Physical vs. digital media

[Hookshot]

This topic has probably been talked to death here but I want to hear what you all have to say on it.

I just got my copies of BZ and BZII this week (unfortunately I can't play them because my gaming laptop is in repair ) and lucky for me they came with their respective manuals and keyboard layout cards. I'm one of those rare people that actually enjoy reading the manual for games so long as they are good. And I also like holding the actual CD.

But I'm also a fan of Steam and it's service. It's very convenient and often times has better deals then normal game stores.

I like both but I hope total digital distribution doesn't take over. So which do you all prefer, or do you like both?

[AHadley]

I love Steam, but I also like my CDs. And I'm now a great fan of virtual drives and disk images.

[Axeminister]

I prefer the cd.

[TwinShadow]

CD here myself. The keys you get with digital only work a certain amount of times sometimes compared to having the actual CD with you. Digital is fine for some things, but I'm not necessarily for it, nor against it. I just don't really like digital.

[Clavin12]

Can you boot off a virtual cd?

[AHadley]

No. You need a post-boot program running to operate a virtual drive.

[Clavin12]

I didn't think so, but it was worth asking.

[Avatar]

I think owning the CD is the ultimate proof of the right to play the game.  Licenses and keys are great, but emailed keys can work against you if someone else gets ahold of your number.  At that point you fall back on "Hey...  look...  I have the CD in my hand.". 

-Av-

[Blunt Force Trauma]

We are halfway there to true "Cloud" gaming of complex big releases.  The positive aspect is it will be much harder to hack.

[Red Devil]

A digitally-distributed ISO would be best.  The company saves on the design/manufacturing/packaging/shipping fooferall and all we do click, download, and burn.

[TwinShadow]

A digitally-distributed ISO would be best.  The company saves on the design/manufacturing/packaging/shipping fooferall and all we do click, download, and burn.

That would be ideal for most gamers anyway, since many would have DSL/Cable connections. But, this isn't the best option for some since they either don't have internet in the first place, or still run dial-up for who knows why.

However, that is where torrents can come into play.. makes downloading ISO's from official sources easier and can put less strain on some networks.

[Red Devil]

Many companies give you a choice of digital or CD now.