Digital Downloads
I know the industry wants us to go to digital downloads for everything, Sony are already trying to force it on customers with the new PSPGo, but I’m not convinced yet.
Firstly, I like to have a game collection. I like cases. I still have C64 games in the original cases. Digital downloads are going to require a large incentive to stop me wanting an actual physical product for my money.
Secondly, I don’t like the idea that game companies are trying to take away my right to sell a game on. Or for that matter, trying to take away the ability to try before you buy with game rentals. The way game sites and reviewers hype things up these days, I prefer to rent things I’m unsure on first and form my own opinion before throwing down £40 for a game.
Thirdly, what is going to happen to the Christmas games market with digital downloads? You cant wrap a digital download.
It seems as though digital downloads should be a great thing for gamers if you listen to the promotional bullshit. In reality it’s heavily restricting gamers choices and rights by taking away the preowned and rental markets. Lets not forget the extra cost to the consumer in bandwidth charges and monthly limits.
The only positive I can see come of it is hopefully less console failures. Take away the DVD drive and you take away a large portion of a consoles problems.
We are already seeing some companies not supporting digital downloads. Several new PSP games have been released only to UMD with no option to download them from the PSN store. Not a good start for the PSPGo or ideas of a digital download only market.
I can only hope that people see sense and oppose this move to digital downloads, if only so we can all keep our boxed games safe on our shelves.
