Truth Serum – Mike’s rage against the publishers Part II
We’re back with the second entry into Mike’s Rage. Sit back, grab your pitch forks and gas masks. It’s on.
Mikes Rage against the Publishers Part II – Digital Distribution: Publishers Strike Back!
Hello again to another entertaining segment of Mike’s Rage. In this second segment I will show how exclusive digital content for new game buyers goes hand-in-hand with the future of digital distribution (DD) only games. They are two different subjects that relate to an ending result. Gamers and people with jobs lose in the end. To think, some gamers even argue to defend it. Are they clueless?
Lets take a step back to see the big picture about (DD) from the publishers perspective.
#1. They don’t have to worry about pirated software or used game sales. = Win/Win for ONLY them.
#2. They don’t have to lose money on overhead of materials/printing/shipping, or middleman (stores) costs = Publishers are loot whores!
#3. They don’t have to pour tens of millions into completing a full game. They can release segments at a time to test the waters and see if we bite. = Who wins & who will lose?
See it’s really that simple yet many people can’t even understand simple so they are truly ignorant. To buy into DD only games is to tell publishers to go ahead and “kick me in the balls” or the vajayjay. Now I know you think this is an impractical reality but ALL companies are weaning us with baby steps in DD only games. For example, Microsoft’s XBL Arcade, Sony’s PSN Classics, Nintendo’s Virtual Console, Valve’s STEAM… etc. Oh I know how you PC enthusiasts are so gung-ho on STEAM and how they offer cheaper new games NOW. However, the prices will not stay low forever. Once the competition (the ability to get the Hard Disc version) is no more, prices will go up on new games. Not only will prices go up but they will stay high for far longer due to publishers not having a ton of inventory hanging over their heads in stores.
Now I already know the argument that many supporting DD only games say. “They will never go Digital Distribution Only, because there are too many people without the ability to get games from download”
What a crock of crap that is! People we already have a TON of games that are DD ONLY and it will only grow as time moves forward. Duh! For crying out loud, most publishers who will test the DD only waters with their full game already know that their core gamer will most likely take their game to play online. Therefore, they know that if and when they decide to make their popular fan favored IP DD only, they know that most who buy the game already has the ability to download it. If anything, it will be the simple/casual games that stay on a hard disc since soccer moms/grandparents/middle-aged dads don’t care or know about online play.
I’ve also heard the other excuse that broadband providers limit the amount of downloaded content each month. They even charge you an extra fee if you go over the allotted amount of gigs to download. Yeah, yeah I heard this all before. I also know it does happen with certain providers. I also know that this alone can put a hurt on DD only games if something wasn’t worked out when DD becomes widespread with full retail games. However, simple logic would help you understand that things don’t always stay the same and the rich will only help themselves get richer. Companies like M icrosoft/Sony/Nintendo/Valve will work with broadband providers to get what they want in the end.
So I need to ask the people reading this…are you supporting download only games in a big way? If you are, I hope this opens up your eyes a little. To think publishers/console makers are not purposely trying to create a need for Download Only games is very naive. To only think of your desires without realizing the effects that will come after isn’t in the best interest for us gamers at all.
Publishers, you should also realize something. Gamers without the ability to trade-in games will be far more selective on what they purchase over broadband especially for $60+ bones! To be stuck with a purchase that has ZERO value once you are done with it will be a turnoff for many. So in essence you will be cutting off your nose to spite your face. Thus your game sales will have a very good possibility to be far worse with Digital Distribution only.
Please think about this before you go supporting something that will hurt a lot of people in the end…even you!
*this article was written by Mikewarrior
February 1st, 2010 at 9:31 am
“Companies like Microsoft/Sony/Nintendo/Valve will work with broadband providers to get what they want in the end.”
Probably. I’m not sure if this is good or bad. Reading recently about ESPN being streamed to the Xbox, I think this is awesome.
Having them work together for DD, I don’t think it’s good. ISPs definitely cap out usage. But, who the hell wants to download an 8 gig game? I have ZERO desire to. What about the PS3 with their br? No WAY. Sony is more into br than Microsoft. Sony will do everything to keep things on BR and sell it at a premium.
“So I need to ask the people reading this…are you supporting download only games in a big way?”
