OldBoy

I think I would like this better after downloading Gears 1 even though I have the disc. I like that I can have downloads of games and not take up physical space. They can price it the same or perhaps a little less, but why don't they do new releases like this?

Gdrlv

Day 1 downloads have been available on the PS3 for a while now.

Matthew Chmiel

This is going to be one of the biggest hot topics of the newest generation, especially since Nintendo does it for most of the releases on the WiiU.

The two biggest factors:

1. Internet connectivity on both ends. Not everyone has amazing broadband connections that could download a game that could be upwards of 25GB under an hour. On the flip side, the servers might not be able to handle (yet) millions downloading a large game at once. For example, Sony's servers would probably die within minutes.
2. Hard drive storage. With the WiiU using flash storage as its internal memory, it requires the user to plug in USB-based external hard drives. While hard drive prices have dropped significantly down in price, most consoles that consumers purchase (key phrase) don't contain a lot of storage. Yes, I own a 360 with a 250GB hard drive. However, a lot of others own one with 512MB to 4GB.

OldBoy

What games are 25GB?

Michael Corvin

The Darkness on PS3 is 17GB.

It's less of a problem this gen because the 360 was the lead platform where the disc size is 7gb. Next gen when all platforms are BD with a 50GB disc, developers will, no doubt, yet.

mhg83

Max Payne 3 i believe is 30 GB

TheKing

L.A. Noire The Complete Edition needed what, 4 DVDs? I think the standard version was 3 DVDs.

PS3 version of both came on one disc.

I know InFamous 2 is a 15GB download. And I've downloaded or install quite a few games on my PS3 that have hovered around the 10GB range.

foxdvd

I have a cap on my dl...and with netflix/hulu and normal dlc/demo/pc downloads, I push that limit as it is. Digital only would mean less games bought for me next gen...

as for the thread, the reason some games don't do digital from day one is publishers have deals with Wal-Mart/Gamestop ect. to get their game pushed out to the masses. I think it is a bit of push back from stores to keep big releases from being digital day one, though you will notice more and more games go up for download a month or two after it comes out.

LosingMyMind

Lego City Undercover is 22gb.

edstein

I'd love release day downloads. But I have multiple consoles. I don't want to download to each one. Just let me install from disc and then keep the disc on the shelf. And I need more than one license for my family account.

Decker

Yeah, PS3 has plenty of Day 1 digital downloads including all EA and SCEA games. Maybe all Ubisoft as well. But you always can get a better deal day 1 from Best Buy or New Egg. Plus space is a consideration.
And don't forget the value of reselling a game when you're done with it.

fumanstan

I think we'll start seeing it more this generation as options for people. Do the current Day 1 downloads let you pre-load content before release?

Groucho

I do this on PC because there's plenty of disc space. I don't do it on consoles because disc space is limited. If a nextgen box has 100gb+ space it would be more of a viable option.

Decker

Not only can you not pre-load, you can't even download until the PSN store updates, which is usually around 3 PM PT, but sometimes is three hours later than that.

cruzness

From what I have seen Day 1 downloads have been available on PSN for a while and it seems like all the major titles are available. Yeah it seems to be 8pm eastern on Tuesdays before titles are available.

Krayzie

I am not a fan of full game downloads for consoles as they are pretty much never on sale on release day. If you buy a physical copy, you can always price match or do a return / rebuy when if it goes on sale within the return period. Also you will always have a physical copy that you can play on any replacement system once they take the marketplace down.

orangecrush

The GoD version is less than 10 GB.

orangecrush

I have tons of GoD and full titles on the PS3 and I personally love having everything availble without taking up the physical space. Of course, I don't think I have paid more than $15 for any of those titles. I would never drop $60 on a digital title.

Dan

If I'm going to pay the same price, I'm buying the physical copy.

I think full downloads aren't available on release day because there ARE a lot of people that would buy it that way, and the servers/bandwidth/power/etc. would be pushed to its limits for any semi-major release.

redbill

my past 3 ps3 full games I've all gotten from digital download. get a game-share buddy, cant beat $30 for a new game on release date.

chuckd21

The Xbox Games On Demand guy kinda explains why they don't offer release day downloads: http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/xb...n-day-and-dat/

Cliffs: Because retailers.

Krayzie

I am actually really surprised that Sony never got rid of the sharing.


The 360 GoD / ps3 full titles never seem to drop in price fast enough to compete with the physical disk. Microsoft did have a decent GoD sale recently but by the time they did that, I already had all the physical copies.

fumanstan

Which is why they should let people pre-load days before the actual release like Steam

redbill

that is a problem, and why I'll only do it if I want the game in the first week of release. If I can wait, then I know it will be cheaper on disc in a couple months. Although, if I wait long enough, then it might be free on plus.

DaveNinja

wow, I'm glad i bought the disc