[ALL] Will you be downloading or buying plastic discs still?

[jms493]

Through Sony's Eyes, "Vast Majority" of Gamers Prefer GameStop Over Buying Online

Sony speaks the half-truth
The next generation of game consoles from Sony (PlayStation 4) and Microsoft (Xbox One) isn't just about the hardware, it's equal parts software and whether or not the gaming industry as a whole is ready to transition to a digital distribution model. For the most part, the transition is mostly complete on the PC side thanks to services like Steam, and had Microsoft stuck to its guns, the Xbox One would have leaned much more heavily on digital downloads than physical media. As for Sony, it wasn't even a consideration, because gamers simply don't want to buy games online, the company says.

"What we try to do is offer a relatively level playing field and let the gamers decide. We're not trying to advantage them, we believe in consumer choice," Sony SVP Guy Longworth told GamesIndustry International. "It's clear that the vast majority of people want to go down to GameStop or Best Buy, they don't want to buy it online right now. I think physical games will be around a lot longer than some people think."

Longworth isn't incorrect, but it's also only the half truth. As PC gamers have proven, digital downloads are perfectly acceptable, especially when they lead to lower priced titles across the board and frequent sales, as Steam is known to hold. It's not uncommon for a triple-A title to receive a deep discount on Steam, and if the same pricing structure was in place for the Xbox One or PlayStation 4, would gamers be so quick to pay a premium for physical media? Probably not.

The other issue is DRM. Microsoft's original strategy was doomed from the start because the company wanted its console to dial home every 24 hours. In reality, it's the same general concept as logging into Steam when you want to play a game, only the Xbox One would log in automatically every 24 hours. Even so, the idea creeped out gamers, perhaps rightfully so when things like PRISM come to light.

What's your opinion on all this? More specifically, if Sony or Microsoft switched to a Steam-like model where you could download games at a cheaper rate and would only need to log in when you're getting ready to play a title (versus automatically every 24 hours), would you have a problem with that, or is Sony correct in thinking that gamers simply don't want to buy games online?

 

[Primetime]

I'd prefer to start the download days in advance and play once the clock strikes midnight.

 

[Point Blank]

Depends on the release times on the games. Midnight, yes.. If not, I'd just go to the store and pick it up during lunch.

 

[Nucking Futs]

DL to take advantage of XB1 's UI between games, apps and cable.

 

[Irish]

I download all my games. I give zero shits if the I have a disc to play a game or open it in the XMB, I just want to play the damn game. Usually it's easier for me to just download a game, go to work and play it when I get home. No stopping at BB or Gamestop, or giving them any of my money. Plus the lack of disc drive going all the time makes my PS3 quiet as can be, minor feature but I enjoy not hearing like my PS3 is overworking itself at anytime.

I can understand the want for a physical copy, and the prices are extremely cheaper via disc. But all my music, movies, photos are digital. My games are and will be as well.

 

[Swarley]

The more I think about it, the more I want to just download all of my games (minus the day 1 games, I don't want to wait lol). I hope the PS4's UI organizes them better than the XMB does tho. Shit is a mess on there.

 

[Primetime]

The more I think about it, the more I want to just download all of my games (minus the day 1 games, I don't want to wait lol). I hope the PS4's UI organizes them better than the XMB does tho. Shit is a mess on there.

XMB?

 

[jms493]

XMB?

:ccbrink:

 

[Swarley]

XMB?

PS3's UI

 

[KNUBB]

XMB?

Cross Media Bar

 

[leaffan]

If it were possible to never buy those shit discs again I would love it.

I don't want something physical in my hand just give me the game and have someone else worry about storying what I own.

 

[JayDizzle]

Other than "freebies" from PS+, I'm basically sticking to solid copies right now.

Instead of books, I have a shit-ton of plastic cases to choose from on the shelf and play like a set of library books.