Anybody else hoping for a PSN version?

[Jonny The Pie King]

Because, well, those rumors of the new PSP coming out without the UMD drive are starting to really pile up. Plus with Patapon 2 being download only, it's almost confirming it. (You can buy a DL ticket in the store though)

I don't have a PSP yet, but, well, I'd hate to have the battery-sucking UMD version when a new longer-lasting Digital only machine might be coming out this year.

Anybody else sort of banking on this?

[VMan]

Because, well, those rumors of the new PSP coming out without the UMD drive are starting to really pile up. Plus with Patapon 2 being download only, it's almost confirming it. (You can buy a DL ticket in the store though)

I don't have a PSP yet, but, well, I'd hate to have the battery-sucking UMD version when a new longer-lasting Digital only machine might be coming out this year.

Anybody else sort of banking on this?

It is also rumored that there will be public kiosks that will allow you to generate an image of the UMD to store on whatever storage solution it will have. That way you won't need the UMD to play.

[Pibbman]

I for one WON'T be buying that new contraption. Seriously forcing gamers to do this is just dumb, and a waste of time. Plus any games you buy would virtually have no resale value. While I don't think every company would go digital only, but there is also the pain of having to go to a kiosk every single time if you buy a physical copy?

Not everyone has high speed internet either.

Personally, my PSP games are all ripped to my memory stick for faster access and less power usage. You could just go that route, but it would require some technical understanding to do it.

[Zacewing]

Sony's trying to kill the used game market by making games on the next PSP's library digital only.

[Ike.]

PSP being download-only won't do jack #### to the used game market. Used PSP games don't move as it is. I could build a ####ing house out of them.

[nbinney]

Because, well, those rumors of the new PSP coming out without the UMD drive are starting to really pile up. Plus with Patapon 2 being download only, it's almost confirming it.

Not really, only Sony of America is doing the Download only thing. Patapon 2 and LocoRoco 2 were both simultaneously released on PSN and on UMD in Japan. Personally, I'd rather have my games on UMD and save my memory for what it was meant for, MEDIA.

Sony of America needs to get their heads out of their asses and follow Japan's business model for the PSP (except for UMD movies because no one cares about those in the states).

[cj iwakura]

A download-only PSP is the worst idea in the long, sordid history of bad ideas.

[chluophobi]

I for one WON'T be buying that new contraption. Seriously forcing gamers to do this is just dumb, and a waste of time. Plus any games you buy would virtually have no resale value. While I don't think every company would go digital only, but there is also the pain of having to go to a kiosk every single time if you buy a physical copy?

Not everyone has high speed internet either.

Personally, my PSP games are all ripped to my memory stick for faster access and less power usage. You could just go that route, but it would require some technical understanding to do it.

While that is true about the resale value, look at Steam. Millions of PC gamers get their copies digitally but they do also sell them in stores. Sony needs to make the next PSP a ####ing tank that would be difficult to emulate and pirate like the PS3.

[reason1313]

I still own my Persona 1 game disk. If my job had wireless, i could play it via my PS3.

That being said, i wouldn't mind seeing a PSN downloadable version of the game after seeing Wild Arms on PSN.

I don't have the technical understanding, or my copy of Mana Khemia would be on my memory stick. I prefer to keep it homebrew free, and i have a feeling that might take my options off the table......

Lastly, i like the idea of the new PSP using memory sticks as a hard drive instead of UMDs. I really would prefer purchasing and downloading content as long as once it's purchased you no longer have to purchase it again. That is unless they can manage to make a Blu-ray disk the size of a UMD. Scratch-proof ftw....

[Vicious1915]

Poor Sony....they're just rollin' further down the hill....

[rainking187]

Sony's trying to kill the PSP.


Fixed. This really is an awful idea, and I'm going to be shocked if we see a lot of DD only titles from anyone other than Sony.

[Desperado]

I shocked at how much you all shiver in fear over change.

[unknown]

I like having physical copies of my games.

[thealchemistoftime]

same here

[Foobar]

Full stop.

What logic has led to the conclusion that Persona will be download-only, particularly given that the Japanese release is already out and on UMD?

Rumors are fun and all, but annoying when the facts are present.

Also this:

Sony's trying to kill the used game market by making games on the next PSP's library digital only.

Used games are the least of PSP's worries right now.

I shocked at how much you all shiver in fear over change.

To which change are we referring, given this "rumored" PSP essentially would do what PSP already does now? You can buy and download games to PSP right now.

If Sony is releasing a new version of PSP, I'd hope they were going to do a lot more than have downloadable games. That's nothing special or new at this point in the game.

[Jonny The Pie King]

Yeah, I never meant it to be download ONLY, but rather download as well as in store availability. This new PSP is pretty much the industry's worst kept secret at the moment though...so...yeah, wouldn't be surprised to see it happen.

