Boxed vs Download

[Dhruin]

All things being equal, do you prefer to purchase digital downloads or boxed copies of PC games?

[Dhruin]

Digital download for me. It's usually faster and cheaper than retail here in Australia, I hate going to the store and while I have a fond memories of my old box collection, I just don't have the space these days. I also buy a lot of indie games digitally.

Steam, TGN and indie developers are my main avenues.

[Stanza]

Long after Microsoft has deprecated the OS, and ATI and Nvidia have released incompatible drivers, and the CD has succumbed to bitrot, I want a box to hold and a manual to read ...

... and memories of a game I enjoyed playing.

[15th]

Not too long ago, I would of voted Boxed-Copy. For the same reasons as Dhruin, I've gone done the digital path.

I still would love a nice big thick tome of a manual, soundtrack CD extra and other nice stuff you see in special-edition releases, but a lot of it is just superflourous.

That said, I do like what has happened with certian games. The Boxed copy letting you register with an account to grab the digital download at a later point. The Half-life series via Steam is the best known example of this. (more out there of course)

[Corwin]

Sorry, I like having a physical copy in my hand. Remember it's all things being equal and that should include price and date of availability!! :)

[Korplem]

I don't think I have a real preference but I tend to buy boxes more than downloads.

[Prime Junta]

Boxed, no question. The reasons? Re-downloading is a hassle, and... there are risks.

I bought Beyond Good and Evil as a download from direct2drive a couple of years ago. Recently I decided to give it another spin, so I found my account, found the download, downloaded, and installed it.

The first time I started up, it asked for my activation code.

I looked that up too, and entered it.

Then I got an error message: "Could not issue license, because you are in a country where this is not permitted."

Funny, since I had (a) expressly checked that it was available for my country when I bought it, and (b) it was localized to French, German, and Spanish. IOW, I'm pretty sure it's sloppy programming from the activation provider -- they don't handle old products right.

To activate the game that I had bought and previously activated and played, I had to lie about my nationality. I turned myself into an honorary Montanan, and the game activated fine. Of course, if they had something like an IP mask check, that wouldn't have worked.

IOW, I don't like download copies because my ability to play the game is revocable at the whim of whoever I bought it from.

The same applies to on-line activation, of course, but with the logistics involved in getting a physical copy to store shelves, it's at least slightly more likely that this sort of thing won't happen.

[slam23]

For any cRPG I prefer Boxed. Nothing beats a plump and richly illustrated manual with lots of stat boxes! Remember the manual of Baldur's Gate 1? It also was a complete introduction to AD&D ruleset 2.0. Alas, these days manual tend to be kind of flimsy. What infuriates me most is the PDF-hoax "New and improved! No hassle with stupid paper, we supplied the manual in electronic form on this very DVD for your convenience! We even provide it free for you!".

[fatBastard()]

I'm a collector at heart so there is no question that I have to have the boxed version so that I can put it on a shelf and admire it as I pass by ... yes I know it is a character flaw but I have so may others already that one more or less isn't going to make a difference o_O

[Asbjoern]

I'm using Steam more and more. Convenient, easy and it frees up a lot of shelf place.

[Sorcha Ravenlock]

Physical all the way :p

I prefer a boxed copy, I like to actually have the stuff myself rather then rely on other sources to be able to (re)play my games. I would just be too worried I wouldn't be able to replay a game 10 years from now. I even back up game patches and walkthroughs just in case they disappear in time.
Besides that, with the frequency I uninstall and reinstall games, it would be eating up our download limit if I had to re-download the games every time. Not to mention I like manuals, bonus CDs, art books, and stuff like that :)

Having said that, I know that in the US they still pack games in cardboard boxes, whereas over here most games come in DVD (sized) cases, which makes it a lot easier to store them since they are the same size and take up less space.
So I can understand that space might be an issue for those cardboard boxes.

[Surlent]

Boxed. When everything in your OS goes down, it's good to have a spare copy.
Though I'm somewhat annoyed how the boxed versions take so long to come in stores.

If creating backups were more legal and less of a hassle with copy protections, I'd go for digital.

[Dhruin]

Seems to me it's easier to backup digital games than physical ones, Surlent.

1. Steam. Select backup from the menu.
2. TBN. No copy protection. Copy it as you like.
3. Spiderweb and other indies. Copy as you like.

That's assuming I bother, because I can download from Steam as often as I like.

Disc? Hope that Nero works but even if it does, you'll need to find a fixed .exe because of the Securom.

[txa1265]

Hmmm ... I am in a quandary over this. On the one hand I love Steam and have enjoyed the simple reinstall of games using the service. On the other I enjoy having the physical media as insurance against companies going belly-up. All things equal I'd take download, though.

[Pladio]

For me it's like cash vs credit card. I'd like to feel how much I have instead of just knowing a number :)
Boxed it is.

[Chekote]

Right now I'm on the fence. I used to want boxed copies, but the facilities for digital downloads are getting better and better, so eventually I'll be all for digital versions.