NO! DD works great for small games like XBL. It does not work well larger games. People will want to be able to hold their games so to speak. This is the same problem facing paperbacks right now. I would say you get more usage out of game than a book though. XBL games I will buy, but large games like Mass Effect, Gears of War, etc that are downloadable now I will not buy. Also, and this is a HUGE point, the downloadable games on XBL Demand are more expensive than what I could get at retail! This will hinder the push to DD IMO.
I agree the push to DD will diminish sales #s. Many gamers game BECAUSE they are able to resell their games.
If publishers hate people reselling games, MAKE more and BETTER DLCs. You must give them a reason to hold on to the game.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:19 am
You know Deacon, I made this same point a while back and in a couple of times in the comments of your other articles. And to be honest it seemed like you were hyping them and in support of them. And some of the replies accused me of being a whiner and/or too cheap to buy the game. I hate this new fad and have been against it for most of these same reasons. My one big example is the fallout add-ons, (and i don’t even know how many they released as of today 4-12 probably) where really only one of the add-ons is really worth it and continues the story, but still does not give me what i expect. And in fact, one of the add-ons even changes the whole style of play and ending, (seems like an entirely new game). And they even released “Game of the Year” edition, which has all the add-ons (4) included in that edition, which actually makes me think twice about buying a game on the initial release anymore. Maybe this was their way to make up for it but i doubt it. It really makes me not want to buy new games anymore and just wait until all add-ons are released.
Unfortunately, the kids today have bought into it, and don’t even expect much from them. The small price lets them throw their money away and not be as mad if it sucked bc they only wasted $10 bucks or points (and I hate this fad as well.) You can spend points a lot faster and without as much guilt as money and the companies know this. Consider casinos with chips instead of dollars. This is the same con. After people bought the Zombie island add-on for “borderlands” all i heard was it sucked and was too short but it was only a couple of bucks! Horrible.
I say either A)make extra add-ons an achievement based system,
b) Wait to release the game or if you are in a rush to release the game give the add-ons when completed away online for free,
or C) Wait to release an entirely new game.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:35 am
@brikz, i’ve never hyped digital distribution. lol and i’ve never called you a whiner. i don’t particularly have much of an issue with DLC sometimes….sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t. but games as digital distribution only has never been supported by me.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:37 am
the Borderlands DLC – Dr. Ned – was EXCELLENT. Anyone who says differently doesn’t know what they are talking about. It was worth the money for sure.
I agree with most everything else you stated, brikz
February 1st, 2010 at 10:57 am
Nice article Mike. I agreee, in the end its us as the consumers that get screwed with no Vasaline. At least with a hard disc, we have the option of selling or trade-in once were through with the game. But with DD once your done, your stuck with it.
Plus, think about the amount of space DD games would take up on your hard drive. Either buy a larger hard drive or be forced to delete certain games.
February 1st, 2010 at 11:18 am
Dr. Ned was tight.
February 1st, 2010 at 11:25 am
I haaaaatttttteeeeee Digital downloads. DRM issues, can’t trade/resell/borrow with friends, can’t return, take forever to download and use lots of HD space.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:06 pm
I think DD makes more sense with PC gaming. You can get large hard drives dirt cheap. Plus, selling used PC games has never bee a good idea due to CD keys/registration, etc.
I’ve bought a few games through Steam. It’s a painless process overall. My biggest issue is download times. Games are getting bigger and that means longer download times. With that said though, DD is something I could get used on the PC side.
Console wise, more people do trade in/sell games. So that will indeed be a problem for many. Personally, I’ve never sold or traded a game. The biggest issue I see is hard drives. They’ll either have to include massive drives out of the box or large drives at a cheap price.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:07 pm
“Dr. Ned was worthless to me.”
You also thought the 2nd DLC was better. The numbers and reviews prove you wrong, sucka. LOL
Go finish ME! LOL
February 1st, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I only agree with the DD system when the amount of production cost is totally reduced from the product. Also, if you can find that game for the same price or lower on Amazon, Best Buy or Target, then why bother. You would think that being the owner of the franchise, a company would sell the game at $5-$10 off the cheapest price you can find it on the market.
I do agree with the Internet bandwidth limitations, and also the fact that the so wonderful “Regional Lock” is already hurting me from getting most of the content I would like from Live (Netflix, 1vs100, Zune music videos & some XBLA titles).
