Are you a COLLECTOR, or are you a GAMER?

[dunpeal2064]

But, in the videogame world, the price doesn't go down.

[GameMasterGuy]

But, in the videogame world, the price doesn't go down.

Value doesn't always equal price.

[dunpeal2064]

That's too philisophical for me, can you explain how that works with videogames and emulation?

[DinnerX]

True, but consider this: Star Fox is a game with over 20 levels (including bonus ones and the different versions of the asteroid belt, Corneria, and Venom). There was a limited run of competition cartridges used in tournaments. Star Fox goes for about $10. The competition cart goes for hundreds. The competition cart only has three levels, as opposed to over 20. Why would anyone pay more for something that has less content? Because there's less copies of it. By making the third object in the second situation, the values of the other two go down.

I'd argue the copy is not the same object as the original. I don't want ROMs, I want a StarFox cartridge. Even if the copy was a knock off cartridge, I'd want an original.

Besides, it's OK to steal value. I mean, the Fed does it all the time...

[dunpeal2064]

Exactly. A ROM dump played on a pc attemtping to emulate machines with obscurr chips and random amount of processors is not the same as an exact copy, and doesn't affect the price (or value) of the original.

Unless you value your game because no one else can play it, in which case your a dick

[GameMasterGuy]

That's too philisophical for me, can you explain how that works with videogames and emulation?

Pretend you lived in a world with no piracy; wouldn't owning the actual game feel more rewarding than it does in this one where you know that some guy got the game for free?

[sabrage]

Emulators are overwhelming. Your entire argument operates on the assumption that "more games is more appealing", but research has shown time and time again that the human brain has difficulty processing an overwhelming number of choices and making a single decision. Put simply, if I do my research and buy a single particular game I like, I'll play the shit out of it... But if I download a ROM pack, not only are the consequences of choosing the wrong game taken out of the equation (I'm not losing money) but all the fun is too. I wouldn't stare at my games as any sort of enjoyable pursuit; they'd be a massive burden, a checklist, a workload where I don't even know where to begin. And why would I go through all the trouble of configuring an emulator to play a single game?

To say nothing of the various issues surrounding portability (I'm not carting my PC around), accuracy, multiplayer, morality or legality.

[GameMasterGuy]

Emulators are overwhelming. Your entire argument operates on the assumption that "more games is more appealing", but research has shown time and time again that the human brain has difficulty processing an overwhelming number of choices and making a single decision. Put simply, if I do my research and buy a single particular game I like, I'll play the shit out of it... But if I download a ROM pack, not only are the consequences of choosing the wrong game taken out of the equation (I'm not losing money) but all the fun is too. I wouldn't stare at my games as any sort of enjoyable pursuit; they'd be a massive burden, a checklist, a workload where I don't even know where to begin. And why would I go through all the trouble of configuring an emulator to play a single game?

Agreed. This isn't only restricted to piracy, though; this is one of the reasons I rarely buy in lots, and practically never get anthologies.

[sabrage]

Agreed. This isn't only restricted to piracy, though; this is one of the reasons I rarely buy in lots, and practically never get anthologies.

It's a quandry that extends into many arenas: digital downloads, bundle sales, lots, television...

[GameMasterGuy]

Agreed. This isn't only restricted to piracy, though; this is one of the reasons I rarely buy in lots, and practically never get anthologies.

It's a quandry that extends into many arenas: digital downloads, bundle sales, lots, television...

And not just money; unlocking a single amazing power in an RPG feels great, but when every person in your party is getting boss-shattering moves, the fun is taken out.