My main problem right now is storage of the digital downloads. I would like to keep all my software on a hard drive based storage, but I'm already constantly maxing out my storage options with data only. It's really not viable for me to buy a SAN or NAS just for keeping my games and their backups!

I think it will start moving to digital only within the next decade, mainly driven by the consoles. Consoles have already started pushing serious advancements in usability for digital content (XBox Live being a prime example). Once consoles start having enough storage to actually download many many entire games, then eventually they'll go completely digital and you'll just buy the console and pay for a service to get software just like your cable TV (with all the various subscription types).

[Surlent]

Seems to me it's easier to backup digital games than physical ones, Surlent.

1. Steam. Select backup from the menu.
2. TBN. No copy protection. Copy it as you like.
3. Spiderweb and other indies. Copy as you like.

That's assuming I bother, because I can download from Steam as often as I like.

Disc? Hope that Nero works but even if it does, you'll need to find a fixed .exe because of the Securom.Sounds interesting, might have to give it a try someday. Though I've read on the net that few games like Bioshock actually had Securom on them even when they downloaded it digitally. But then this is just hearsay.

[narpet]

Boxed, boxed, boxed... as you all know I'm a collector... Well, it would be pretty hard to collect something if there was nothing physical. The only time I will buy a download is if it's the only option available, and I don't even really like doing that for all the valid reasons mentioned here by others.

[15th]

A number of the Steam games have had their origional copy protection when first made avaliable. I know Starforce has been removed over time, But SecurRom on BioShock looks like it will stay until it they stop using it in retail.

For backups I just copy the apps directory to a portable hard drive, does not give me hassles like its inbuilt backup feature.

[cutterjohn]

Boxed all the way, unless the publisher GUARANTEES that the product will be PERMANENTLY available for download as many as I would like and/or need even if they were to go bankrupt or otherwise be expunged from existence.

[xSamhainx]

digital as last resort only

[magerette]

Mostly boxed. If digital is significantly less expensive and it's a game which I don't foresee playing more than a few times, I'd go that way. But a pdf manual and no disc plus no surety that the company will be around in 5 years isn't enough for a permanent addition to the collection.

@Sorcha--the cardboard box is giving way to the slim plastic case now that DVDs are more common. CD versions do still come that way, but you can toss the box and use a plastic jewel case if you want to save space--it's not like there's a huge manual or quick key cards anymore, just a couple of discs rattling around in paper envelopes. :(

[Chekote]

I really don't get the whole "The company is gonna disappear" argument. You have to protect your physical purchases yourself, so having to protect your digital purchases yourself is going to be just the same. Why does everyone assume that the companies selling you the software is responsible for archiving *your* data.

[Dyne]

Boxed for me. It just doesn't feel right not tangibly possessing something. I need the ability to install and uninstall just by putting a DVD in the drive, since I sometimes have to juggle what I have installed to make space for things. Using up bandwidth just to do that seems counterintuitive.

Plus I've been going to the same independent shop for about 15 years. I know the guy, get my PCs built by him, free servicing of said PCs, a street date might be broken for me now and again etc.
I feel like I should be supporting the independent retailer when possible.

[aries100]

I like boxes and dvd-cases etc. so I clearly prefer a boxed version of the game. However, I do have some downloaded versions of games, mostly though modules for NWN1, and an adventure game called 'the shivah'.

I also think that a boxed version is the best guarantee that you have for being able to play the game 5 or 6 years after its release. Troika Games went under and so did Interplay and Looking Glass Studio - and many more small indie developers did go under, and I'm sure more will follow. Not that I hope this, but the way of the world is such that the big fish eat the little fish...

If say Interplay or Troika only did offer download options for Bloodlines or Fallout, what would we do know, you'd think. Or for adventure game lovers, think of Still Life and Post Mortem....and the way Microïds Studio went away...

/aries100

[Guhndahb]

Aside from the fact that I just simply like buying the boxed product, and am even occasionally sucker enough to buy so-called "collectors editions", I actually have more practical reasons.

For one thing, I've had horrible problems with Steam. I think Steam knows I hated it from day one when I bought HL2 (collectors edition, no less, I have NO idea why) and has now decided to hate me in return. I suppose that's fair.

Additionally, there are my concerns about being able to play the games 10+ years down the line, something I do quite often. That issue, is, of course, not eliminated by physical media when factoring in optical media wear-and-tear or outright aging, the possibility of drives or systems no longer supporting the copy protection, etc., but I feel (for whatever that's worth) the odds are somewhat better with physical media. At least the variables are more in my control than trusting a third-party.

Third, digital download games tend to be more problematic with modding, especially modding where modding was not intended by the game authors. Since I adore modding, whether I do it myself or enjoy the fruits of other's labors, this is a major factor for me.

