Day 1 Digital

[Arizona-Heat]

I don't understand why these games aren't cheaper than the boxed version. I personally like to have the box version of the game that usually has extra codes and the ability to trade in afterwards. I would try a digital title if it was $20 cheaper, I am sure Sony makes a lot more money on these. Any rational thoughts.

[tarvis]

It's generally assumed that Sony and Microsoft take approximately 30% of a sale made on their respective stores. Going with that number, if they took $20 off a $60 game, they'd be losing money.

A publisher, on the other hand, cannot price digital games lower than MSRP due to agreements with big box retailers like Walmart.

[Gardenofstone10]

Well, they sell regardless of price. I never have price as an issue. If I want a movie or game the day it comes out, or even within the same month, I expect to pay full price. Why would they discount that when the games sell just fine at full price? They eventually drop when they do in stores and the PSN store runs sales, PS Plus get discounts and there are random other ways to save money. I've never seen a problem with how games are priced on PSN. Xbox, however, they need to fix theirs. They keep games at 60 bucks far too long. Once there was even one for 20 in stores, 60 on games on demand. Hell, I just bought Forza Horizon for 60 bucks on Games on Demand when I think it's 30 or 40 in stores. However, I'll pay more to have it digitally. Future proof, you know?

[MOONPHASE]

Well it's either pay full price on PSN or purchase the retail copy(excluding games that are released on PSN at retail price but with no retail copy available).

You have to figure that people who are buying the download version are not going to buy the retail version too(unless you're a hardcore fan). So basically these digital downloads are basically considered alternative ways to get the same game for the same price so you don't have to deal with an employee at a cash register or waiting a few days for your online purchase to arrive in the mail.

Digital downloads of games are great for games that are hard to find for going OOP so easily. It does help game companies so that you don't have to buy the game used which I think is the main point on them especially if it's for a game you really like and you want to show the Developers and Publishers just how much you love the game for not buying a used copy.

[jsteinhauer]

So as not to piss off their retail partners.

[MerrickG]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

So as not to piss off their retail partners.

THIS. Im surprised that people have to actually clarify this from time to time.

[MerrickG]

Originally Posted by Gardenofstone10

Well, they sell regardless of price. I never have price as an issue. If I want a movie or game the day it comes out, or even within the same month, I expect to pay full price. Why would they discount that when the games sell just fine at full price? They eventually drop when they do in stores and the PSN store runs sales, PS Plus get discounts and there are random other ways to save money. I've never seen a problem with how games are priced on PSN. Xbox, however, they need to fix theirs. They keep games at 60 bucks far too long. Once there was even one for 20 in stores, 60 on games on demand. Hell, I just bought Forza Horizon for 60 bucks on Games on Demand when I think it's 30 or 40 in stores. However, I'll pay more to have it digitally. Future proof, you know?

I wasn't aware that the chances of a disc biodegrading were higher than the risk of a machine losing its digital content.

[MrNathanDrake]

Developers and Publishers can't wait for DD to take off.

They make much more money from it.


DD cuts a lot of costs:
-Blu-Ray Disc and packaging
-Logistics (Shipping/Receiving)
-Warehouse space

You guys don't realize how many people are involved in the process. From printing the game on the disc at a factory, to getting it to a warehouse, to then shipping it off to stores. DD completely gets rid of that entire process, effectively saving publishers a lot of money.

but most of all... it cuts out the middle man who takes a big cut of their money (Best Buy, GameStop, Wal-Mart, etc)



DD should be great for the industry, as developers will be making a lot more money on each game sold.

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by MrNathanDrake

but most of all... it cuts out the middle man who takes a big cut of their money (Best Buy, GameStop, Wal-Mart, etc).

As alluded to above, this has been discussed ad nauseum. For third party titles, the PS Store is the middle man. You won't be buying PS3 or PS4 downloads direct from the studio or publisher. There would still be a retail markup.

[tarvis]

Originally Posted by MrNathanDrake

DD should be great for the industry, as developers will be making a lot more money on each game sold.

Publishers might get a higher return on digital sales. Not developers.

[Arizona-Heat]

At least knock off $10 since you don't have to produce a box, disc, or paperwork for the game. I will stick with the boxed version, until I get a ps4 sometime next year. DD's will be a lot better with a tryout of the game for a while.

[tarvis]

Originally Posted by Arizona-Heat

At least knock off $10 since you don't have to produce a box, disc, or paperwork for the game.

This is ignoring the reasons listed. Publishers cannot reduce MSRP for one store due to agreements with big box retailers.

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by tarvis

This is ignoring the reasons listed. Publishers cannot reduce MSRP for one store due to agreements with big box retailers.

There may also be legality issues. While resellers don't need to heed the MSRP (by law), for a manufacturer to publis a MSRP, then undercut it sounds like a bogus practice, setting one up for lawsuits, if it's not already explicitly illegal.

[MrNathanDrake]

Originally Posted by tarvis

Publishers might get a higher return on digital sales. Not developers.

WRONG.


Developers can "self publish" on PS4..... meaning they won't even need a publisher.

[tarvis]

Originally Posted by MrNathanDrake

WRONG.


Developers can "self publish" on PS4..... meaning they won't even need a publisher.

What do you mean wrong in caps lock. Self-publishing also means a lack of advertising. And, if a developer is self-publishing on PSN, then they are most likely not selling a physical copy of their game. Which, again, lowers potential sales.

[MerrickG]

Originally Posted by Arizona-Heat

At least knock off $10 since you don't have to produce a box, disc, or paperwork for the game. I will stick with the boxed version, until I get a ps4 sometime next year. DD's will be a lot better with a tryout of the game for a while.

You're absolutely NUTS if you think they would EVER mark it down that much.

The amount of money they save on digital is nowhere near $10.

The case and discs all average mere CENTS.

In short, cutting the cost $10 would lose them so much money, its not even funny.

[MerrickG]

Originally Posted by tarvis

What do you mean wrong in caps lock. Self-publishing also means a lack of advertising. And, if a developer is self-publishing on PSN, then they are most likely not selling a physical copy of their game. Which, again, lowers potential sales.

This, self publishing rarely ever works.


You need publishers to advertise. That alone ends the debate.

[MrNathanDrake]

Indie games don't need publishers.

[tarvis]

Originally Posted by MrNathanDrake

Indie games don't need publishers.

Not having a publisher is the definition of independent. It's not a question of need. Or even desire, necessarily.

[Gardenofstone10]

Originally Posted by MerrickG

I wasn't aware that the chances of a disc biodegrading were higher than the risk of a machine losing its digital content.

I take my chances. I have a bad habit of selling/trading games back before completing them. Buying on demand teaches me to make smarter choices and play the games.