A new downside to digital downloads

[CRTGAMER]

Digital game downloads is always a hot topic around here I have noticed, with arguments for both sides. One of the main concerns is always about being able to purchase games after they are no longer supported, essentially making the future of collecting games obsolete. But I found this story on IGN and it raises a new issue that I had never even thought of when considering downloadable games.

http://wireless.ign.com/articles/122/1224184p1.html

This would be a very big issue if it were to spread to other games for whatever reason (I understand this is just a IOS downloadable title, and would not likely happen to others) and could cause quite the uproar, having a game taken away that you paid for, with no valid reason or promise of reimbursement. Basically anyone that purchased this got themselves a nice $5 dollar rental.

Thanks for this information, I added to the Guide I posted a while back. Even though EA recanted and stated that Rockband would remain live this places another reality check. As in Amazon removing George Orwell's 1984 Novel from personal Kindles, games can be deleted or rendered useless as well. The game deletion control will become more common on not only the iPad but the next generation consoles.

History of Copy Protection and the Future of DRM Gaming:
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 44#p313544

[DinnerX]

I wonder if I'm the only one that's worried this will be the last generation of consoles that allow you to own a physical copy of the game..

I'm not worried at all. I have gladly bought tons of iOS apps, Dsiware, Wiiware, 3DS stuff without physical media.

Most of my PC software is in electronic form without any physical media.

Being able to display stuff on a shelf is overrated in my opinion. Just another dust collector.

It's not about displaying games. It's about games still working after a generation ends. It's about being able to lend games to your friends. It's about preserving the ability to buy used.

[J T]

As in Amazon removing George Orwell's 1984 Novel from personal Kindles,

I had not heard of this before, but the irony is overwhelming.

[gtmtnbiker]

It's not about displaying games. It's about games still working after a generation ends. It's about being able to lend games to your friends. It's about preserving the ability to buy used.

For PC software, lending to a friend would be a violation of the EULA in most cases. For DSiware/Wiiware, yes, you're hosed if your console dies unless you ask Nintendo to transfer it to a new machine. But the games are cheap enough that I still buy them and enjoy the experience.

Spending $10 on a Dsiware game is analogous to buying a ticket to a movie showing except that you still have the advantage of playing it multiple times while the device is still operational.

[gtmtnbiker]

As in Amazon removing George Orwell's 1984 Novel from personal Kindles,

I had not heard of this before, but the irony is overwhelming.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/techn ... mazon.html

[Erik_Twice]

Digital downloads have only downsides because costumers do not give a fuck. An increased control over the sold product will always be bad because the only interested side are the companies not the ignorant costumers.

[noiseredux]

Digital downloads have only downsides because costumers do not give a fuck. An increased control over the sold product will always be bad because the only interested side are the companies not the ignorant costumers.

Inazuma?!

Not that I really want to open this dialogue, but I promise you I can name some upsides to digital downloads.

[DinnerX]

Spending $10 on a Dsiware game is analogous to buying a ticket to a movie showing except that you still have the advantage of playing it multiple times while the device is still operational.

When you watch a movie at a theater the experience is different than watching a movie at home. I don't think the same can be said when comparing digital to physical. The game is the same either way, but one format has more downsides.

[isiolia]

Digital downloads have only downsides because costumers do not give a fuck. An increased control over the sold product will always be bad because the only interested side are the companies not the ignorant costumers.

Damn those costumers, indiscriminately dressing other people up as stuff they don't even know about D:<

Regarding consumers, however, it's not necessarily a matter of not caring. As mentioned, the low cost of digital downloads can easily justify them as disposable entertainment. Spending a few bucks on a digital game, even if it doesn't last forever, isn't a worse deal than spending a few bucks in an arcade. It's probably better, or at least gives you more playtime per dollar.

There are potential upsides to digital as well. Availability could be cut off...or it could be made accessible to millions of people at a low fixed cost instead of the title becoming ever-rarer and pricier. It can go either way.

When you watch a movie at a theater the experience is different than watching a movie at home.

Depends on your home theater setup

[Jmustang1968]

Yeah, while I typically prefer owning a physical copy, there are some advantages to digital.

- takes up no physical space, no need to store or shelve etc...
- can typically be downloaded many times. If your disc gets scratched or a cart I broken somehow, it is gone for good.
- instant shopping, just have to wait for the download to process.
- no shipping costs
- easy access to small and indie games. They don't have to compete with the bigger games for retail floor space.
- many services offer them at a discount
- convenient services like steam offer a 'hub' for all your games and automatically update patches
- if you have a digital copy like you can get from gog, that file will theoretically outlast any physical media or reliance on faulty and antiquated hardware.