So I only buy games through digital download when I have no other option, which fortunately for me has only been one game ever: Mount & Blade. I even waited until Sam & Max was released on physical media despite the fact that I've so wanted to play it ever since it came out (being a big fan of the classic title).
I really don't get the whole "The company is gonna disappear" argument. You have to protect your physical purchases yourself, so having to protect your digital purchases yourself is going to be just the same. Why does everyone assume that the companies selling you the software is responsible for archiving *your* data.That's valid but only when concerning the download itself. The problem is many of these services require online activation. Yes, some claim those elements will someday be removed via patch, but I frankly don't trust those claims.

[Chekote]

*Pulls hair out*

Digital download is *just* a means of distribution. It does *not* mean that you always have to return to the publisher whenever you want to re-install it. Backup your data people!

If you want boxed versions of the game then thats fine. But pleeeeaaaaassee have a legitimate reason for doing so! *nose bleeds*

[Guhndahb]

*Pulls hair out*Digital download is *just* a means of distribution. It does *not* mean that you always have to return to the publisher whenever you want to re-install it. Backup your data people!I still disagree with your argument. In my argument above I link the copy protections used in physical media with the distribution just as I do with digital distribution. Your argument is an academic one. Yes, if distribution were an issue with no strings attached, you would have a point. But both forms of distribution do come with strings in most cases, and saying they are irrelevant does not make it so.

[Majnun]

Well, I voted for Boxed Copy. I live in a *very* rural area and can't get broadband of any kind (I'd have to chop down 15 trees to even get satellite internet)...and the next place I live will be even more remote.

I've downloaded over half a dozen 1.5-2 gig demos recently, and regularly download huge patches and mods, some of them taking upwards of 100 HOURS of download time to get. That doesn't mean I enjoy it though, I'm just stubborn (and love GetRight).

When I can order a copy of a game from Amazon and use the free shipping and *still* get it long before I'd be able to finish a digital download of the same game...that makes my choice fairly obvious.

If I had a broadband connection though, I'd choose digital download *IF* and only *IF* they included a good quality manual in pdf or some other format (for the games that require it...which most decent RPG's do).

[Dyne]

Digital download is *just* a means of distribution. It does *not* mean that you always have to return to the publisher whenever you want to re-install it. Backup your data people!
Doesn't that just validate boxed copies anyway?
Rather than mess about downloading, then burning to a DVD/CD anyway, just buy the boxed copy with a pretty factory pressed disc that comes with its own case.

[Chekote]

If you burned a DVD/CD then yes, that would be pointless. But why on earth would you do that? My setup is:

Primary Internal HDD: Stores OS & installed applications
Secondary Internal HDD: Stores *all* Data and downloaded software installers
External HDD: Is an exact mirror of my Secondary Internal HDD and is stored at my in-laws house incase my house is burgled / burns down.

I can guarantee you that that setup is far better than having DVD/CD's with your software on, regardless of whether those DVD/CD's were purchased at a retail store or burned from downloaded software. Someone can always come in and steal your stuff, or your house can catch on fire etc.

Using anything other than a HDD for backup is ridiculous in this day and age.

[Dyne]

Ahh, of course. I totally didn't think about back-up HDDs.

[Luma]

If you burned a DVD/CD then yes, that would be pointless. But why on earth would you do that? My setup is:

Primary Internal HDD: Stores OS & installed applications
Secondary Internal HDD: Stores *all* Data and downloaded software installers
External HDD: Is an exact mirror of my Secondary Internal HDD and is stored at my in-laws house incase my house is burgled / burns down.

I can guarantee you that that setup is far better than having DVD/CD's with your software on, regardless of whether those DVD/CD's were purchased at a retail store or burned from downloaded software. Someone can always come in and steal your stuff, or your house can catch on fire etc.

Using anything other than a HDD for backup is ridiculous in this day and age.

I believe you are missing the point entirely.

Having back ups of the download is all fine and well but what if the only edition requires activation and the company is no longer around? Your 3 backups are now useless as you can't activate it upon installation. Boxed media normally does not require this activation.

Also those who can't get broadband (still many millions of houses that can not get any type of broadband)

I would much rather get a boxed copy.

[Morbus]

I don't like clutter, so I always go for the... physical stuff. I don't like cluttered hard drives...

[Gallifrey]

I too prefer boxed, but think that digital downloads are an excellent idea and really do like having that option.

The advantage of a boxed copy is that I get a manual to read, and I'll always have a copy of the game at hand. I like having a printed manual to read on the couch or elsewhere, and I enjoy knowing that my game discs are safe and I'll be able to install the software whenever I want and I don't have to fuss with backups, physical or otherwise. And I don't see the point in a non-physical back-up, external HD or not. I do not trust technology enough for that!
Plus, a boxed copy does give one artwork and whatnot which can be nice.

Digital's main advantage is instant gratification. I buy about 95% of my games on-line, since there is no decent local source, and with digital it's only a download away rather than waiting for mail delivery.

But I like knowing where my games are, where I can see them, knowing the discs are safely stored and organised. Digital downloads are too intangible. Although I do much prefer having the option to not install off of discs.

So all in all, both work for me, I prefer boxed, but both have great advantages.

