Poll: Download or Retail?

[jebussaves88]

This thought arose after playing Defense Grid: The Awakening; Do we as consumers really want media to become an industry dominated by downloadble product rather than physical?

Now I really want to get Defense Grid, but the thought of downloading the games (and by this I mean paid downloading like Steam, not pirating) really puts me off. I want to be able to hold the purchase in my hand, and know that if the company goes bust, I can still access my purchase for much later use.

Recently I have become a big fan of Pop Cap Games also, but again, the same problem arises. I'd rather the convenience of a disc than the hassle of downloading the thing, only to later experience problems. I have TF2 updating, after three days of reinstalling, it's still updating. Sure this may have more to do with my internet connection, but it's still part of the problem. The same principle also goes with films and music

I myself would currently be playing Braid, Audiosurf, Peggle, Plants Vs Zombies and Defense Grid right now if they'd come out in a nice DVD box. Does anyone agree that the way things are going are taking the power out of our hands as consumers? Or do you think I should just shut up and go with the times?

 

[ThePocketWeasel]

I want to be able to hold the purchase in my hand, and know that if the company goes bust, I can still access my purchase for much later use.

I completely agree with that. There's just something so much more satisfying about having the game. Also if you download a game what if your PC randomly deletes things? (like mine has) Then you've paid for something and completely lost it.
On the other hand discs can be scratched.
But personally I don't want to be taken over by downloads.

 

[JRCB]

Yeah, I go either. Can this also include music? Because I find if I can buy an album, I will.

 

[oliveira8]

I want to be able to hold the purchase in my hand, and know that if the company goes bust, I can still access my purchase for much later use.

I completely agree with that. There's just something so much more satisfying about having the game. Also if you download a game what if your PC randomly deletes things? (like mine has) Then you've paid for something and completely lost it.
On the other hand discs can be scratched.
But personally I don't want to be taken over by downloads.

Well thats why programs like Steam exist. In case you de-install/delete the folders of your downloaded games, as long as you know your account the game is stored in Steam data banks so you never lose the game. Unless you forget the account name.

 

[RICK BO]

I'm totally up for buying things in hand, It's that much more satisfying to be able to "lay your hand on it."[sub][1][/sub] I bought the orange box in store only to find out later that it was on a DVD not CD.

but It's ok, I bought myself my own computer to play it on.

Music I generally download, either individually or by the album if I like a few songs that artist has put out. Videos and animes I like being able to access them all in one convenient location (My computer) but if a show is truly great (Hellsing Ultimate, Gungrave,) or particularly nostalgic (Kiki's delivery service) I'll buy them by disc.

Manga, on the other hand, I buy book only, It add so much more character to the story when you're flipping pages and looking at slightly gray-scaled images while squinting at the parts right in the crease. I also like the portability of books rather than Computers/laptops. Even novels I prefer on paper as opposed to screen, partially to do with the whole "staring-at-a-screen-for-a-few-hours" part.

[1]Miller, Arthur. Death of a salesman Act 2 scene 3