Why Physical Games Are Better Than Digital Games

[@btwiusearch2]

when I bought a digital game recently with my birthday money, my family asked me why I bought a digital game when I could have bought a disc and actually have a physical thing. Even non gamers get that physical media is better lol.

[@ayemaldo]

lol that’s actually pretty funny 😅

[@jpoet1]

Thank you, You have common sense . Physical video games are always better because they don’t get delisted & you won’t be out of a video game and money .

[@jeromekeh]

agree, not to mention those physical discs that you buy is proof that you own the game or at least a copy of the game.

[@Jordanisokatnth]

You can lose your discs idiot, what are you going to do when that happens? Redownload them? 😂

[@j0nnyism]

Another thing that really bothers me is the fact that these £70 games don’t even include a manual that costs a few pence to manufacture. I’ve always felt that a well designed manual was part of the experience I wish they’d bring them back

[@ayemaldo]

Honestly tho! I remember old GTA games came with a great manual, a poster, and sticker or something. Wish we could do that again!

[@carlosb8130]

@@ayemaldo I don’t think so, digital is the future.

[@DJTXD123]

If you buy the 'dredge' game deluxe edition you get a really good unboxing experience

[@devilslayer3548]

@@carlosb8130it going to ruin gaming

[@shauncameron8390]

That hasn't been a thing since the Wii/PS360 era.

[@Macktube]

It's very important to support physical Games and your local video game stores. Games are being removed from digital stores all the time, and even remakes are removing content that were in the original for censorship. At the same time as a Collector, running out of space is a big issue for me. At this point I get the physical edition if it's either a game I know I'm gonna love or if it comes with a special case or inserts. If it's just a bear game in a case, I'll probably get the digital then If it's on sale.

[@ayemaldo]

totally agree with you on this, hoping to continue buying physical games for as long as I can! even now, a lot of older games are out of print making the prices skyrocket. This is even happening to newer games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake on PS5

[@b4rs629]

@@ayemaldo I'm hoping for a physical release for my series x. I don't own a ps5 :/

[@CaseyCain99]

Physical games also don't take forever to download lol

[@originalauthor]

Get better internet

[@jeromekeh]

@@originalauthor as if every people in the world is rich enough to get internet forever.

[@LuisPerez-5]

They take forever to install.

[@j0nnyism]

I’ve always purchased physical games so when baldurs gate 3 only came out digitally I was frustrated. It’s crazy that they would not publish a physical edition of game of the year. People should have the choice

[@ayemaldo]

I was in the same boat with Alan Wake 2 last year 😭

[@Jordanisokatnth]

So where is the part when that is a problem? Buy the game digitally? On steam btw nowhere else

[@b4rs629]

Imagine buying diablo 4 physical like I did... and blizzard refuses to reprint the game /w the dlc... On top of the game is requires an online conncection to play single player + even if you have the game downloaded... they force you to insert the disc for a drm check + you need to pay for gamepass core just to play with other people. Baldurs Gate 3 should've been a physical released. Where as diablo 4 should've never bother releasing a physical. I'm only going to support games that reprint their games with dlc or release a drm free digital copy on gog for now on. Cyberpunk 2077 /w phantom liberty

[@TJtheTJ]

Physical=Ownership

[@ayemaldo]

🤙🏻

[@Jordanisokatnth]

Physical=you get to play game Digital=you get to play game

[@b4rs629]

Tell that to my diablo 4.- requires online connection for single player - no reprint with dlc - requires you to insert disc despite being downloaded, requires to pay for gamepass core to play with others (microsoft can turn off the servers tommorow if they wanted to... obioviously they won't atm, but you never know) Tell that to anyone who bought the crew - bricked physical copies. Tell that to anyone who bought overwatch physical - bricked EA - is shutting down Battlefield 3, 4, & hardline for ps3 / xbox 360... (no more multiplayer) so all your left with is the campaign.. They litterally walked into your room and took 99% of their game away from people. Granted it doesn't happen as often to physical games, but it could. Imagine all the people who bought physical versions of a mmorpg in the 2010s... and those physical copies are now dead Pc games that were sold physically as well that became worthless after you activated the key-code. Thus becoming worthless on the second hand market. Other than a collectors piece of cardboard. 2k games - WWE / NBA .... they kill off the online portion for games as well & delist the dlc of previous games. Forza Horizon? Oh, you didn't buy the ultimate edition on release... too bad ^ granted you can still play the game, but how much content was lost that you can't access unless you bought the ultimate edition. Wanna play forza horizon 3 or 4 dlc... too bad it's delisted digitally... good luck finding a physical copy that isn't used Wanna buy forza horizon 5 ultimate edition... to bad... it's only available digitally, but here's the standard version without all the content Now imagine that for any game that connects to a server & requires an online connection for live service titles. ^ any physical copy that connects to a server that is a live service game can become bricked at any point if they decided to kill it one day or straight up remove half your game from you that had multiplayer features. Newer games released physically aren't safe either.

[@ayemaldo]

@ doesitplay is a good resource for this. it’ll tell you how much of the game is actually playable on the disc.