[xSamhainx]

woah, I didnt think it would be that dramatic of a difference. I know I'm a hoarder, and I'm glad to see that I'm in good company. I cant even bear to get rid of games I dont like, and will most likely never play. I never know if I'm going to be in some hideous accident and be confined to my home. I just may find some fun in Lords of the Realm 3 after all ='.'=

Although if there was download-only type of real perks such as lots of bonus content that really mattered, I might consider going the Chekote route. I'd definitely have an additional neato 007 model external drive that looks like a fireplace brick tho.

[dteowner]

Having lost my entire rig to a nasty buggie (still need to do that disk wipe), I simply don't share Chekote's confidence in electronic storage, nor has he spoken to the whole activation issue. Give me a nice shiny disc.

[Shagnak]

Prefer boxed, mainly because I like to touch shiny things ...but...

To be honest I buy more digital these days, therefore that's what I chose. As per Dhruin, our good exchange rate with the US makes it considerably cheaper. And one gets sick of farting about with nocd cracks etc. As long as the service in question has a means of back-up, or no DRM/copy protection at all, I'm happy.

[Gallifrey]

Cost certainly is another consideration. I find digital download prices stay higher much longer than boxed versions, and I never buy games at new prices. I buy a lot of my games either used or on clearance, and those two things never apply to downloads. I just can't justify the costs of most games now, so I don't pay the higher prices.

[Stormwaltz]

The only time I buy digital (and I have on several occasions) is when the boxed copy comes with odious malware such as Starforce (X3, Space Rangers 2), or when it's not available in stores, or so obscure that I can't find it (Paradox's expansions to Victoria, HoI2, and EU3, Tarr Chronicles).

[ishkamiel]

The advantage of a boxed copy is that I get a manual to read, and I'll always have a copy of the game at hand. I like having a printed manual to read on the couch or elsewhere, and I enjoy knowing that my game discs are safe and I'll be able to install the software whenever I want and I don't have to fuss with backups, physical or otherwise. And I don't see the point in a non-physical back-up, external HD or not. I do not trust technology enough for that!


It's quite true that one shouldn't trust technology too much, especially the local/network backup hard drives (which I myself use to a fault). But what I can't understand is how that retail CD/DVD somehow were more trustworty. There are no guaranties about the lifetime of a disc, nor are there guaranties that the latest hardware/software are compatible with some old copy protection system.

Sure, there will always be 'fixes' for faulty copy protection schemes, but when it comes down to that I'm pretty sure there will be a fix for steam activation the moment valve declares the servers are going down for good (either by valve or by some third party (legal or not)). And as previously said, you can take local backups (and burn them to a CD/DVD if you like).

Lastly, about modding, I have my steam bought Deus Ex (unreal opengl engine update and high def textures) and Vampire: Bloodlines (unofficial patch) modded/patched, haven't had any problems (Steam updates will overwrite these, but you can tell steam not to auto update if you like). This of course is just steam and the games I have tried/moded/patched, ain't really familiar with other download thingies...

And for the record, I have long been a collector kinda guy meself, until the misc stuff, even manuals started to disappear from the packages, and after several hours of trying to get my freshly bought copy of some game to work, until finally having to use a fix (NWN2 and C&C3 comes to mind).

Still do prefer the boxed version if it acctually includes something other than a ten page manual and a disc, like a nice cloth map for example...

[Moriendor]

Digital download for me. It's usually faster and cheaper than retail here in Australia...

Boxed for me for the exact opposite reasons :) . Here in Europe shipping is very fast and you will often get games before the street date when ordering from online retailers. I buy UK versions most of the time which are often cheaper than German versions and thus also a lot cheaper than digital downloads. To get uncensored versions of some games (like MoH: Aiborne) it is required even to order from the net (I bought that game from an Austrian retailer for example) since you can't find some games in German (online) stores at all.
I also like it with boxed copies that you can quickly install a game from the DVD if/when you feel like it. I do have a pretty fast Internet connection but even with a 6MBit line it will sometimes take hours to download a modern ~4GB+ game. That sucks when you have one of those "Must. Play. This. Game. Now." moments :) .

Steam is comparatively expensive and Steam has censorship so I only use it very rarely for buying games that are a) not censored, b) relatively cheap and c) hard to find in stores and d) English language versions.

Other download services are for me (as a German) completely unattractive or not even an option because the local download providers over here usually only sell localized German versions (no thanks) and international download services often don't accept German/Euro customers or offer games that will not work with the official retail patches which is unacceptable IMHO.

I have absolutely nothing against DD but the things I mentioned (especially price and censorship or adult verification) need to be addressed before I would consider using it more.

[Jabberwocky]

Never downloaded any games other than demos. I'm totally a box person. I throw away the box mind you, but I can't stand online manuals - you can't read an online manual when you are sitting on.... um.... a certain place... :embarrassed:

[GhanBuriGhan]

I like boxes better, but find myself using downloads more and more, because it is so easy and convenient. But I miss the printed manuals, etc., so I will probably keep buying at least some games boxed.

