Yet another reason I like retro games.

[dsheinem]

I have never paid for a single download game or DLC and unless they change things, I don't think I ever will. Here is a list of what they need to do if they want my money for downloads:
- Able to copy to hard media formats like DVD, SD card, hard drive, etc.

You can do this with both WiiWare (SD) and on the PS3 (hard drive backup). As long as you still have those systems (or can find them in the future), you should be able to play those games. And with PSN, once you pay for the game you can also download the game to the same machine as often as you like (or 5 machines in total). If you go through less then 5 PS3s in your life, you'd probably be ok.

- Able to run the game from other consoles easily.

This is like asking for Genesis carts to be playable on the SNES. I don't see this as a valid concern for not purchasing downloads.

- Unless the game/DLC is free, there should be no advertisements.

Again with the advertisement stuff (http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 15&t=14536). To each their own I guess, but I wouldn't want to miss out on the glory that is Burnout Paradise or Wipeout HD just because I had to view some ads along the way...

- Prices should be noticeably cheaper since there is no cost of manufacturing disks or manuals and no retail store to lessen profits.

Downloads generally are much cheaper than any disc-based game - but even still manufacturing costs of the product you buy in a store are very minimal. That said, in some cases I'd rather pay the price of $10-$15 for a downloadable game because often times a good chunk of the $$ is going to an indie/innovative creator instead of EA/Activision/etc.

- Able to acquire and play even after the company abandons the product.

I think this is the first claim as #1 above - did you mean something different?

Another possible solution to this would be to have two versions available. The physical media version and the download version. That way, everyone wins.

Sure, this would be ideal - but it would also drive up the costs of these fairly cheap games. If they could keep the games to around $5-$15, I'd be all for it.

Bottom line, it's up to us, the consumers to make sure the game industry improves. Personally, I think the current generation of games is the worst one yet. Unless we get smarter and make better decisions when it comes to spending money, things will only continue to get worse.

I couldn't disagree more as I really think every generation (with the possible exception of the FMV era) has gotten better overall - even if they leave certain things behind every time. The main appeal (for me) in retrogaming is a combination of nostalgia and enthusiasm for prior genres in their heyday (e.g. shmups, 2-D platformers, etc.). That said, this is the first generation that allows me to play current gems as well games across the history of games easily and cheaply (vial DLC) and that, in my book, makes this the best so far...

I feel bad that your first few posts have found me engaging in debate with you - I'm glad you've found the forums and have already contributed some very thoughtful posts!

[SpaceBooger]

Before I think about ads, I need to think about price.
Im all for downloadable games, bu they should be cheaper than the physical version. I won't buy SF4 from steam because the price is the same as the boxed version at any store. I am cool not having physical media, box, and an instruction book if I don't have to pay for those - meaning a cheaper copy.
As for ads I have the same opinion - if a company is saving money they shouldn't charge me the same.
It all boils down to "what do I get for my money?"

[corn619]

My main argument "which I think dsheinem may have missed or failed to read the article" is when you put ads in a game, it shouldn't hamper the experience. After the "update" was released, it slowed the game down increasing load times to almost twice as long. If you guys want to play games that do this be my guest. I'll pass though, thank you very much. I'll be playing the tons of games out here that don't fuck the player over. As for downloadable games being cheaper, most of the games you can download are the same price in the store sometimes cheaper. Dsheinem, I bought a PS3 60GB in exchange for a 40GB and was not able to transfer my games or DLC when I backed up my HD. I had to redownload them due to copyright issues. As a matter of fact some of my saves and all of the games patches were gone as well.

[Xonticus]

To all those concerned about Ads in Wipeout HD: Sony removed them by today I belive...

http://www.destructoid.com/sony-removes ... 2648.phtml

[dsheinem]

My main argument "which I think dsheinem may have missed or failed to read the article" is when you put ads in a game, it shouldn't hamper the experience.

I read the story the other day, and you posted the link in the middle of my posting my reply to Inazuma...I agree the Wipeout HD load is annoying and certainly worse than in-game billboards. But if it keeps the cost of the game down I'll gladly put up with it. Wipeout could easily retail for $60.

I'll be playing the tons of games out here that don't fuck the player over.

That's a pretty loose definition of being "fucked over."

I bought a PS3 60GB in exchange for a 40GB and was not able to transfer my games or DLC when I backed up my HD. I had to redownload them due to copyright issues. As a matter of fact some of my saves and all of the games patches were gone as well

.

News to me - I've read plenty of posts by people who backed up everything with no problem. In any case, at least you didn't have to pay for it all again!

To all those concerned about Ads in Wipeout HD: Sony removed them by today I belive...

http://www.destructoid.com/sony-removes ... 2648.phtml

cool.

[Gooseberrysoda]

Crazy Taxi had ads, TMNT 2 the Arcade game on NES had ads. It's not like in-Game advertising is something new.

[otaku]

I think tasteful well placed marketing in game is fine especially in sports and racing games it doesnt bug me that much and in free games especially its fine

[DCsegaDH]

A lot of car racing games have the ads in them,I don't care if their included. I think it does add realism to the game,ads are all over the place when you look at anything just like commercials.

[jp1]

Ads are ok if there's an option for the non-ads version. Let's say that a DLC game costs $10 but if you get the ads version, it's free or $1. That would be acceptable in my opinion.

Satellite and Cable providers need to start this too. There shouldn't be commercials on pay channels.

[Niode]

I think the main issue here was not that there were ads in the game, more that the ads actually hindered the performance of the game by increasing loading times.

I don't think anyone truly minds any kind of advertising in games as long as it's subtle and doesn't affect the gameplay in anyway. As soon as it starts getting intrusive that's when people start to complain.