Would You Buy A Downloadable Version Of Borderlands?
Wed, 03/11/2009 - 22:42
Using the hyper-advanced detective technique known as Google, I tracked down Borderlands publisher Take-Two’s Tuesday conference call transcript. Nothing noteworthy about Borderlands but there was a lot of talk about downloadable content.
Says Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick (which sounds like the name of a video game character btw):
…right now the structure of the business is we put out a packaged good and we're following it up with downloadable content.
In other words, they publish a game with physical copies and then make a few extra bucks with add-ons and extra items online.
That could be changing:
Is that the nature of the business going forward or might front-line product be distributed that way as well? And I think the answer is one step at a time.
Here's a question then: if you had the option to buy Borderlands as a digital download or a physical copy, what would it be?
As a PC gamer who doesn’t like clutter, I like digital downloads as long as the distribution system is handled correctly. I’m a big fan of the Steam network made by Valve (the guys behind Team Fortress 2 and Half Life). I’ve never had any problems playing the games, it’s multiplayer matchmaking is great, and reinstallation is easy.
Thu, 03/12/2009 - 01:03
#2
I buy primarily online.
I buy primarily online. Mostly because 80% of what I buy is stuff that goes on sale on steam. It's hard to say weather I go for borderlands online or physically... If steam offers a few dollars off, and I can preload the game before release date, then it's a no brainer, I'll be getting it online.
It's hard to beat being able to play at midnight of release date and not having to go into a store and wait in line.
Thu, 03/12/2009 - 04:06
#3
Call me a masochist but I
Call me a masochist but I enjoy going to the store at midnight!
A local game store had a few bands and pretty much a huge party for the Halo 3 release at midnight. It was a good time.
But if I can get the game sooner yes, Ill do steam. But thats the only exception.
Thu, 03/12/2009 - 06:44
#4
I prefer physical copies, but
I prefer physical copies, but if I could get the physical copy to register with steam and do a quick install on any machine, that'd be beyond awesome.
Thu, 03/12/2009 - 09:04
#5
Hey L3vi
I read that you can do that with UT3 now. You can take your physical copy and register it with Steam. I'm not sure if it lets you do a quick install on any machine, but I assume it opens all the Steam achievements for you and lets you play without the disc.
Thu, 03/12/2009 - 09:07
#6
Physical
I prefer a physical copy for a few reasons.
1. Chance of pre-order stuff from the stores (not always but a good portion of the time). Little random things like an action figure, a messenger bag (mirror's edge), exclusive in-game stuff.
2.Limited editions (for the same reason as above :p)
Now if there wasn't anything extra included in buying a physical copy, I'd be more likely to just go with an online copy if there was a better reason. Also keep in mind, not every game has a midnight launch and I actually doubt that Borderlands will. Also if the internet is ever destroyed, those with a physical copy can at least play offline XD
Love,
Fox Makenshi
Thu, 03/12/2009 - 12:31
#7
If the internet is destroyed,
If the internet is destroyed, being unable to play borderlands will be the least of my concerns.
Steam runs fine in offline mode anyways.
Thu, 03/12/2009 - 12:57
#8
If the internet is destroyed...
...it's going to be very hard to maintain the BorderlandsGuide forums.
Maybe we should all start raising messenger pigeons just in case.
Fri, 03/13/2009 - 05:53
#9
Take a Page from DVD's
I kinda like what DVD's are doing. They have a code for a digital copy in the box of the physical copy. I like the atmosphere of a midnight launch and the sight of my ever growing stack of 360 games, but the problem with tangebility is that it is subject to damage, so it would be nice to also have a digital copy that you can store on your PS3 or Xbox hard drive should you choose to take that route.
Fri, 03/13/2009 - 16:02
#10
PS3 and Xbox HDD's are still
PS3 and Xbox HDD's are still so small. Maby for next generation of consoles. I've got like 2 terabytes of HDD space on my PC, so I don't worry about how much space full installs are taking up.
Im this way with my music too, I like to have the physical copy in my hands. So I'd buy the actual copy before I dowloaded it.
It could even be a few dollars cheaper and Im still going to get the physical copy.