Digital distribution is now available on almost every format of gaming media. The idea seems great, buying a game from the comfort of your living room, but what are the downsides? What's it like investigates PC, Wii U, 360 and PS3 online networks and compares them to retail outlets so you can shop with confidence!
PC gave birth to digital distribution starting with Steam. Steam initially started out as a form of piracy protection that was launched with Half-life 2. Now Steam offers gamers a plethora of titles at their fingertips. Steam now has other competitors such as EA's Origin service and while it's successful, it never quite reached the heights of Steam.
So lets talk PC. Steam offers games that usually are on par with retailers Australia wide with the exception of the infamous Steam Sales which offer games at up to 80% off. Recently I managed to pick up 8 Origin titles for around $25 which would have retailed at around $200.
Digital or Retail? We say... Digital for PC
The consoles are a different kettle of fish altogether. While digital distribution is in full swing on PC, it still remains in its infancy on the big 3 consoles. Prices are rarely competitive and with retail offering preowned and constant sales, digital distribution falls behind in a big way. Often you will be able to buy cheaper at retail stores and also have the added benefit of some retailers offering exchanges if you are unhappy with your purchase.
Digital or Retail? We say... Retail for Consoles
But that's not all, lets have a quick look at multiplayer services for consoles.
Sony and Microsoft offer bonus games through paid subscription services, while Nintendo has no subscription service at all.
Sony by far has the best value subscription with its "Playstation Plus" service, offering retail games free, plus arcade games and classic Playstation titles. It costs $70 per year with the major downside being if you don't renew your subscription, the titles given to you won't work.
Microsoft has the most popular online service with Xbox live. Online games are monitored to minimize griefing and the service is very reliable. It weighs in at $80 a year and if you don't have it, you can't play online at all.
Nintendo have had a very slow start to it's online services, launching Nintendo Network with the Wii U. The service is reliable and very strict on foul play. Abusing other players will result in your account being blocked and repeat offenders will have their accounts terminated. The major downside is that there aren't a lot of Wii U owners at the moment so it can be difficult to find a game online.
What can you take from all this? Well we can see that consoles have a way to go with digital distribution while PC is leading the way. For console owners, buying digital isn't a very good investment at the moment. PC owners can reap the benefits of Steam sales and Humble bundles offering a cheaper alternative than retail. In the end the choice is yours. For this gamer however, nothing beats bringing home a new game to admire on the shelf.
Do you prefer digital or retail? Sound off in the comments section of our Facebook page!
-Sarge out!
Not going to lie as someone who adores having games on my shelf for my money, Steam sales offer so much value for money especially for back catalogue. However, the real problem with PC is keeping your gaming rig up to date. You buy a game for your console, you KNOW it's going to play and run pretty damn well. Even when the consoles into its 7th year or so life cycle (like these ones!). However, some games, even if you meet the minimum requirements on PC, still run like crap. Yes, your graphics can be so much prettier and up to date, however it comes with a cost. I guess i run a preference system. Most of my games i will prefer on console (platinumssss!) unless its way cheaper on Steam (I'm old school and will always prefer something physical to go along with the digital if its the same price). Also.... COLLECTORS EDITIONS. I will be a candidate for gaming and figurine hoarding when i get older for sure.
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