[doctor_kaz]

I vote boxed. How could download possibly be faster unless you live in the boondocks? Nowadays game sizes are in the 1-4 GB (or more) range. That takes a long long time to download, even with a very fast connection. I live in a relatively small place and I could find almost any game that I want at Best Buy or Wal-Mart and be home in less than 45 minutes. And then once you have the boxed copy, you can just re-install it instead of having to wait to download it again. I just re-installed Half-Life 2: Episode 1 in less 10 minutes last night. It would have probably taken me hours to download it. Not to mention, downloaded games always have some kind of bullshit digital rights management associated with them that boxed copies don't have. Add on top of that, most of the prices on Steam are a ripoff.

[curiously undead]

while i will always prefer box i do utilize the download version for the rare stuff and i have to agree the biggest joke for most downloads are they are actually more expensive. steam is for rich people i guess. totalgaming though is nice as they care more indie games, many of which just aren't available otherwise. unless you've already played many of the games the 70 dollars is worth the approximate 5 games you get since very few games are over 2 tokens.

[Chekote]

I believe you are missing the point entirely.

Having back ups of the download is all fine and well but what if the only edition requires activation and the company is no longer around? Your 3 backups are now useless as you can't activate it upon installation. Boxed media normally does not require this activation.

Also those who can't get broadband (still many millions of houses that can not get any type of broadband)

I would much rather get a boxed copy.

I'm not missing the point. I just don't see it how you do. I have many many many boxed retail games that require online activation, so your point is null and void.

Without the activation point, my system is far superior. Most people are under the impression that having a CD means they have a backup. Sorry, but if it's the original CD and not a duplicate, it's *not* a backup. Sure it's not going to get deleted, but it can still burn and be stolen.

It all comes down to personal taste whether you want boxed or digital distribution. But once the infrastructure is there, the convenience, maintainability and security of digital distribution is going to make the physical media disappear completely. Physical media is a dieing breed, and people will need to either accept it eventually, or just grumble about how all the young whipersnappers ruined everything by going digital distribution only.

[narpet]

Physical media is a dieing breed, and people will need to either accept it eventually, or just grumble about how all the young whipersnappers ruined everything by going digital distribution only.

That's exactly what I will do :)

If digital distribution is going to replace physical media... the makers of consoles and console games better get on it, because at this point probably over 90% of every console game made/sold/played is only availabe as physical media. As long as they're offering it for consoles, it will be offered for PC games. The push for digital distribution of console games is minimal at best right now. So we are years away from physical media dying, or even losing its dominance as the primary form of distribution.

And when (and if) it does I will just sit back and play all the games that I have in boxes, because I'm not going to pay for something that I can't hold in my hand. You're right... I'm an old fart who is resisting change... but like you said, it all comes down to personal taste.

[Jabberwocky]

Amen! Preach on Brother Narpet!

[Chekote]

Yes you're absolutely correct. But like I said in my post a few pages back, my predictions are based on a 10 year time frame at least.

[curiously undead]

if played across all gaming genres and bioshock was the first game i had to activate online. if of course you are referring to multiplayer games then that is about as ridiculous as saying you have a car with wheels.

also saying physical media while die shows the pea size wisdom that is synnomous with youth. even though people are reading less books than ever before its not because the physical book has been replaced, but rather that society is geared more toward instant gratification. a lack of an object losses the one crucial step that connects the consumer to the objects creator. for cds, or records for that matter, holding the insert with lyrics, graphics, and often a story on the first listen (OF THE ENTIRE ALBUM) can never be matched by anything that can be downloaded. sure you can have cool flash stuff, etc. but that is surely less available to the smaller bands and still wouldn't have the magic of sitting in a chair, lying on your bed. even if physical media becomes less important to the average joebob, that will just make it all the more special.

[xSamhainx]

i wonder where Professor Roqua is, he likes talking about this one

[Korplem]

I never realized cardboard could cause such a debate...

[narpet]

Yes you're absolutely correct. But like I said in my post a few pages back, my predictions are based on a 10 year time frame at least.

Sorry... I missed that.

However, even though the rate at which technology changes is fairly rapid, the rate at which new consumer technologies is completely and universally accepted is very slow. You can look at any type of media storing technology that has existed in the last 100 years.

Examples:
1. When audio Compact Discs were released to the general public in (somewhere around) the early 1980s everyone said that vinyl records would be gone within a very short period of time, and that cassette tapes would shortly follow the demise of vinyl. But that's not what happened. It took many years before vinyl was no longer produced, and it took a very long time (way more than 10 years) before cassette tapes became a thing of the past. And now, vinyl is making a small, renaissance-like come back.

2. When DVD (video) became readily available to the public it was believed that video tape (VHS) would become obsolete within a short time, but that was not the case. Here we are over 12 years past the time when DVD was introduced and many movies are still available on video cassette. The publics unwillingness to completely give up on VHS is evident by the fact that you can so easily purchase a DVD/VHS combo player/recorder for your home.

