"][QUOTE="khoofia_pika"] So you mean the opinion of almost every gamer in this world has an opinion that doesn't matter? :okhoofia_pika

1. Zelda

2. Awesome

Choose one.

[spoiler] 0_O [/spoiler]

Hard copies, i don't see the point paying for digital copies you can just get it for free

Hard copies for consoles. For PC, it varies. I'm suited for both, but I prefer digital. At least on Steam, once a purchase is made, it travels with you. Worst comes to worst, if you lose the backup, just click install again and Steam will download the game again.

I'd rather have hard copies.Makes me feel like I actually own something and have something to show off.

Digital, I don't see any point in trading in games and physical copies of a new game can cost $110-120 where I live.

Plus I don't really want to lug around 100+ games if I move out or move in with someone.

I like hard copies because I don't really feel as though I really 'own' the game if it's digital. Weird, but I'm there's some of you who know what I mean.

Cheesehead9099

^Yes, this 100%. I know what you mean.

For games that are 10 years old, digital.

I'll always prefer hard over digital.

On PC, mostly digital, it's much more convenient. I still buy a hard copy for nostalgic reasons once in a while.. Just for sequels to games I loved in the past...

On console, well there's no choice really :P

Physical copies here.

Hard Copies. I have this weird appreciation for titles where I find it difficult to get rid of copies and game cases, especially if it's a game I really liked. Lot of good memories on the shelf. Always liked looking at a shelf full of games.

hard copies. sometimes digital for small fun arcade type games but thats it.

Hard copy for consle games and digital copy for PC games most of the time.TheGuardian03

I have to agree, well the nearest walmart or something like it from my house is 102 miles away :/ so if I buy a pc game it's on steam and if it's on console I make a road trip and go get a hard copy :D