Digital Downloads vs. Physical Media

[Chyron8472]

Do you prefer digitally downloadable games, or physical copies (regardless of storefront availability)? If, theoretically, physical copies were as readily available for purchase as digital copies, which would you choose?

How would DRM (reasonable DRM like, for example, from Steam or TTG, not Ubisoft) or lack thereof affect your choice between physical media and digital downloads?

[WarpSpeed]

I like physical media, though I know why companies are trying to get away from that. Gaming companies go out of business or stop marketing things all the time, but if you have the physical media, you can still play the games they once made.

[der_ketzer]

Since they topped makung proper sized boxes I could care less about retail discs.
And then Steam. Steam and Steam.

[Shadowknight1]

I much prefer the physical media. Sure, it takes up shelf space. But it doesn't take up hard drive space. When I have to clear out a crap load of stuff from my PS3 just to play DC Universe Online, then I'd much rather have this stuff on a physical disk. And the PS3 having to install off the disks for no reason doesn't help much.

[Darth Marsden]

I'm happy with both. Digital downloads are fine (so long as you have enough space!), but there's something reassuring about physical copies as well. I can fully understand why people prefer one over the other - I sway towards physical myself - but really, they're both good in their own way.

[Jennifer]

I prefer digital downloads. I still buy boxes and DVD keepcases for the games I really like, but I usually just like the convenience of instantly playing after I buy.

[Bloodline Video]

physical media I like to own what I pay for :)

[Alcoremortis]

I haven't bought a physical CD or DVD in years. And given my tendency to lose those, it's all for the best. I hope that everything will be in download form eventually so I can have everything in the same place.

[DAISHI]

There's a reason brick and mortar shops are shutting down.

[Alcoremortis]

As far as games go, there's very little reason for a brick and mortar shop. You don't really get to try out the game or gain any enlightenment from the experience that you couldn't have gotten online. In fact, it's better to buy games online because then you have the added convenience of having your system specs right there so you can figure out if the darn thing will even work.

[MarkDarin]

I prefer digital downloads. I still buy boxes and DVD keepcases for the games I really like, but I usually just like the convenience of instantly playing after I buy.

^^ This.

If there is a Game that I really like, I will buy it on disk... just BECAUSE I like seeing it on my shelf. I guess it's that last bit of collector in me.

But when it comes to actually playing a game... I LOVE having my downloaded games all in one place. The lazy man in me absolutely HATES having to get up and switch disks when I want to play a new game. If I'm in the mood to play something and it comes down to playing a game on a disk that is NOT in the system already and playing something that I have downloaded, the downloaded loaded game will get played 90% of the time!

[MusicallyInspired]

Digital downloads are incredibly convenient, but I will always prefer physical copies. I like my boxes. And freedom from the reliance of an internet connection.

[RetroVortex]

I like both! And I think we should get both.
Its so much more convenient having a physical AND digital backup. Eliminates all possible problems then. (Unless you get REALLY unlucky! XD)

For portables though. Digital is helpful. I'll admit my PSP never touches a UMD anymore. (Well... unless I want to rip them onto my memory card that is! XD)

I still don't mind the 3DS cartridges that much though. At least I can resell them if I ever get desperate...

[DAISHI]

If games still had feelies in the boxes, or memorable game booklets, I'd be more inclined to buy them.

[Chyron8472]

What about downloads vs. discs on consoles?

[DAISHI]

Consoles still do a decent job of manuals actually. Nintendo puts out great game manuals.

[MusicallyInspired]

I'd like both. Why should we have to make a choice of one or the other?

[corruptbiggins]

For me the choice isn't about physical vs digital media, it simply comes down to which is the cheapest option and these days, nine times out of ten it's the digital option that is cheaper, be it through sales or whatever. But there are still the odd time I can pick up a bargain in a shop (in both digital & physical shops at that) but they are getting rarer.

[Ribs]

That said, there is nothing more exciting then a package in the post.

[Alcoremortis]

That said, there is nothing more exciting then a package in the post.

Watching a download time get smaller?

[Farlander]

I'm on both sides, actually.

I find digital downloads/releases to be incredibly convenient, but they'll never replace awesome things like, for example, this:
http://www.xboxer360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/B209102.jpg

[Bloodline Video]

Agreed! All the bonus stuff you can get with physical copies is amazing! While download makes it so u dont have to leave your house to buy the new game you wanna play, I for one like getting out of the house and going to the local game store and picking up my copy and seeing all the other new titles out and checking out the vintage section of Nes, Atari 2600 and Commodore 64 games. Download just dont have that appeal or charm for me.