<<EDIT>> I looked up info for clarification and I was wrong about the DVD timeline... it's been almost exactly 10 years (not 12) since DVD was introduced to America (not sure about globally). But VHS is not quite dead yet, even though it is on its way out <<END EDIT>>

Gamers... especially console gamers... are still very ingrained in and fond of "the purchase". By that I mean that it is part of the gaming pleasure to go to the local EB Games and pick up your pre-ordered copy of Halo 37. PC gamers aren't quite so stuck in that way of life since there is so little shelf space alloted to PC games in most stores, but we still like to order our games online and get excited when the box gets here.

It's part of retaining a bit of your childhood. Let's face it... when we buy a new game, we're getting a new 'toy', and we can't wait to look at it, open it, read about it, and play with it. A big part of that joy... the visual and tactile sensations... will be gone if digital distribution ever becomes the only way to purchase a game.

It's almost a sociological study in a way. None of us know when or if it will happen. It could be (like your estimation) in 10 years... or it could very well take 20 or 30 years before physical distribution is completely gone.

I personally don't believe it will happen in my lifetime, assuming that I will live to be a ripe old age (I'm 40 now).

Just my thoughts.

[Zaleukos]

I dont mind downloads, but I positively hate anything that requires internet activation (or worse, validation every x times you play the game) for offline play. I want to be able to go completely offline with my computer, and there are times when I spend weeks at a place without proper internet access. And of course there is the whole issue of the company disappearing.

Maybe we will have to accept that we just buy the right to use the software for an unspecified period of time, rather than buy the software - period. This offends me as a consumer but in reality it is what the industry is moving towards.

[Dhruin]

...also saying physical media while die shows the pea size wisdom that is synnomous with youth.

Gamers... especially console gamers... are still very ingrained in and fond of "the purchase". By that I mean that it is part of the gaming pleasure to go to the local EB Games and pick up your pre-ordered copy of Halo 37.

[...]

I personally don't believe it will happen in my lifetime, assuming that I will live to be a ripe old age (I'm 40 now).

Just my thoughts.

I think you both underestimate both the changing market and Gen Y consumers. Of course some forms of physical media will never "die" depending on your definition, but physical digital media will be relegated to obscure niche markets in due course. Will it take 10+ years? Probably. But it will happen.

You won't buy anything you can't hold in your hand? Gen Y doesn't care. They're buying $5 ring tones and DRM limited music for their mobile phones faster than the servers can get the stuff up. I'll bet a lot of people here have cable and, of course, everyone has internet access. Don't laugh it off as different - again, Gen Y doesn't make that distinction.

Console gamers are ingrained to buy the media? Honestly, that's fast getting old as they rush to buy screenshots and wallpapers on Xbox Live.

Have you ever noticed that consoles are proprietary platforms? Do you think Microsoft might have considered that Xbox Live can eventually replace every retailer, keeping the entire margin for themselves? If they just wanted connectivity, they would have just provided internet access.

Not all these things are good, by the way, but that's where the market is heading.

[Dhruin]

Maybe we will have to accept that we just buy the right to use the software for an unspecified period of time, rather than buy the software - period. This offends me as a consumer but in reality it is what the industry is moving towards.

You never did buy the software - just a license to use it. Just read any EULA. I'm not saying I've ever liked that but its always been that way.

[Moriendor]

You never did buy the software - just a license to use it. Just read any EULA. I'm not saying I've ever liked that but its always been that way.

For boxed software, this is actually different from country to country (and whether a EULA actually stands the test of a court trial in any given country is a whole different can of worms I would guess :) ) .
In Germany, for example, courts have repeatedly ruled that you do in fact buy the software and not just a licence to use it. The view of our jurisdiction is pretty simple really. You receive a box and a CD. These are physical objects. This makes the purchase a purchase of a physical "mobile thing" (our law distinguishes between mobilia = movable things and immobilia = immobile things). Since you actually buy a "thing", you acquire full ownership of the "thing". Period. Any wannabe "let's try to restrict the rights of the owner by establishing that he just bought a licence" EULA crap will not get very far in a German court ;) .

[Dhruin]

Fair enough. Would you agree a large chunk of readers are using software under license, even if they never think of it that way?

(And until a court sees otherwise)

[Gorath]

Without the activation point, my system is far superior. Most people are under the impression that having a CD means they have a backup. Sorry, but if it's the original CD and not a duplicate, it's *not* a backup. Sure it's not going to get deleted, but it can still burn and be stolen.
This point is correct. The game CD is the original. You need to make a backup if you want one, for example an ISO image on your HDD. It´s not always possible though.

It all comes down to personal taste whether you want boxed or digital distribution. But once the infrastructure is there, the convenience, maintainability and security of digital distribution is going to make the physical media disappear completely. Physical media is a dieing breed, and people will need to either accept it eventually, or just grumble about how all the young whipersnappers ruined everything by going digital distribution only.
Your conclusion (italics) is based upon a wrong assumption (marked in big font) and thus very unlikely, or too focused on urban areas in industrialized countries.
Large parts of important gaming markets have an ETA for broadband internet of "not in the foreseeable future". As long as ca. 50% of the land area in industrialized countries is without broadband there is a significant demand for retail product. The situation is even worse in poorer countries where DSL is expensive relative to the average income.

