Manmademan
Member
This also. As much as third parties bitch about reselling and used games, Gamestop disappearing overnight is absolutely not a thing anyone wants.
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When Will Game Discs Go The Way of The CD?
- Thread starter Dubz
- Start date
This also. As much as third parties bitch about reselling and used games, Gamestop disappearing overnight is absolutely not a thing anyone wants.
Lightning_Roller
Banned
I still like my physical games, thank you very much. It's called options. Besides, we aren't even close to where we can just download games in a snap with data caps, limited internet usage in some areas and the fact that used sales are need to inspire new sales for games. So yeah, you may not like physical games but I'm pretty sure there are millions that would disagree.
Yep, what a terrible argument for getting rid of discs,'I don't like them'.
Forsaken82
Member
If the CD pretty much died, than why is there still a huge section dedicated to CDs in practically ever major electronics store (not even including just Music stores)
EatinOlives
Member
When Internet caps are illegal and everyone has at least 50mbps Internet. And when Sony finally fixes its slow download shit on PSN.
On PS4 popping in the disc and installing the game for the first time saves me several hours of waiting.
On PS4 popping in the disc and installing the game for the first time saves me several hours of waiting.
Rellik
Member
It's already dead to me. I have fast Internet with no throttling or cap and I just use a US account on consoles to get cheaper than UK physical prices. On PC, digital is king so I don't need to use a foreign store.
Sadly, a lot of the world isn't set up like me and require physical and the option should always be there.
Sadly, a lot of the world isn't set up like me and require physical and the option should always be there.
bobbychalkers
Member
Hopefully not anytime soon with the way game file sizes have ballooned up.
Manmademan
Member
Also a good point. If I end up impulse buying a game i can spend a couple hours downloading, OR I can pick up the physical copy in 10 minutes.
Yeah, I only buy music on CD. Like to have things to hold, plus all the artwork, liner notes, lyrics, etc. If I want the music on my phone or whatever I'll just rip it.
Then there's this new fashion of putting music on vinyl again, and that pre-dates cd and even cassette.
they will disappear when manufacturers decide it's no longer profitable to make them, not when you decide you don't like them. and as people have pointed out, cds are still around. pretending they don't exist anymore doesn't actually make it so.
personally, i buy retail games because i like to own them, not because i can get them cheaper or because i can sell them once i'm done. i'm not a 'collector' either. i simply like to own copies of things which i particularly enjoy. it's the same with music and movies and books. having a shelf full of good books is a lot more rewarding than a kindle. when you have a hobby you care about, space and organization are minor inconveniences.
personally, i buy retail games because i like to own them, not because i can get them cheaper or because i can sell them once i'm done. i'm not a 'collector' either. i simply like to own copies of things which i particularly enjoy. it's the same with music and movies and books. having a shelf full of good books is a lot more rewarding than a kindle. when you have a hobby you care about, space and organization are minor inconveniences.
paragonpro
Banned
Yes,alot of people try to deny it but we are at max five years out from the digital future
PAUonePUNCH
Neo Member
I still buy game disks and CDs. Although the CDs are blank when I buy them.
D
Deleted member 752119
Unconfirmed Member
Probably start really trending that way in 5 years or so. Discs will be around, but diminished in sales and floor space in stores like CDs, and even movies now. I was shocked at how small the music/movie combined section in the new Best Buy (moved locations) nearest me was compared to the old one, and how it was way off in a corner of the store.
when we can download a game as fast as we download an album off itunes
when the amount of space a game takes up relative to total space is as minuscule as the amount of space downloading an album takes relative to total space
when data caps accommodate for lots of 50GB+ downloads a month
so probably not for a long time?
when the amount of space a game takes up relative to total space is as minuscule as the amount of space downloading an album takes relative to total space
when data caps accommodate for lots of 50GB+ downloads a month
so probably not for a long time?
ScientificPizza
Banned
CDs aren't dead but they aren't even close to what they used to be ten years ago. The trend of physical vs digital music is skewing more towards digital everyday. There's a reason so many stores embraced the vinyl resurgence.
Theonik
Member
When digital in consoles manages to subvert physical in the same way iTunes did or to a lesser extent steam. Not many people would buy a £55 digital game that sells for less than £45 retail to get on their 10mbps broadband.
Also, while digital has a usability advantage over physical, consumers attach more value into things they can hold.
Also, while digital has a usability advantage over physical, consumers attach more value into things they can hold.
No it isn't. Continue to buy your overpriced digital games, and i'll continue to buy retail.
EatinOlives
Member
The internet infrastructure simply isn't there. The amount of people who can download 50+ gb games in just a few hours with no caps is extremely small.
Superblatt
Member
Discs will go away when people stop buying them. It's that simple, and it's going to take a very long time for that to occur. I'm 36, and don't plan on going digital any time soon. I'm guessing it'll be reality when I hit 50.
R10Neymarfan
Member
Why? They're a terrible company. The sooner they crash out the better
It's more convenient getting them a couple of days early, for less, and not having to download a thing though.
Infernal Monkey
Member
Edit: nm
Digital game prices on consoles simply cannot compete with prices from Bestbuy GCU, let alone Steam. I can also resell/trade games I'm done with or don't like to keep. I don't care if I have to install a game, download patches, or get up and swap discs. I am always saving money buying physically.
believe it or not, its the proliferation of steam that made me less interested in the pc platform than i ever was in the past. getting big, colorful boxes and thick, printed manuals and maps in a new game was a huge part of the appeal.
