Digital distribution for games? Not just yet
In principle, the introduction of digital distribution in the game industry is a good thing for everyone: It can save companies a lot of money, minimize risks and on the part of the consumers, it may eventually lower game prices.
The entire idea is quite iTunes-ish. To have the ability to grab games that you want in the comfort of your home would be one hassle less for a lot of gamers. For companies, it saves them the entire manufacturing expense of releasing CDs and DVDs as a medium for game distribution. It saves them the money they pay to have their games on store shelves by replacing the brick-and-mortar dealer with a virtual one. When you combine the two elements, it seems to make a lot of sense.
Apparently, the triumvirate of the console business all agree that this is a viable model to extend their spheres of influence in the gaming community. Through their own respective networks, Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo have allowed the distribution of firmware, updates and old classic games for everyone to enjoy.
The vision, however, that digital distribution will replace traditional retailers may still be a few years away. Hardware limitations is not as talked about as corporate policies, but in truth, it’s the most basic element needed to make digital distribution happen in this generation. The fact that next-gen games come in large files will mean that reliable internet connections which can provide fast downloads will have to be accessed by end users. Storage space is also a consideration as the Wii and X360 don’t have built-in hard drives.
According to Chris Kohler the PS3 is in the best position to capitalize on its high-end advantage “since every PS3 comes with an internal hard disk. Wii only features 512 MB of built-in flash memory for game storage. And although Xbox 360 supports a 20-GB hard drive, it’s an optional accessory, meaning that Microsoft can’t count on gamers having one.”
Add to that the fact not everyone has reliable and speedy internet access to download games that come in huge files, and you have another hindrance in getting the games across. Follow the read URL to get the details on why we can’t get games like songs just yet.
Via Wired
In principle, the introduction of digital distribution in the game industry is a good thing for everyone: It can save companies a lot of money, minimize risks and on the part of the consumers, it may eventually lower game prices.
The entire idea is quite iTunes-ish. To have the ability to grab games that you want in the comfort of your home would be one hassle less for a lot of gamers. For companies, it saves them the entire manufacturing expense of releasing CDs and DVDs as a medium for game distribution. It saves them the money they pay to have their games on store shelves by replacing the brick-and-mortar dealer with a virtual one. When you combine the two elements, it seems to make a lot of sense.
Apparently, the triumvirate of the console business all agree that this is a viable model to extend their spheres of influence in the gaming community. Through their own respective networks, Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo have allowed the distribution of firmware, updates and old classic games for everyone to enjoy.
The vision, however, that digital distribution will replace traditional retailers may still be a few years away. Hardware limitations is not as talked about as corporate policies, but in truth, it’s the most basic element needed to make digital distribution happen in this generation. The fact that next-gen games come in large files will mean that reliable internet connections which can provide fast downloads will have to be accessed by end users. Storage space is also a consideration as the Wii and X360 don’t have built-in hard drives.
According to Chris Kohler the PS3 is in the best position to capitalize on its high-end advantage “since every PS3 comes with an internal hard disk. Wii only features 512 MB of built-in flash memory for game storage. And although Xbox 360 supports a 20-GB hard drive, it’s an optional accessory, meaning that Microsoft can’t count on gamers having one.”
Add to that the fact not everyone has reliable and speedy internet access to download games that come in huge files, and you have another hindrance in getting the games across. Follow the read URL to get the details on why we can’t get games like songs just yet.
Via Wired