And to end this up, let’s imagine for a moment that we could only get a game by DD. Based on the latest reports from game piracy, publishers would loose A TON of money by selling this way, if there’s always someone who can sell their product on the web at a cheaper price.
February 1st, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Wow… Nice replies. I can tell this is a touchy subject for many. Well, I’m not totally against Digital Distribution, I’m just against the ONLY part, and for the main reasons publishers are for it. (To kill used game sales, & to make it cheaper for them) They may start with passing some of the savings onto us, to get us to bite. However, once most of us do, they’ll charge the same if not more for a longer duration of time.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Confucius Say
The best way to save face, is to keep the lower part of it shut.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Mike say… Those who have nothing useful to say, are worth less than dirt.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:35 am
OMG what have you done Deacon! What have you unleashed upon thy Earth?!?!? :O
My View on the whole digital thing isn’t as deep and I’m not here for an argument, so please don’t start squirting your truth juice at me. I prefer a world where digital and physical were both always an option but if things changed here’s what I wouldn’t mind.
Portables (DS,PSP,Pony,etc) – DD Only -
This is the only platform I have no problem with being DD only. I have a PSP Go (STFU lol)and I have all my games, saves, and space for whatever else on it. When I’m suck on the bus for over 2 hours lately, it’s great to have all of my games with me. No more “D’oh I left Blah home” and when I want a game I download it in 5-10 minutes then play it. I know I could just go to the store but I’m not a fan of the Game shops in my area, so I would have to take the bus further out or bug someone for a ride. I mostly shop on Amazon for games now and I almost always pay under $57 for day 1 releases total including tax and get them on release day.
A must though is that there should always be a removal battery and external memory option (EX:SD Card) so that we can keep saves or whatever on it, also a way to transfer whatever data to it going through the device’s menu. If the device gets hit by a Kamehameha I want my saves backed up or stored on something, I worked on those and it’s mine! -_-
PC – DD only –
You buy it physical only to dump the contents of the disc onto your computer so why not just download it. My problem with DD on the PC is the security shit they’re putting crapping up my sexy computer lol. I’m a fan of steam but WTF do I need to install SecuRom for if a game requires steam to play Hur? Hur?!?!?…….. O_O There’s nothing else for me to say about this, I don’t see why not they just really need to work out the way they tie it to a user, there is waaaaaay to many programs on my computer just to make sure I have legit games. Keep in mind more than 1 is to much for me lol.
Consoles- Physical Media only -
Consoles are part of your home entertainment system and so is showing off your media collection when friends/family/Aliens/Robots come to visit. I enjoy having a collection of crap at times and it tickles my nerd bone a lil bit. Console games are lengthy so it’s not like I need to swap them out constantly and DD would make it more convenient, I just leave the disc in till I’m done. All I see digital download only on a console bringing to the table is expensive hard drives sold by the console makers (sure they would give us the option to put our own HDDs in….. not.)
The downside to DD is in the last bit of Mike’s post, this isn’t my blog so I should stop typing now but I won’t!
Mainstream gamers know what they want so they would get a game no matter what. Everyone else kind of goes in a game store, looks at a few cases and buys a game. With DD a lot games would get over looked by people that don’t give a damn about game reviews, gaming sites, video game magazines to keep up with upcoming games.
Companies would have to advertise the shit out of games on T.V, billboards, etc to get word of mouth going or their screwed. This also kind of kills the low budget/up and coming company’s….. Not to mention all the Game Stores/Game Sections in stores closing taking a lot of jobs away from the youth.
So much more to type but I’m going to stop now before I start making less sense….. Oh and games would stay full price longer since stores aren’t competing and no resale value is sucky but I keep most of my games anyway…… I’M STOPPING NOW……..
On a side note: Yes my grammar sucks, it’s 5:11 AM and I haven’t slept yet. I’m not getting paid to think these dumb thoughts so leave me alone lol.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:36 am
OMFG! I had no idea how long it was till I clicked submit! O_O
Sorry internet, these things should leave my head…….
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:21 am
Mike, are you ever going to be your own trademark?