Rumor has it though that Sony is pushing for 3rd parties to get all their past games on the PSN for the PSP Go!'s launch. If it delivers on that front, I'll definitely be picking one up. As it stands right now though, I think they said somewhere around 40% of PSP games were pirated? That's astonishingly high, and a DD only PSP would prevent that from happening...in theory.

Plus, no UMD=longer battery life. Or maybe they could have UMD ripping stations at stores...buy a game, rip it onto a memory stick, get the disc and stick for however you want to play.

[thinkfreemind]

I like having physical copies of my games.
Thirded. I like to hold, touch, feel, look at, store, and actually own the things I buy.

[Desperado]

Full stop.

What logic has led to the conclusion that Persona will be download-only, particularly given that the Japanese release is already out and on UMD?

Rumors are fun and all, but annoying when the facts are present.

Also this:

Sony's trying to kill the used game market by making games on the next PSP's library digital only.

Used games are the least of PSP's worries right now.

I shocked at how much you all shiver in fear over change.

To which change are we referring, given this "rumored" PSP essentially would do what PSP already does now? You can buy and download games to PSP right now.

If Sony is releasing a new version of PSP, I'd hope they were going to do a lot more than have downloadable games. That's nothing special or new at this point in the game.

Good god, please read the freaking forum before you go all posty on us with your 'correct' view.

[Tom]

I'm all for digital distribution. I don't care if I'm holding something in my hands.

With DD, even "late bloomer" titles like Beyond Good and Evil can still become financial successes because instead of being pawned off by the game shops, the profits will go to the developers... Meaning that your money will be well spent instead of totally wasted for a manual that you may only read once, if you even read it at all.

[Foobar]

I'm all for digital distribution. I don't care if I'm holding something in my hands.

With DD, even "late bloomer" titles like Beyond Good and Evil can still become financial successes because instead of being pawned off by the game shops, the profits will go to the developers... Meaning that your money will be well spent instead of totally wasted for a manual that you may only read once, if you even read it at all.

Problem really lies with Sony, MS and Nintendo themselves on stuff like this. Its amazing how much of this content they'll nickel-and-dime out to the users at their own convince.

Ideally, yes, a lot of games could stand to get a second lease on life and continue to sell, but some parties are still too interested in controlling profits. I've never understood it personally.

In the case or Persona, though - Physical copys = Preorder bonuses. Not that it would be impossible for digital download ones to have them, it just wouldn't be the same. And to some it would feel like microtransactions.

[Hamel]

My problem with digital distribution is that it feels the same as pirating a game only that you are paying for it

[Desperado]

can you explain for me Hamel?
I don't understand the logic behind that statement...

[Tom]

Personally, I think the whole "pre-order bonus" deal is overplayed. Maybe I am in the minority here, but I don't purchase a game for manuals, action figures, or stickers. I purchase a game because I want my money to make a difference. By purchasing a game, I want to reward that company for a job well done, to ensure that they produce more of the games that I enjoy.

If Atlus released a digital version of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, for example... People wouldn't have to worry about scammers buying dozens of copies and then bumping up the price on ebay... Everybody that wanted it could get it.

(I also think that digital distibution is also friendlier to "Mother Earth," heh heh.)

I don't really understand what Hamel is trying to say about digital distribution feeling like piracy either... The fact is, you are paying for a product. The product is a game... Just because there's no box, doesn't mean it isn't a real thing that you're paying for.

It's like paying for a pay-per-view show on TV. You pay the price, get the product, and that's that. I saw a live boxing match on pay-per-view. There's no "DVD" of it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even without any tangible box or pamphlet. I certainly didn't need (or want) a boxing action figure.

You don't need to have a physical object to enjoy a video game, but there are several benefits to both the consumer and the gaming companies with digital distribution.

[Hamel]

can you explain for me Hamel?
I don't understand the logic behind that statement...

You download a game and after that it just sits there on your PC/console (or you might get hacked and then it doesn't sit there anymore)
you don't have a physical copy of it if you want to play it again you would have to download it again or buy tons of harddrives to backup each game (or burn it on a cd if it's a PC game)
It doesn't work for me as someone that likes a physical collection and has a lot of games I would eat up a TB in a year or 2 with all the games I would buy
and ofcourse there is also a limit sometimes on how many times you can re-download a game to prevent gamesharing and then you have to talk with the company and explain that you need more permissions to download or rebuy the game that you supposedly own
and there are also almost no deals on downladable games so you don't usually get a price drop
and if it will continue to become download-only retail stores will have way less costumers or they would just all close down in the next generation of consoles or the one after that and I wouldn't like to see that happend as someone that likes his physical copies

[syl]

I'd rather a physical copy, although I can't see the Persona Remake on a Blu-Ray...
How about the PS2?