SilverArrow20XX
Walks in the Light of the Crystal
I can hold tens of thousands of songs on my hard drive and access every one of them instantly.
Unlike songs, games aren't usually things that are consumed in a couple of minutes on a whim. People like having bigger media like that in a proper library. Hell, people who are really into music and listen to albums at a time still like to buy CDs too. Like paper books, the market's not going anywhere.
Unlike songs, games aren't usually things that are consumed in a couple of minutes on a whim. People like having bigger media like that in a proper library. Hell, people who are really into music and listen to albums at a time still like to buy CDs too. Like paper books, the market's not going anywhere.
Manmademan
Member
Physical game discs are still about 70% of the market.
Gamestop is responsible for a LOT of these sales- that company has 6,547 locations, 4400 of which are in the US.
To put that number in perspective, this is about as many physical locations as Wendy's.
Their reach is absolutely huge, which is critical when we consider that malls are dead and best buy has been on life support for years.
if gamestop goes tits up the entire industry takes a tremendous hit since there is no other way to reach those customers- and no, digital distribution isn't going to do it.
Keep in mind that as shady as they are, Gamestop puts a LOT of effort into pushing preorders, accessories, and strategy guides- and gameinformer is pretty much the last relevant print magazine that exists. It's a huge promotional outlet that reliably hits casual fans that don't live on Neogaf.
They can, the costs are lower. They've just decided they don't want to.
AHA-Lambda
Member
Let me paint you a scenario.
It's night. You're in bed, fresh off a shower, and ready to sleep. You feel yourself dozing off. You're jolted awake at the sound of footsteps heading up the stairs. Something is clearly wrong because the wife and kids are away for the weekend. You're afraid, but fortunately you're in reach of a PS4 game cover, inside of which is a blu-ray disc. No sooner does the thief invading your house open your bedroom door, you throw that disc like a well trained ninja and it hits a critical point in the home invader's neck.
He falls to the ground. You're safe, and sound. You can call the police, and later inform your wife of your heroics. It's a nice story.
Now imagine you had no game disc. The home invader enters your room, and all you can do is throw air at him. Because that's what you have without a game disc. Your "attack" doesn't work. That thief then beats the shit out of you, strangles you with your own penis since you're a GAFfer and it's big enough, and then throws you out of the bedroom window. While he scours the house for your valuables, you lay on your lawn like the little lamb who thought he knew better before the wolf made him fucking dead.
So how about you start appreciating the versatility of the physical game disc?
It's night. You're in bed, fresh off a shower, and ready to sleep. You feel yourself dozing off. You're jolted awake at the sound of footsteps heading up the stairs. Something is clearly wrong because the wife and kids are away for the weekend. You're afraid, but fortunately you're in reach of a PS4 game cover, inside of which is a blu-ray disc. No sooner does the thief invading your house open your bedroom door, you throw that disc like a well trained ninja and it hits a critical point in the home invader's neck.
He falls to the ground. You're safe, and sound. You can call the police, and later inform your wife of your heroics. It's a nice story.
Now imagine you had no game disc. The home invader enters your room, and all you can do is throw air at him. Because that's what you have without a game disc. Your "attack" doesn't work. That thief then beats the shit out of you, strangles you with your own penis since you're a GAFfer and it's big enough, and then throws you out of the bedroom window. While he scours the house for your valuables, you lay on your lawn like the little lamb who thought he knew better before the wolf made him fucking dead.
So how about you start appreciating the versatility of the physical game disc?
/dead. Literally
Something I think will always be a plus in my book for physical is that licensed games or games in general that may use licenses will remain widely available for people to purchase. Digital however, when a license expires it can sometimes mean store removal. Take the Outrun and Afterburner games that came out on PS3 or Scott Pilgrim. Those are not purchasable anymore, and I missed out on Scott Pilgrim and Outrun.
Lionel Richie
Member
I don't understand this kind of logic OP. If you like things being digital, good for you! But why would want a perfectly reasonable storage medium that a lot of people love to just go away? Why would you want less options when buying your shit?
30yearsofhurt
Member
How long does it take to download 40GB?
How many 40GB games can I fit on a 1TB SSHD?
I understand the convenience part but as long as growth in install sizes outstrips increases in download speed and HDD sizes then sorry bud. Discs are here to stay.
How many 40GB games can I fit on a 1TB SSHD?
I understand the convenience part but as long as growth in install sizes outstrips increases in download speed and HDD sizes then sorry bud. Discs are here to stay.
Not everyone has a store that will break street dates near them.
But you're on a gaming forum with a MASSIVE console presence...on consoles, it's not even close lol. Physical media dominates...
Zen_Arcade
Banned
Limited physical releases is probably my biggest problem with PC gaming.
Old physical games are art, especially back when they came with good instruction booklets, and that art is mostly lost on PC.
Neither do I, I buy online. Best of both worlds.
Some good points bought up about games sizes getting bigger.
And with iTunes and other similar services you can buy the album in pieces.
Which makes me think about games like the recent Hitman. Now if more games take an episode approach....you may have a point OP.
And with iTunes and other similar services you can buy the album in pieces.
Which makes me think about games like the recent Hitman. Now if more games take an episode approach....you may have a point OP.