To buy the physical copy or just download the digital version, that is the question.
Let's get Physical
There is nothing better than finally getting your hands on your new game. Going to the store or getting your package delivered containing the physical copy of your latest acquisition will always brighten up your day. There is something about being able to open the box, admire the art, quickly glance at the leaflets and then inserting the disc into your console or PC and let it boot up for the first time.
There used to be a time that buying a physical copy of a game was the only way to go but thanks to broadband internet and the increasing storage space available, we are able to download large quantities of digital copies of games. With consoles we have moved from cartridges to disc based games and digital downloads. PC had big boxes and when Steam came along PC gamers started favoring digital downloads over physical copies.
But there is something about those physical boxes that just gives the purchase of a game something extra, something special. It is probably because you get something "more" with a physical copy, a box, box art, a booklet and maybe some free giveaways.
Digital is the Future
Nothing beats the ease of buying a digital version of a game. Recently I bought a copy of Tekken 7 when I was at work with my phone using the Playstation app. I paid with Paypal and used the app to queue the download of the game to my PS4, so that when I got home I could immediately start playing.
PC owners already made the transition from physical to digital a long time ago. Steam has provided a perfect service for downloading and managing your digital library of games.
There is no denying that digital downloads of games is the future, as you can see in the chart below, over the years the sales of physical games has been steadily declining while the sales of digital downloads has been rising.
So what is better?
Well, that is a matter of taste. In my opinion owning a physical copy still has it advantages. It makes buying a game more "real", digital downloading kind of takes the "romance" out of buying a new game. Buying physical also has some advantages when you are a real fan of a game and want to get some goodies by purchasing a Collector's edition for example. Another benefit is that you are able to lend out the game to a friend if you are done playing the game. There are a lot of games you play just once and then never play again, so when you are done with the game and have a friend who hasn't played it yet, you can just hand him the copy.
The Physical vs Digital Download discussion was actually a hot topic of debate when the Playstation 4 and Xbox one were released. Microsoft wanted to go the digital route and tie the games you purchased to your account, prohibiting you from reselling and lending out your games. Sony made an instructional video demonstrating how you could lend out your games for the PS4 just by handing them over.
The digital purchase of a game has some major advantages over buying a physical copy. The most obvious is that after your purchase you can immediately start playing. No more going to a store or waiting for the delivery man. You can buy your games anytime and anywhere. Another advantage is that you can't lose or damage your discs. Your online library is always accessible even when your PC or console should malfunction. All you have to do is download your games again and you are good to go.
An even more interesting advantage (but one that we are not quite enjoying yet) is that the costs for digital downloads are less than physical copies. The games don't have to be shipped of to resellers, it is not necessary to reserve space in shops, no packaging is required. So technically the games could be cheaper because the time-to-market and the costs of bringing the games to market are less than shipping off physical copies.
My thoughts
I am old school, so owning a physical copy still has some sentimental meaning to me. However I really enjoy the benefits of the digital downloads. I believe that if manufacturers would stop making physical game discs that they could lower the price of games. This would be beneficial to both gamers and game developers. It is also reassuring that I have an online library and that my games are safe, no matter if my console or PC would break and I had to get another.
That said, I would be a sad thing if something like a Collector's Edition would disappear, getting that disc and all the goodies that come with it, really is something special. Replacing the physical goodies with in game extras just isn't the same.
What do you prefer Physical or Digital? Let me know in the comment section
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