[Foobar]

Personally, I think the whole "pre-order bonus" deal is overplayed. Maybe I am in the minority here, but I don't purchase a game for manuals, action figures, or stickers. I purchase a game because I want my money to make a difference. By purchasing a game, I want to reward that company for a job well done, to ensure that they produce more of the games that I enjoy.

If Atlus released a digital version of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, for example... People wouldn't have to worry about scammers buying dozens of copies and then bumping up the price on ebay... Everybody that wanted it could get it.

(I also think that digital distibution is also friendlier to "Mother Earth," heh heh.)

I don't really understand what Hamel is trying to say about digital distribution feeling like piracy either... The fact is, you are paying for a product. The product is a game... Just because there's no box, doesn't mean it isn't a real thing that you're paying for.

It's like paying for a pay-per-view show on TV. You pay the price, get the product, and that's that. I saw a live boxing match on pay-per-view. There's no "DVD" of it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it even without any tangible box or pamphlet. I certainly didn't need (or want) a boxing action figure.

You don't need to have a physical object to enjoy a video game, but there are several benefits to both the consumer and the gaming companies with digital distribution.

I disagree, its what sets some companies out there apart from the pack. Just about any company could do bonuses if they wanted to, but the big companies that do it think that's like making a DVD with bonus features.

Or worse, adding "exclusive game content" if you pre-order at a certain store or something.

Pre-order bonuses used to not happen at all, it was just the game and that was it. Now that gaming is a big activity for many, we like to have things that show our interest in gaming. Some people have posters of rock stars, athletes or w/e, I have posters of video games, soundtracks and Raiho and Black Mage plushies.

For digital distribution to really work, the rules of "ownership" would have to change on the user end. Right now, if your PS3 or 360 hard drive eats the big one, you lose it all - game saves and downloads. In the case of PSP, Wii or DSi, you can back it up, but the game on the SD card or memory stick is married to that PSP and that DSi, so if you replace those, the games don't work and must be repurchased.

The rules of ownership haven't changed and companies are showing that they'd prefer to just have us repurchase everything each time. Not too good of an idea.

[Tom]

"I disagree, its what sets some companies out there apart from the pack."

Companies don't add pre-order bonuses out of love. They do it to increase sales. If a store gets no preorders, they may only order one or two copies of an unfamiliar game. If people run to the stores to preorder to get their laminated trading card, the stores will say: Oh, that's a popular game. Stock more of that.

It's not just because they're being a cool company (even though they are). Pre-order bonuses move more product... Moving more product makes more money. If they don't get preorders, the stores don't stock much of their product, and they don't make as much money. However, with DD, they don't need to worry about how many copies the store orders, because people buy from them directly. Everybody who wants to buy it can get it... The store's judgment no longer plays a role.

"Or worse, adding "exclusive game content" if you pre-order at a certain store or something."

This has nothing to do with digital distribution, because they're doing this nonsense with store-bought games. You don't "pre-order" a downloadable game. Like I said, all of that pre-order nonsense will be obsolete with DD because there's an infinite supply.

"Pre-order bonuses used to not happen at all, it was just the game and that was it."

Games used to come packaged with "goodies" even before the whole pre-order push came around. Remember Zork, the text adventure on the computer? They came with books, maps, coins, etc... It was included in the package that you bought. The whole concept of a pre-order bonus is relatively new, and it arose out of trying to make sure that stores would stock their item. It has nothing to do with wanting to give you cool stuff.

"Now that gaming is a big activity for many, we like to have things that show our interest in gaming. Some people have posters of rock stars, athletes or w/e, I have posters of video games, soundtracks and Raiho and Black Mage plushies."

I am not saying that gaming merchandise is evil or something, but rather... Games are games. You can buy a game, and you can buy a Jack Frost t-shirt... But I don't feel a desperate desire to get a Jack Frost t-shirt when I just want to play a game, to the point where I'd refuse to buy the game online.

"For digital distribution to really work, the rules of "ownership" would have to change on the user end. Right now, if your PS3 or 360 hard drive eats the big one, you lose it all - game saves and downloads."

What happens when your physical game snaps in half, gets scratched up or stolen, or is lost in a fire? Do you magically get your game back? No. You'd have to rebuy it... But if you rebuy Persona 2: Eternal Punishment now, Atlus won't see one cent of it. Bob's Game Emporium will...

And I'd rather give my money to Atlus than Bob's Game Emporium.

[Foobar]

"
Companies don't add pre-order bonuses out of love. They do it to increase sales. If a store gets no preorders, they may only order one or two copies of an unfamiliar game. If people run to the stores to preorder to get their laminated trading card, the stores will say: Oh, that's a popular game. Stock more of that.

It's not just because they're being a cool company (even though they are). Pre-order bonuses move more product... Moving more product makes more money. If they don't get preorders, the stores don't stock much of their product, and they don't make as much money. However, with DD, they don't need to worry about how many copies the store orders, because people buy from them directly. Everybody who wants to buy it can get it... The store's judgment no longer plays a role.