February 15th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Hmm where to begin. Okay, I am completely 100% against Digital Distribution as an only option. I collect games, and as a game collector I want boxes and discs to touch, box art and disc art to look at, instruction manuals to read etc. etc. I don’t want to collect just 0’s and 1’s. Do you think someone who loves books would be happy with a single e-reader on a bookcase? No of course not, and I feel exactly the same way.
Now I never trade in games from my collection, nor do I buy used games. But I can see every advantage for others in having those options, so I’m all for keeping it. However, since Part II was written, Microsoft did something which is far worse. When they announced that Live would be cut from Original Xbox titles, it also meant that DLC and patches/upgrades would be cut off. You could see that as a small issue, considering there aren’t THAT many titles with that stuff on the original Xbox. But, let’s say all games were sold through DD. A few years after, Microsoft (or others) could do the exact same thing when they want to push you onto their next new platform. Only now it wouldn’t just be DLC you could no longer access, but the game itself. So not only is your game worth $0 in trade in value (again, wouldn’t affect me), but when you can no longer download it again in case you lose it or buy a new console, it’s total value becomes -$. Yes, you’ve actually LOST money, and that definitely WOULD affect me. To quote Mike, anyone who couldn’t figure that out, is clueless.
I feel I should add a bit about the worldwide job loss, because I really don’t think a lot of people would see how serious it could be. No store that sells games will have games to sell, no distributor to those stores has games to distribute, and no factory that makes games has any to make. That workforce has to be in the millions right?
Now about the publishers working with ISP’s. This would be completely feasible. It already happens in the UK, many broadband providers have had special deals with Microsoft with regards to getting free Live subscriptions and other 360 offers. Plus you can now watch Sky TV on 360, who also offer broadband services. They would line each others pockets so easily.
Moving on to what Boston said, about Sony and Blu Ray. At first, I agreed with it myself. I thought, yes he’s right, there’s no way Sony would go DD after bigging up Blu Ray so much. But then I reminded myself, this IS Sony. Look what they did with UMD, and how they failed with PSP Go *rolls eyes at USB* Yes it did fail which is good, but they still pushed it as ‘the way forward’ and nothing would stop them blurting the same crap again with the PS3 or next home console.
I have to talk about Sonic 4 now, as it completely relates to this. As you’ve probably seen, it’s back in 2D (how Sonic should be played) They’ve given fans what they wanted. However… you don’t need a double take to see that it says Sonic 4 Episode 1. That is certainly not something fans wanted. Now I’ve seen justification for this, such as Sega need a profit. What a load of rubbish. It doesn’t take a genious to work out that a new numbered Sonic title since 3 in 1994, would sell like crazy at retail today. People that still like Sonic would buy, people that went off Sonic with 3D will buy. It would be a cheaper priced retail game aswell, which appeals to potential new fans of the series. If I can work that out, why can’t SEGA? Making it DD and episodic only serves a single purpose, to rip us off now, and to take another step into a DD only age. They won’t say how many episodes there will be, and they won’t say how much they are. Imagine if we’re ‘lucky’ enough to get an episode for just 800 MS points, or $10. Then multiply that by a minimum of 4. Now if they are a success, they can choose to add more episodes, all of which should have made one retail game. In the end, you will end up paying twice the amount you would at retail, plus your episodes are worth 100% less than a retail game i.e. absolutely nothing. So people saying that it wouldn’t sell at retail, and think a DD version is an advantage to them (yes, like you Longboy) because they’re getting a ‘bargain’ – they need to think again. Then next year, there could very well be a Sonic 4 at retail, with a ton of extra content not available to download. Nobody should buy into this.
On to something less serious, but still yet another disadvantage to DD. Let’s think about occasions such as Christmas and Birthdays. How is a child supposed to receive a game from their older technology challenges relatives? Plus you’re taking away the happy moment of opening a present =( I know you don’t approve of gifts Mike, but many do lol, and nobody wants a digital download as a gift.
Right, I think I’ll close up. I know there are many things holding back DD for now. But if publishers want to move forward with it, then any problems can be EASILY ironed out. We (i.e. gamers, THEIR customers) can not let this happen. If DD only moves forward, then they get it better while we get it worse. It’s as simple as that!
February 15th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
That’s a sad face there btw, after the present thing lol. Not a typo
February 15th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Here, here Nanakai! Now that is a mouthful.
You touch on many things I have in my War of Words article that responds to SpaceGhost2K, well besides gifts. lol