Sony: All NGP Games Will See Simultaneous Digital Release

[John Funk]

Sony: All NGP Games Will See Simultaneous Digital Release

Gamers who like digital distribution will be able to download any physically-released NGP game on day one, says Sony.

Whether it's because of Apple's stunning success in the mobile gaming market or because of Steam's stunning success in the PC market, Sony has been a very strong proponent of digitally downloadable games on its handheld devices. Its last try at a digital-distribution system, the PSPgo, the NGP [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/95590-PSPgo-Barely-Sells-1000-Units-in-Australia-on-Launch-Week].

Speaking with MCV UK, Sony Europe boss Andrew House said that every NGP game that hit store shelves would have a downloadable counterpart. "One thing we [learned] from PSP, is that we want to have simultaneous delivery in digital and physical for NGP," said House. "Just to clarify that, all games that appear physically will be made available digitally."

This is a good move for Sony, I think. One of the (many) problems with the PSPgo was that it was digital-distribution only, which turned away gamers who either didn't have the local infrastructure to support multiple-gigabyte downloads, or who simply preferred to own a hard copy of their games. By letting these gamers buy a hard copy as well as allowing digital-distribution enthusiasts to pull all of their games from thin air, you're catering to both sides.

That is, of course, assuming it all goes as planned. Something might interfere with these plans and cause havoc before the NGP hits shelves - but if nothing else, it's an encouraging sign.

(Wired [http://www.mcvuk.com/features/894/INTERVIEW-Andrew-House])

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[Snotnarok]

I wasn't aware they were doing physical releases...I thought they were still pushing hard on digital but physical? Really? Hm...Well I'm very much interested now.

 

[Rad Party God]

Looks interesting, but I'm still waiting for them to say if there's going to be PS2 games on that thing or not.

 

[Serving UpSmiles]

Wait what's the physical formant of the games exactly? if its just an SD and you have to instal the games when you get home, that would suck...

 

[icame]

I just like physical copies unless its through steam. Don't like the idea of PSN shutting down in a few years and me losing access to the games.

 

[LeonLethality]

I just like physical copies unless its through steam. Don't like the idea of PSN shutting down in a few years and me losing access to the games.

The thing about downloadable PSP/PS3 games (at least to my knowledge) most of them don't need constant internet access to play, once it is downloaded it's just there to play. It would be stupid to make downloadable portable games have DRM.

 

[icame]

I just like physical copies unless its through steam. Don't like the idea of PSN shutting down in a few years and me losing access to the games.

The thing about downloadable PSP/PS3 games (at least to my knowledge) most of them don't need constant internet access to play, once it is downloaded it's just there to play. It would be stupid to make downloadable portable games have DRM.

I mean as in if I ever get a new console or if my HDD dies. The games would then be gone.

 

[LeonLethality]

I just like physical copies unless its through steam. Don't like the idea of PSN shutting down in a few years and me losing access to the games.

The thing about downloadable PSP/PS3 games (at least to my knowledge) most of them don't need constant internet access to play, once it is downloaded it's just there to play. It would be stupid to make downloadable portable games have DRM.

I mean as in if I ever get a new console or if my HDD dies. The games would then be gone.

Ah sorry I misinterpreted you.

 

[mjc0961]

This is a good move for Sony, I think. One of the (many) problems with the PSPgo was that it was digital-distribution only, which turned away gamers who either didn't have the local infrastructure to support multiple-gigabyte downloads, or who simply preferred to own a hard copy of their games. By letting these gamers buy a hard copy as well as allowing digital-distribution enthusiasts to pull all of their games from thin air, you're catering to both sides.

Nah, the bigger problem related to it being DD only was that they did next to nothing to get their back catalog of PSP games available for PSP Go owners. They worked at it for about a month, then they realized the PSP Go was a flop and basically said "fuck it" and just let it rot.

At least they're going to avoid repeating that mistake, which is something.

 

[Woem]

One of the (many) problems with the PSPgo was that it was digital-distribution only

Not only that, but the digital downloads also had different region release dates. Most games (including PS One games and Digital Comics) were never released in Europe, making the PSP Go an even more crippled experience than it already was. As a European PSP Go owner even now I do not have access to any of the Castlevania games (including Symphony of the Night), no Silent Hill, no Final Fantasy. And the games that do become available for me are a lot more expansive than the UMD counter-parts, which is crazy!

For me, my iPhone is a better gaming platform than the PSP Go, and I'm not even touching the NGP with a 10 foot pole.

 

[Rigs83]

Sounds cool, I'd probably want Digital Download only if the game is at a slight discount. Nothing huge just a slight deduction reflecting the fact that my DD purchase has a much higher profit margin than the in store physical purchase of a game.

My only narcissistic and unforgivable concern is that all the chaos in Japan may delay the NGP's release.

 

[JediMB]

Sounds good.

While I'm not much for downloading console games (yet), it's nice to see Sony keeping both distribution channels open for the NGP.

 

[Art Axiv]

I am all for diversity, and so far, the console seems worth buying! Let's just wait for the full launch line-up.

 

[Griffolion]

Well, that's Christmas sorted for me this year.

 

[GeorgW]

Sounds good, as long as they have physical I'm happy.