You're really pulling this off-topic for the sake of arguing. Yes, these bonuses are there to help move the product, but that's mostly because some of stuff Altus does is printed in limited quantities. The Persona series just tends to be the exception.

Adding value or and making something collectible is the point of the pre-order bonus. For something to be collectible and accrue value, it has to be physical.

Adding bonuses to risky titles like Super Robot Taisen, Steal Princess or Devil Summoner 2 is going to help move those games. Something like a Final Fantasy game would sell no matter what, no incentive needed.

It has nothing to do with wanting to give you cool stuff.

You keep saying this like you're trying to make a point, but you go nowhere with it. If they didn't care, they wouldn't add it. They want to move rarities like Steal Princess, so they do. There apparently is some want on Atlus' end because they keep doing it.

I am not saying that gaming merchandise is evil or something, but rather... Games are games. You can buy a game, and you can buy a Jack Frost t-shirt... But I don't feel a desperate desire to get a Jack Frost t-shirt when I just want to play a game, to the point where I'd refuse to buy the game online.

There are gamers who are collectors and there are gamers who merely collect games. There's a difference. Those people you don't like on Amazon or eBay for gouging gamers? They're collectors (or at least think they are, but then, there are gamers dumb enough to accept a copy of Persona 2 or Final Fantasy VII without box or instructions).

If they're selling them new, I can rest assured Atlus or whichever company already got their money on the game. If its not, buyer beware.

What happens when your physical game snaps in half, gets scratched up or stolen, or is lost in a fire? Do you magically get your game back? No. You'd have to rebuy it... But if you rebuy Persona 2: Eternal Punishment now, Atlus won't see one cent of it. Bob's Game Emporium will...

Of all the things you just listed, a memory stick/SD card getting wiped or a hard drive crashing is more likely.

But you completely missed my point.

Sony, MS and Nintendo need better systems in place for digital distribution. Sony and Nintendo marry the game and system to memory stick, so if the system fails, you're out of those games anyway.

MS de-lists games that don't sell on Xbox Live. They actually remove them from the system. They take up no physical space, they're not losing money for still having them around. Delisting games these games because they don't sell is insane.

So what happens when your 360 RRoDs and they've delisted your favorite downloadable games? You're SOL, that's what.

That's why I say the need to redefine the terms of ownership with digital downloads. Until its a one-time payment and I can always get the game back, its really no different than getting it from a retailer.

[Inzaghi]

MS de-lists games that don't sell on Xbox Live. They actually remove them from the system. They take up no physical space, they're not losing money for still having them around. Delisting games these games because they don't sell is insane.

So what happens when your 360 RRoDs and they've delisted your favorite downloadable games? You're SOL, that's what.

I just want to point out that this isn't true. Microsoft at one point laid out guidelines for what might be delisted, but thus far, no game ever has been. (Except Yaris, but that was because it was always going to be available for a limited time from the start.) They also made it clear that even if a game was being delisted for purchase, it would remain on their servers so that people who had already bought it could redownload it at any time.

[Tom]

"Adding value or and making something collectible is the point of the pre-order bonus."

Huh? I think you're missing the point here, actually. I've already explained why they want people to pre-order. It's not because they care about the game and want to make it more valuable.

If stores don't see pre-orders, they will only order 1 or 2 copies of the game... Thus, only a couple games are sold, even if other walk-ins would have bought it. If many people pre-order it, the store managers will say: "Oh, this is a popular game! Let's order more of these."

It is a business move, pure and simple.

Regarding safety nets: I thought that such safety nets existed. DD is still in its infancy, but I believe that it is a step in the right direction, for sure. Certainly, improvements can be made... But they're not going to improve it without starting it in the first place. I think that they're afraid of fraud at this point.

And I'll end with a somewhat out-of-context quote:

"Until its a one-time payment and I can always get the game back, its really no different than getting it from a retailer."

My point exactly.

[Decept]

If stores don't see pre-orders, they will only order 1 or 2 copies of the game...

I wish more people understood this part. Whether we can blame it on uninformed shoppers or being casual browsers, it still baffles me when someone says "no, I will just take my chances when it comes out" after being asked if they would like to pre-order something they said they would get on Day One.

In my experience, the pre-order bonuses usually only benefit the already fans because I have never had a random customer go head over heels when they hear "Buckle Blade Blaster" is coming with a 200 page art book, hard-bound, and filled with every sword concept image including Belt Bolter. So saying they are there to drive sales is a hit or miss thing depending on the game/bonus. So I don't think it is always completely a business move because different bonuses cater to different shoppers. I am pretty sure Amazon's new discount system probably does wonders for their pre-sales, since saving money is a benefit all will agree on.

