Going digital is now a necessity!

When Sony and Microsoft announced that they will release small digital games for their respective platforms, I was one of those people who saw the potential, but really wasn’t intrigued by the idea.

 

 

I didn’t feel comfortable purchasing something that is not tangible which I cannot actually hold it on my hand, unlike a DVD or a Blu-ray. I also questioned the value of the digital games: While traditional games have a fixed value of 50$-60$, digital games vary wildly and I always questioned whether I will be getting the proper value for my buck. Sure all the cool kids where doing it, but I don’t get easily swayed just like that.  So I was on the fence and didn’t buy anything from PlayStation Network, until this year.

 

Why the change of heart? Well for starters I didn’t realize the opportunity digital distribution gives to the developers. Because the game can be any size, developers can actually take risks and try something new and innovative. If it fails, the loss is minimal and if it succeeds then the developer can take the experience and make a bigger game on Disc or a more refined game via online. It’s the perfect way to collaborate between the consumers and ‘ask’ them what they like and what they don’t.  Digital Distribution is the way to go to achieve innovation without much risk.

 

The cost plays a huge part, services like Xbox Live Arcade and PSN allows small time developers aka Indie Developers who cannot make huge budget makes but can make small games and eventually grow. Also perhaps the best thing about attracting Indie developers is that they are not horse fed by any mega corporation who dictates what should and should not be done. Being Free from the shackles of corporate muscle, it gives a lot of flexibility and character to the games which cannot be found in big budget games found on disc.

 

I myself spent like 25$ on a digital avatar in PlayStation Home as my friends insisted. I also got DeathSpank just today, played the demo, loved it and perhaps without digital distribution, it would never been possible.