240°

Downloadable Games: How Important are they for the Future of Gaming?

Gaming consoles such as Playstation, Xbox and the Nintendo Wii have dominated the gaming industry in the past, but recent trends have seen a decline in the marketability and profitability of their products.

Collectively, Sony and Microsoft have lost $10 billion since 2000, which is a big indication of changing preference and the current economic situation. It has also been a while since a new generation gaming console has been released, and news of a next-gen Playstation or Xbox has been officially quelled by recent statements from both companies.

We are also seeing a lot of re-releases of previous hits, which are relatively cheaper to manufacture compared to brand new games. The culprit for this trend? Downloadable games.

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Community4415d ago
sly-Famous4414d ago

Not very, I still want hold the hard copy in my hand.

Canary4414d ago

Many people (myself included) agree. But that doesn't change the fact that digital distribution IS the future--of every form of media.

The music industry has already been taken over by DD. Books, too. With mobile games, XBLA, PSN titles, Steam, etc., digital distribution is becoming ever more common with games.

A key aspect of the Playstation Vita is the 100% digital distribution of software--if you can buy it in a store, you can download it. How much longer until more games will be digital than retail? Several PS3 localizations of Japanese retail titles have already opted for digital-only releases. It's cheaper for the publishers/developers AND it gives them greater profit.

And, arguable, it's more convenient for the consumer.

Like it or not, it's the future.

And, realize it or not, it might just spell the end for the current industry environement. If format is no longer an issue, how much longer can different companies market hardware based solely on input? The 360 and PS3 use the same controller, after all. The DS, Vita and iPad all use touch controls. How much longer until all hardware becomes homogenous, and no matter what plastic box you buy, you'll be downloading the same games from the same people for the same price? (Hardware) competition will cease.

sly-Famous4414d ago

I disagree on some of your points, I do agree that DD is part of the future but it is not the future, DD will only work if there is also a hard copy available(something you mentioned) the PSPGo is proof of this, it didnt fail because there was something wrong with the tech, it failed because it was just DD. Gaming for instance, out of all the gamers in the world not including PC gamers, only 15% are online, many of whom have multiple accounts, which means only 15% are capable of downloading.

DD the future? Maybe but not any time soon, I dont think even any time later.

90°

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron - Coming Back for a New Generation

Originally launched in 2011, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is coming to Nintendo Switch, so It's time to look back at the original.

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Community9h ago
jznrpg8h ago

Still have my ps3 copies. Bought it at launch and another one when I found it cheap and in perfect condition about 10 years ago. I wouldn’t buy it on Switch but if they made a PS5 version I would. I still have one of my PS3 Fats hooked up so good to go either way.

darthv728h ago

Id play it again on the switch. I wished my 360 version was bc but this is still a good way to play.

140°

Fallout 3's Reveal Led To Death Threats And Bethesda's First Security Guard

The artist behind Fallout 4’s Deathclaw reveals just how bad things got back when Bethesda took over the series

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anast9h ago

People are stupid I get it. No one should feel unsafe,

But I think they need to talk about why they cut so many corners during the development process and why none of their games ever look current. And why they think all of this is okay while they charge full price.

LucasRuinedChildhood9h ago

As much as Bethesda deserve criticism, that's not really relevant to the reveal of Fallout 3 in 2007.

VenomUK6h ago

The default angle Kotaku always go for is to highlight the worst in gaming.

I would’ve focused on the creative.

gold_drake5h ago

there is no "but". the hell lol
you dont send death threats, period.

60°

Chatting Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered with Suda51

CGM Writes: While we were over at PAX East, we were able to sit down with Goichi Suda (Suda51) and talk about the upcoming remaster of Shadows of the Damned

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