I will pre-order all games I want at release to avoid headaches, but pre-order bonuses are just that. Bonuses. As was said earlier, I hate pre-order bonuses that include exclusive game content.

Tom you are probably a supporter of this new OnLive(is that what it is called?) idea coming out? I think collectors/gamers wouldn't be opposed to DD being the only means of acquiring games if they still got spoils/physical stuff in the mail and there was a concrete system in place where you never lost what you paid for. So I do agree with that last quote except that you didn't mention the physical aspect when getting it from a retailer.

Yet if they are still getting a physical copy in the mail, DD is not making it any cheaper. So offering both options leaves it up to the consumer to make the decision, in which case it will be our fault if DD becomes the sole way to buy games.

I don't think the import market would mesh well with DD being the only means to buy a game either.

[Takara_Kitsune]

I suppose I may as well put in my two cents on the Digital Distribution thing. I believe that at some point in the future, we will all have to get our games digitally. Physical copies just won't exist. How soon in the future this is, I don't know, but I do think it's a good while off that it becomes the only way.

I don't oppose DD. I admit, I much prefer having a physical copy myself, but DD has proven to be an excellent way to obtain older games. At this point in the game, it's entirely wrong to resort to DD only, because customers are not used to it. Right now, I think it should be a choice.

In some ways, Sony is doing it right. The "UMD Legacy" program is an example of doing it right. You have a game that was released as a UMD, and, after a certain amount of time, and most physical copies have been sold, a digital version of it is posted at a reduced price. This is great for games such as Jeanne d'Arc that were printed in limited numbers and overlooked. Niche title, and the people who did buy it love it (for the most part). Putting a digital version up allows someone who is introduced to it by an existing fan to obtain their own.

More or less, I believe that DD should be used for 'legacy' titles. Games that have existed in a physical format already, but maybe were only made for one print run. That means there are physical copies out there for those who want them, and that even if one is against the DD version, they could technically go and track down a physical copy. The DD versions would be there for those that were late adopters. For instance, I'm not going to pay $200 for a copy of Suikoden II, but there's a high chance Suikoden II will be released on PSN... $5.99 for a download, or $200 for a physical copy? I think my choice is obvious.

As for other concerns... Decept. I agree with you on the point of the Import market and DD. I am a fan of the Tales series, which as most of us involved with the games know, they have actually only released half of them in North America. I have to import whichever ones I want that have not gotten a North American release. It is expensive, but it is relatively easy to obtain UMD, DS Card, and other physical forms of a game. In order to obtain a downloadable game from another country's version of a download service... I would need to jump through all sorts of hoops and loopholes... and even then, I may have said content taken away from me. For instance, Japan-only action game, "Metal Wolf Chaos" from the original XBox is said to be getting a release on XBox Live. Japan-only, of course. Say I really badly wanted this (Okay, I really badly want it anyway...) and I jump through said loopholes. Well, they'd ban my account if they caught that I carry a US IP address. I would be out of luck on ever getting the game again, as well. I believe that these download services should have a way to allow one to get imported content. If they do this, I will be much more receptive to an all-DD future. But for now, Digital Distribution holds the risk of being a hindrance to how I obtain some of my games, as well as being beneficial by allowing me to obtain older titles. The unfortunate thing is, these problems are unlikely to be addressed by the ones that need to see them, meaning Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. I think that they should see that money is money. I'd gladly pay a bit extra on a download to get my imported content, even if it really costs them the same to distribute it anyway. The problem with this would be licensing... which I think is a larger problem (worldwide in scale, and not just limited to games, unfortunately).

Either way, I went off on a tangent, but those are my thoughts.

[AnimeChixRHawt]

I would love for it to be a psn title for the ps3 at some point cuz i really dont want to have to buy a psp even tho i know im going to get one at some point soon because of the e3 anouncements *new mgs*

[Ark]

You're really pulling this off-topic for the sake of arguing. Yes, these bonuses are there to help move the product, but that's mostly because some of stuff Altus does is printed in limited quantities. The Persona series just tends to be the exception.

Adding value or and making something collectible is the point of the pre-order bonus. For something to be collectible and accrue value, it has to be physical.

Adding bonuses to risky titles like Super Robot Taisen, Steal Princess or Devil Summoner 2 is going to help move those games. Something like a Final Fantasy game would sell no matter what, no incentive needed.

Not meaning to but into an argument, but you do realize that making games "limited edition" and limiting copies is to minimize risk in case the game flops? Its obvious that they can do a remake whenever they feel like it.

[tross]

I think I'll add my input. I don't own the system yet, so I could theoretically go either way. But I want that two disc soundtrack, and I think it's enough that I'll finally cave in and get a psp. If/when that happens, it will be a 3000 model. And I'll tell you why. Firstly, I like to have a physical copy of my games. It's just a preference.