[@truhayabusa]

physical all the way. I really enjoy collecting physical games and love the box art. i think the only time its acceptable tob buy digitally is if the game is unfortunately digital only like black myth wukong. other then that Physical is better. whether you're buying it at a store or online

[@ayemaldo]

for the most part, this is what I do too

[@Jordanisokatnth]

I mean this is fair, if you like it on your shelf then all power goes to you, but if I hear the ownership argument 1 more time

[@Cheesieplays_]

Physical forever absolutely enjoy having some super old school Sega Genesis games kind of like a time capsule !

[@russellmania5349]

I sell my games on Ebay. I won't let Gamestop rip me off.

[@ayemaldo]

best way to get your money back for sure

[@someguyusa]

I appreciate physical games, but digital has major perks and benefits too. Former military here, so the online library was super-efficient for me to pack up and go without needing boxes for my physical games. Cost of games can vary, but digital sales happen, discount gift cards are regularly sold online, and most importantly, game sharing effectively cuts digital prices in half or more if you have a multi-gamer household. That's a big savings that most overlook. For example, the PS5 game share feature shares both the PS+ subscription (which effectively halves the subscription cost) and the library of owned digital games (PS+ also includes 2-3 free games per month). You can play the same game simultaneously too (2 consoles concurrently), which is very nice especially if you consider this perk regarding new release games - that means you effectively get a brand-new release game for half price every single time you buy a new release. I just need Nintendo to get onboard with that feature lol. So, I would argue that physical games only have the better deals for pre-owned or older games in general that have dropped their price, but that requires waiting quite some time. Resale *may* be a decent return for physical, but that's not a guarantee. I also don't really see that argument as too strong because I buy games to play for fun and as a hobby. I don't buy them thinking about how much I can sell them for later, if you get what I mean. I think the value proposition is more reasonably upfront than on the backend as resale isn't really connected to your enjoyment of the game per se. Gaming is a hobby, and it's a hobby that requires money to enjoy, so while finding deals is always welcome, I don't think resale is a very strong point here. I do agree that for collector and display purposes, physical is way more satisfying. However, you could still buy other merch instead. You also have access to trailer media digitally or you could use game clips to this end too. I will never not appreciate a shelf full of games though. As for digital access concerns, while it is a potential problem if a company or server dissolves or an account ban happens, it's pretty rare. Consumer protection laws are more important to be updated anyway. Regarding platforms, if you consider that many old games are becoming available as backwards compatible options with modern consoles or as emulators, then digital becomes an even more attractive option. Besides, you can always fly the Jolly Roger if desperate. Both formats are good. I only really prefer physical media for movies because streaming services fluctuate offerings, and licensing issues can ruin your digital access, and the best way to view a movie currently is 4k UHD, which is best enjoyed from a disc and includes bonus features typically not available on digital format. At this point, it really boils down to preference and lifestyle, I think. What I would really like to see is a physical game case that includes a digital purchase code so that way I can have my digital copy and a shelf display lol!

[@ayemaldo]

Oh man! thank you for the detailed response! I completely agree with you on every point. As much as I like physical media in certain cases, it also comes with a lot of cons like you mentioned. Even thought it’s nice to have a good looking shelf, it also takes up a good portion of your shelf that could also hold Movies, Books, Art, etc. I think my opinion has softened as the year has progressed, and i’m noticing the benefits of digital games a bit more lately, especially the game sharing. Being able to take a digital purchase with you from the bedroom to the living room, and even a handheld? you can’t do that with physical games. So, something to think about. I think it’s always going to need to be a good balance of, i’ll buy this one because i think it would be special to have physically vs buying every game physically is a good solution. Like you mentioned, other media like movies is a better alternative due to streaming rights, altered content, and licenses. I think the future should include a digital, and physical copy for the purchaser! that would be fantastic. thanks again! 🙏🏻

[@someguyusa]

@@ayemaldo Thanks, man. If only Nintendo would update their game share features to include dual playing of a single digital copy lol. Until then, I'd say that Nintendo Switch games are the one game platform that benefits the most from physical game copies. Small form factor, many games are cheaper bought pre-owned than digital, but it still depends on the game. I think Nintendo still has that old school game cartridge vibe overall whereas Xbox and PlayStation have really moved on to a modernized vibe via digital. Of course, pc has been digital for a long time now, but with other benefits that consoles have yet to adopt.

[@kingsleyjackson8287]

I’m old school and love physical

[@ayemaldo]

it’s the way to go!

[@kingsleyjackson8287]

@@ayemaldo I’m boycotting buying just 2k

[@Jordanisokatnth]

Ok grandpa

[@heavensea141]

HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST COMPLETE EDITION " PERFECT EXAMPLE ON WHO TO DO PHYCICAL SINGELPLAYER GAMES, ALSO THE SOLUTION TO BUGGY GAMES ON NEED OF UPDATES/ PATCHES. HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST COMPLETE EDITION ' REPRINTED DISC ' ALL UPDATES, PATCHES AND DLC BURNING SHORE INCLUDED ON THE DISC WITHOUT HAVING TO CONNECT ONLINE, PLAYSTATION 5 OFFLINE PLUG AND PLAY! JOY TO SUPPORT THIS ' HOPE MORE AND MORE GAME DEVELOPERS ARE TAKING NOTICED THIS IS WHO TO DO IT!