[woges]

Has to be boxed and without this activation protection bollox.

The thing about downloads is that you can't sell something on after you have finished with it. It's much better to have an actual product then a virtual one.

[narpet]

You won't buy anything you can't hold in your hand? Gen Y doesn't care. They're buying $5 ring tones and DRM limited music for their mobile phones faster than the servers can get the stuff up. I'll bet a lot of people here have cable and, of course, everyone has internet access. Don't laugh it off as different - again, Gen Y doesn't make that distinction.

The beauty of individualism though, is that I in return don't care about the fact that gen Y is stupid enough to pay $5 for nothing (you gotta remember I'm in the "a phone should be a phone, not a phone/internet/tv/game/dishwasher" camp).

Just because the rest of the world is duped into spending money on air doesn't mean that I have to follow. I know myself well enough to know that once digital distribution is the only form of purchase I will stop purchasing. And I have a feeling that you may overestimate the entire world population's willingness to cling to a new technology very quickly (10 years or less). We'll still have boxed copy products for many years to come...

of course I could be wrong ;) We'll just have to wait and see.

[Cm]

After years of game collecting, I want a box so if the mood strikes me I can reinstall an oldie and play. I have a fear of going back two years post purchase of digital DL and being told it is gone, I didn't buy it please pay again or some such mess. lol

[Corwin]

I'm with narpet; I'd love to be able to buy a phone that's a phone, and NOTHING BUT A PHONE!!

[Reyla]

20 years ago, I bought games based on the weight of the box. If there was a thick manual inside, it usually meant it was a deep and interesting game.

Today, I would never consider buying a game in a box. Direct2Drive and other similar services are good and Valve's Steam service is the current cutting edge of digital distribution.

One of the main arguments against digital downloads is the fear of not being able to get your game if you buy a new PC and the company is suddenly gone. Personally, I think I will not be re-playing games long enough for this to happen.

Wizardry 1-7, Ultima 1-7 Bards Tale 1-3 Warcraft 1-2 Diablo 1-2 etc are all classic games that I loved playing but I don't need to hang on to CDs of those games. Out of all of those games, I have a copy of Diablo II in a box in some dark corner of my closet.

[Reyla]

I'm with narpet; I'd love to be able to buy a phone that's a phone, and NOTHING BUT A PHONE!!

Here in Japan, the kingdom of cutting edge cell phone technology, there is a line of cell phones that is just that. The advertisements are great. They are usually scenes of men and women in their 60s and 70s sitting at a table grumbling "What the heck, I just want to pick up the phone and call someone, I don't need all this junk" The brand is called Tu-Ka and it is just a phone, it does nothing else.

EDIT: Yes, Tu-Ka sells cell phones that can shoot and edit a feature film too so don't go Googling and call me a liar! It's just one of their many product lines.

[Shagnak]

Just think, sometime in the future there will be matter transmission.

Essentially, your digital download will be a physical box. OMG!

(Yes, I've watched too much Star Trek)

[Acleacius]

Trust a database with my precious games? NOT! ;)

As, Sorcha Ravenlock mentioned, games go on and off my hard drive so often, I would never have fast bandwidth available for everything else, since it would be downloading games all the time.

Maybe in time when the Digital Distrubtion is more reliable, experienced and we're getting a Terabyte a second. :p

[msoltyspl]

Definitely digital for me. Assuming it all makes sense - i.e. I download iso and burn the backup for the future. Which is actually possible in a few (one ?) rare cases now (i.e. Galactic Civilizations series). With those game I can actually download them through any p2p and then just buy serial online. Pretty fantastic if you ask me, too bad I'm not a fan of 4x games.

As it is now, the all cons regarding digital purchasing presented above are quite valid. But the problems are no less present even in boxed scenarios (i.e. recent bioshock ridiculousy).

[Dez]

For obvious reasons boxed.

a) i'm a collector and seeing all those great games on the shelf gives me pleasure :-)

b) If a company goes bankrupt or something, i still have my game nonetheless. I even tend to burn updates, mods and patches. because you never know the future..

c) I don't need to worry about online connection. Sure I have a broadband like anyone thse days, but in case i want to play a game and my net connection is not working then..I can just install it. (online activation trend is still an annoyance though)

d) I can borrow a game to a friend or sell it forward If i wish. I can't do that with steam, can I?

e) Printed manuals and other goodies

[Gorath]

Definitely boxed for me.

Here in Germany ...
... budget games are cheaper than downloads, due to a highly developed low cost market down to 2.5 EUR per game, not counting compilations.
... clearance items can be even cheaper occasionally.
... many games are cut by publishers to avoid problems with USK and / or BPjM (-> "The Index").
... download versions are only available as official German versions(*). This includes censored games on Steam!
... imports from Austria or Jersey are ca. 1/3rd cheaper than German versions. And usually uncut!