Plus, I really like bonuses. Atlus had me at "Persona", but a two disc sountrack is an amazing addition. And I really like box sets. I own all the ds box sets with soundtracks so far(I think). I buy these games so I can play them, and I don't buy them for the sake of being a collector. I mean, the first thing I do when I bring a game home, is I open the package. I may not get to them for some time, but that's beside the point.

Bonuses are nice, but it is the game itself I'm interested in. However, I'm trying to build up a library of games, because I like having a nice collection, and bonuses such as plushies and artbooks make my collection look that much better.

And lastly, I like the interaction of going down to my local eb games, whenever I'm interested in buying a game. I like to support the people who work at game stores, and I honestly hope that that doesn't disappear. I buy primarily new games to support developers, though if it's an older title, I may not have a choice. Plus, I have no reason to believe that Atlus will release their games on psn, unless they say otherwise, given their habits so far. And it may not be profitable to them.

Of course, digital downloads do have their advantages. For example, the disc can't get scratched, because there is no disc. And if a game is rare and/or expensive like FFVII, releasing it for digital download, can only be a good thing. Plus older titles like that ran on multiple discs. Depending on your preference, you could lean towards either option, and it's important to realize that someone else may not have the same preference.

[AnimeChixRHawt]

I think I'll add my input. I don't own the system yet, so I could theoretically go either way. But I want that two disc soundtrack, and I think it's enough that I'll finally cave in and get a psp. If/when that happens, it will be a 3000 model. And I'll tell you why. Firstly, I like to have a physical copy of my games. It's just a preference.

Plus, I really like bonuses. Atlus had me at "Persona", but a two disc sountrack is an amazing addition. And I really like box sets. I own all the ds box sets with soundtracks so far(I think). I buy these games so I can play them, and I don't buy them for the sake of being a collector. I mean, the first thing I do when I bring a game home, is I open the package. I may not get to them for some time, but that's beside the point.

Bonuses are nice, but it is the game itself I'm interested in. However, I'm trying to build up a library of games, because I like having a nice collection, and bonuses such as plushies and artbooks make my collection look that much better.

And lastly, I like the interaction of going down to my local eb games, whenever I'm interested in buying a game. I like to support the people who work at game stores, and I honestly hope that that doesn't disappear. I buy primarily new games to support developers, though if it's an older title, I may not have a choice. Plus, I have no reason to believe that Atlus will release their games on psn, unless they say otherwise, given their habits so far. And it may not be profitable to them.

Of course, digital downloads do have their advantages. For example, the disc can't get scratched, because there is no disc. And if a game is rare and/or expensive like FFVII, releasing it for digital download, can only be a good thing. Plus older titles like that ran on multiple discs. Depending on your preference, you could lean towards either option, and it's important to realize that someone else may not have the same preference.

They still have eb games? i thought gamestop bought them or visa versa and they were all gamestops now atleast they did that where i live in california. lol though i guess it really doesnt matter lol:tongue:

[Foobar]

You're really pulling this off-topic for the sake of arguing. Yes, these bonuses are there to help move the product, but that's mostly because some of stuff Altus does is printed in limited quantities. The Persona series just tends to be the exception.

Adding value or and making something collectible is the point of the pre-order bonus. For something to be collectible and accrue value, it has to be physical.

Adding bonuses to risky titles like Super Robot Taisen, Steal Princess or Devil Summoner 2 is going to help move those games. Something like a Final Fantasy game would sell no matter what, no incentive needed.

Not meaning to but into an argument, but you do realize that making games "limited edition" and limiting copies is to minimize risk in case the game flops? Its obvious that they can do a remake whenever they feel like it.

If I didn't realize it, I wouldn't have said what you quoted. A reprint generally only occurs when there's still justifiable demand. I don't think anyone cared for a second round of Magna Carta as much as they did Nocturne or DDS.

Digital Distribution does get around this, though. There's no need to reissue, unless you're dumb like some people at MS are and feel the need to de-list Live Arcade games because no one downloads them. Bit of a difference between a physical copy that doesn't sell much and one that doesn't take shelf space at all

[Kenji]

unless you're dumb like some people at MS are and feel the need to de-list Live Arcade games because no one downloads them.
This was in the previous page:
I just want to point out that this isn't true. Microsoft at one point laid out guidelines for what might be delisted, but thus far, no game ever has been. (Except Yaris, but that was because it was always going to be available for a limited time from the start.) They also made it clear that even if a game was being delisted for purchase, it would remain on their servers so that people who had already bought it could redownload it at any time.
Not that I'm trying to police or anything, but seriously... I remembered this response and I haven't even been paying attention to this topic...

[Jonny The Pie King]

In the meantime I guess I'll come back and say that i bought a PSP 2000 from Dell's website ($120 until wednesday). Guess I don't really care if it's DD anymore, but I see some heated debate happened in the meantime.

The way I see it is that eventually DD will be the main means of purchase. I don't know how far off that will be, but it'll happen eventually. With the PSP Go's price, I can't help buy think that will flop (though I'll download my non-collectable games onto my 2000).

[nbinney]

Sony's UMD legacy collection isnt a bad idea, but their prices are all over the place. and only a few are them are close to what the game actually retails for.

[Quig]

Since I have had time to think about it, I do not care if there is a PSN release for Persona. I like have the all my games on display, and the digital downloads take away from that.

[Takara_Kitsune]

Sony's UMD legacy collection isnt a bad idea, but their prices are all over the place. and only a few are them are close to what the game actually retails for.

I actually am rather against how they go about the UMD Legacy program. Don't get me wrong, it's a good idea, but implemented horribly. As you say, the prices are wrong. For instance, last I checked, LocoRoco was still $22 on there. I can get it at Walmart for $15, in a physical format. Why would I get a download at that point...? As a download, I would expect it to be cheaper. I'm getting nothing physical, it's just perception, obviously... however, I'm seriously not going to pay $40 for a download if that's what Sony will do for DD releases on new games. Forget it. Not even worth it. I'll get the physical copy for that price, provided it's an option. If not, a $40 download is what I will say "Pass" to.

Since I have had time to think about it, I do not care if there is a PSN release for Persona. I like have the all my games on display, and the digital downloads take away from that.

If this were several months after release, and you couldn't find it in the stores, you'd want the download. Same here, of course... but I can't say any of my games are really on display right now. Too many to put up on shelves, so some are stored in boxes or are stacked all over the place. ^^; But I do get what you mean.

... And I would miss something else if it all became DD... That new game smell. Yes, I know, it's nerdy. But I love opening a game to smell that plastic and ink smell that fades after using for a while. It's like that new car smell, but better... and somewhat similar to the smell of new trading cards...

[PainKilleR-[CE]]

For instance, last I checked, LocoRoco was still $22 on there. I can get it at Walmart for $15, in a physical format. Why would I get a download at that point...? As a download, I would expect it to be cheaper. I'm getting nothing physical, it's just perception, obviously... however, I'm seriously not going to pay $40 for a download if that's what Sony will do for DD releases on new games. Forget it. Not even worth it. I'll get the physical copy for that price, provided it's an option. If not, a $40 download is what I will say "Pass" to.

This is pretty much my issue with the downloads. They're not reactive to market forces whatsoever, and they don't seem to care if they sell or not. I'm not buying a download for $40, and if the game is downloadable, I can wait until they drop the price, indefinitely, because there's no legitimate reason for them to stop offering the download if they want people to continue to support downloadable content on the systems.

Then again, I don't buy downloads of anything. I'm considering buying DLC for a handful of games, but I haven't done it yet.

[tross]

I think I'll add my input. I don't own the system yet, so I could theoretically go either way. But I want that two disc soundtrack, and I think it's enough that I'll finally cave in and get a psp. If/when that happens, it will be a 3000 model. And I'll tell you why. Firstly, I like to have a physical copy of my games. It's just a preference.

Plus, I really like bonuses. Atlus had me at "Persona", but a two disc sountrack is an amazing addition. And I really like box sets. I own all the ds box sets with soundtracks so far(I think). I buy these games so I can play them, and I don't buy them for the sake of being a collector. I mean, the first thing I do when I bring a game home, is I open the package. I may not get to them for some time, but that's beside the point.

Bonuses are nice, but it is the game itself I'm interested in. However, I'm trying to build up a library of games, because I like having a nice collection, and bonuses such as plushies and artbooks make my collection look that much better.

And lastly, I like the interaction of going down to my local eb games, whenever I'm interested in buying a game. I like to support the people who work at game stores, and I honestly hope that that doesn't disappear. I buy primarily new games to support developers, though if it's an older title, I may not have a choice. Plus, I have no reason to believe that Atlus will release their games on psn, unless they say otherwise, given their habits so far. And it may not be profitable to them.

Of course, digital downloads do have their advantages. For example, the disc can't get scratched, because there is no disc. And if a game is rare and/or expensive like FFVII, releasing it for digital download, can only be a good thing. Plus older titles like that ran on multiple discs. Depending on your preference, you could lean towards either option, and it's important to realize that someone else may not have the same preference.

They still have eb games? i thought gamestop bought them or visa versa and they were all gamestops now atleast they did that where i live in california. lol though i guess it really doesnt matter lol:tongue:
In Canada they do. I'm pretty sure they are owned by Gamestop, but they're still called eb games. They do sell gamestop controllers though.

[nbinney]

;121014']Then again, I don't buy downloads of anything. I'm considering buying DLC for a handful of games, but I haven't done it yet.

Be careful of Namco games, they're the worst.