As you can see DD has lots of disadvantages compared to boxed in Germany.



(*) This means the version officially released to retail in Germany, whatever language & subtitle combination it may have. Shooters are almost always cut, RTSes quite often, other action games sometimes. Steam checks the country via IP.

[Dez]

Gorath sensible standpoints.. Lets hope germany get rids of that silly cencored shit some day..I can't imagine how frustraiting it is to see many games raped...

[Dyne]

I have become a case in point.

Got a new PC today. Plugged it all in and got ready to stretch its legs with some NWN2, Bioshock, HL2 and Company of Heroes. Get myself all excited and then...my ADSL modem is not compatible with Windows Vista.
Ergo I can't get to Steam on the new computer, can't "activate" Bioshock and CoH and, slightly off-topic but still annoying, can't patch NWN2 up. Have to switch out all the cables from the new PC to the old to change my broadband contract, in order to get new modem. 17th of October is the earliest they can deliver. Argh.

And I bet Vista won't run BG2, Fallout and the like. So I'll be spending more time on my bloody old PC than the brand spanking new one. Stupid Vista. Stupid online activation. Stupid world.

[Corwin]

We have a thread for Vista problems, but I think from memory it will run those games. The modem problem surprises me!!

[Korplem]

What surprises me is that after 200+ years Corwin still has a "memory"! :biggrin:

[Corwin]

Yes, it sometimes surprises me too, when I can remember to be surprised. Writing things down helps a LOT, but usually, I can't remember where I wrote it down!! :)

[woges]

@Dyne: I play all those games on Vista so you should be ok. Not a 100% sure why you need a new broadband contract though can't you just go out and buy a new router?

[Dyne]

Ah, cheers for the ray of hope regarding the games guys :)

I guess I could buy a new router, but my ISP's software won't install either, so I can't set up the connection. I need them to send me another starter bundle thingy that will hopefully work.

The new contract thing stems from my current contract not actually technically existing any more. They don't seem to advertise it or mention it at all, or have any support pages regarding it. The path of least resistance seemed to be changing contract.

[Kitke]

Both things equal, but I'd take boxed version. Why? Just because I like to throw an eye on the nice, shining box on my desk :)

[Alrik Fassbauer]

Boxed gives me the chance to look at something even when it has become unplayable; I can still see - in a physical form - what I have bought back then.

Pure binary data can get lost easily with a headcrash, aslthough things are better nowadays.

[Squeek]

As far as CRPG, downloading is the way to go, IMO.

If developers change the way they sell their product, they might also be able to change the way they make it (and support it). So instead of making and selling something once, they might make a character-creation platform and sell that instead. Then they could sell downloadable content from a complex game world in a way that specifically matches a created character and how it's played.

That would be expensive to make, but developers would earn more too. And piracy might be eliminated. Different characters would have different experiences, and they could be played in multiple game worlds too.

I'm not talking about client-server, of course. I'm thinking in terms of the way content is distributed and how it's created to fit that model. Software development meets Lego, something like that.

[MasterLich]

Then they could sell downloadable content from a complex game world in a way that specifically matches a created character and how it's played.

This is kind of an interesting concept, but it is not far from MMORPGs. Provided that I could play a game through with one character just for 10 bucks for example, I would save a lot of money when I realize the game sucks and I will not try another character. But how would you estimate sales for this type of a product?

Otherwise I voted for the boxed content, mainly because I appreciate a good manual. If the manual would come in a format where I can print AND easily bind it as a booklet myself, I would perhaps accept a PDF manual if it would show on the price tag of the game as well.

[Squeek]

If it were successful enough, I suppose companies might sell the base platform cheap or even give it away. So yes, players might be able to try a game by making only a small financial commitment. Developers would need more revenue in the end, though, and that money would have to come from gamers, ultimately.

I'm imagining downloadable content as a solution that would enable developers to create better RPGs with complex game worlds containing an enormous variety of options for specific character types. It would resemble client-server architecture only in the sense that players would rely on frequent access to a remote server for necessary files. But I'm talking about single-player games that run on individual platforms, just like they do now – not online games, and not MMORPGs.

Instead of making "one-size-fits-all" games that are sold once – or downloadable content that's sold piece by piece, also once – developers would make complex games that are already bursting with content designed to fit a variety of specific characters. The game itself would be the downloadable content, but the player would only have access to specific content that matches his current character.

If it were a good enough game with a good enough game world, players might play it over and over again, each time with a new character (and matching content). Why not? It would be a different experience each time.

[HiddenX]

boxed - I am a collector ...

[Dark Savant]

Same here, collector - boxed.:)

[Remus]

Boxed; as broadband service is still in infancy stage in my country (1MB line for mainstream/home user)

[Iane]

yep me too - Collector gotta have that box or atleast the contents if can't get the box but if no box I'll download

[Bartacus]

I'll never trust the net enough to buy a download. And like some others here, I do collect games.