DLC is required to 100% Katamari on 360. Soul Calibur costumes are a ripoff, same with the Ace Combat 6 planes (ranged from $1.20 to $5 per plane). Ridge Racer on PS3 and 360 have downloadable in-game music for $2 per song.

[Zacewing]

The only good DLC for SC4 is Vader/Yoda.

Also Vesperia's DLC is pretty bad (but I bought a bunch of it cause I was too lazy to do sidequests for costumes and I needed the extra levels for Unknown Mode...)

[Takara_Kitsune]

The only good DLC for SC4 is Vader/Yoda.

Also Vesperia's DLC is pretty bad (but I bought a bunch of it cause I was too lazy to do sidequests for costumes and I needed the extra levels for Unknown Mode...)

I play my Tales games the old fashioned way. Because I'm a Tales addict. I don't have the time to play as much as I'd like, but I can't really see myself buying anything in the games to make up for what time I don't have. Slow and steady for me. :P (And the grinding is just another part of the fun!)

[AnimeChixRHawt]

I think I'll add my input. I don't own the system yet, so I could theoretically go either way. But I want that two disc soundtrack, and I think it's enough that I'll finally cave in and get a psp. If/when that happens, it will be a 3000 model. And I'll tell you why. Firstly, I like to have a physical copy of my games. It's just a preference.

Plus, I really like bonuses. Atlus had me at "Persona", but a two disc sountrack is an amazing addition. And I really like box sets. I own all the ds box sets with soundtracks so far(I think). I buy these games so I can play them, and I don't buy them for the sake of being a collector. I mean, the first thing I do when I bring a game home, is I open the package. I may not get to them for some time, but that's beside the point.

Bonuses are nice, but it is the game itself I'm interested in. However, I'm trying to build up a library of games, because I like having a nice collection, and bonuses such as plushies and artbooks make my collection look that much better.

And lastly, I like the interaction of going down to my local eb games, whenever I'm interested in buying a game. I like to support the people who work at game stores, and I honestly hope that that doesn't disappear. I buy primarily new games to support developers, though if it's an older title, I may not have a choice. Plus, I have no reason to believe that Atlus will release their games on psn, unless they say otherwise, given their habits so far. And it may not be profitable to them.

Of course, digital downloads do have their advantages. For example, the disc can't get scratched, because there is no disc. And if a game is rare and/or expensive like FFVII, releasing it for digital download, can only be a good thing. Plus older titles like that ran on multiple discs. Depending on your preference, you could lean towards either option, and it's important to realize that someone else may not have the same preference.

They still have eb games? i thought gamestop bought them or visa versa and they were all gamestops now atleast they did that where i live in california. lol though i guess it really doesnt matter lol:tongue:
In Canada they do. I'm pretty sure they are owned by Gamestop, but they're still called eb games. They do sell gamestop controllers though.

Thats what i thought thanks for clearing it up for me :D

[Zengaku]

although i would like to see the original persona be put on the psn but i dont want the persona psp remake to be a downloadble only game because that is just stupid because some people might not have enough room on their memory sticks so that means they would have to go waste more money on another memory stick just so they can just play one game just keep the games on umds

[PainKilleR-[CE]]

Be careful of Namco games, they're the worst.


Heh, Soul Calibur and Tekken are the only Namco series I really go in for on a regular basis, and the timing of the last Soul Calibur's release didn't really work for me.

I was thinking of Prinny and Disgaea 3 (gah, Disgaea 3 could cost more for the DLC than for the game). Of course, that's pretty far off since I'm still burning money on new games.

[RainbowDespair]

I'm surprised at how many people here don't like downloadable games. XBLA, WiiWare, the PSN, and the Wii Virtual Console have really sold me on digital downloads: not only are the games usually a much better value than anything you would find new at retail stores, but I love being able to turn on my console, look at my catalog of download games and select whatever I feel like and have it start right away without having to search for the disk.

The collector's mentality has long since been beaten out of me. I just don't have the space to display cases, manuals, and the like. All of my games get stored in a CD binder since it's much more convenient. Cases & manuals get thrown out unless I'm planning on selling the game later, in which case, I store them in a closet. Art books get looked at once and then stored away.

[Fuyukaze]

I for one WON'T be buying that new contraption. Seriously forcing gamers to do this is just dumb, and a waste of time. Plus any games you buy would virtually have no resale value. While I don't think every company would go digital only, but there is also the pain of having to go to a kiosk every single time if you buy a physical copy?

Not everyone has high speed internet either.

Personally, my PSP games are all ripped to my memory stick for faster access and less power usage. You could just go that route, but it would require some technical understanding to do it.

I think hell may have just froze over but we agree completly.

Once Sony decides to no longer support UMD, the PSP is dead to me. I'll play my old games I already own but I'm not going to support pay roms.