[@ayemaldo]

100% i would love to have all the updates and game in a compete playable state on the disc

[@CptEddyPrice]

I try to buy on GOG but sadly MOST developers choose steam or their own frontstores.

[@ayemaldo]

GOG is a good shout! especially if you only play on PC. Even tho most games publish elsewhere, you can find some gems on there.

[@JohnnyT.V]

I love when creators I've never seen pop up on my home page. I'm with you on this too. I don't care if physical games take up space. I always forget about my Xbox collection because they all live on my Series S console. It makes me forget about the whole experience.

[@ayemaldo]

Totally agree with you here! Thanks for watching the video! 🙏🏻

[@entertainmentfan1463]

Also there's only 2 times where I ever bought a game digitally. They were Westward 4 which is a PC exclusive game, so no physical copies and State of Decay 2 because I don't own a Xbox One. That's it! That's literally the entire list.

[@ayemaldo]

Makes sense! It's all about the personal preference

[@Jordanisokatnth]

If I give all the games I bought digitally I will hit the youtube comment character limit

[@FireyPaperMario]

The last switch game I've bought up to this point was Super Bomberman R 2 (preordered via Best Buy). And maybe it's for the best if I try to buy most of my switch & switch successor games physically from here on out.

[@ayemaldo]

do what you gotta do! anything can always be a case by case scenario i appreciate the comment! 🙏🏻

[@Jordanisokatnth]

I think if there is no digital backwards compatibility there will be a riot outside Nintendo of Japan

[@PigBossWolf]

Glad I held onto Marvel vs Capcom 2 it’s worth between 2-$300 right now

[@ayemaldo]

HOLD ON A SECOND WHAT! 😮

[@Valyssi]

I almost got locked out permanently out of my PS account because I couldn't remember what 12-year-old me had for dinner, or what fake birthdate I submitted. Lucky I still had the PS3 to identify the serial number. But the fact Sony can just lock you out permanently for a completely common scenario just put a bad enough taste in my mouth to never trust them with my entire library. Add to that the fact they've never heard of the concept of "moving abroad". If you do, your options are to create a new account entirely (something I think goes against their TOS) or stick with your old account and get treated like a criminal for using it outside the set region if you ever contact their customer support.

[@ayemaldo]

wow! i didn’t even think about this since it’s never happened to me, but this is a super important thing to know about luckily you were able to figure it out, but i’m sure some people have lost their libraries which is unfortunate

[@theunemans]

Digital games are killing consumer rights

[@jeromekeh]

@@theunemans true because they want to own or even control everything whether it be money or you.

[@Jordanisokatnth]

Do you know what you can also be locked out of? Your bank account 😂. I've got to keep all my money in a safe the old fashion way

[@Chiefofbricks]

I strictly only buy games physically now as I have a preservationist mindset. Unfortunately most indie games only get digital releases which sucks.

[@ayemaldo]

totally agree, i’ll go physical as much as i can. not really a thing on PC, but console for sure

[@shauncameron8390]

Because most indie developers and publishers don't have the funds to absorb the production costs.

[@mantlecollector]

What happens if ur games get lost or stolen or u have a house fire or house flood then all ur physical games are ruined and damaged and destroyed. What if ur game has scratches that won’t play anymore or have disc rot that won’t play anymore so u have to buy another one. If u lend a game to a friend u can’t play that game until ur friend gives that game back to u. When u pass away ur loved ones may not love and appreciate the games u have so they will get sold for pennies on the dollar. What if they shut down the online servers like Ubisoft did I think where u can’t even play ur physical game

[@pwnomega4562]

After micrsoft took a game off my account with now explanation or reason with no refund, physical games have become my #1 priority in regards to gaming now. On my PC pretty much the only digitial games im gonna buy are indie games unless that sees a physical release.

[@ayemaldo]

damn, they usually let you have it as long as you bought it, so that sucks! I’m with you on buying physical media tho, and same situation for PC

[@iketurner8212]

If we're being honest, there's no real "complete" physical games anymore for the current and last generation of games except for maybe a handful of games like GOW, TLOU, RE games etc. Most of the games being released today require some sort of patch or patches after the main game (physical and digital) have been released. So physical games alone aren't the complete games. Some physical games are pretty much useless without a patch due to too much bugs. Physical games are more of an ID verification/permission to download the digital (complete/updated) versions.

[@JammyGuns]

They usually don't require a patch to play or even complete but they may benefit from one. Most PS4 and even PS5 games do contain a fully playable/completable version on the actual disc itself - no download required. Admitedly Xbox is far worse for this though...

[@elfishcoder7287]

Physical games aren't more of an ID verification as you put it. Games are on disc and you can play without patches.

[@itsmattagain3874]

His sub count has doubled since a week ago or so, great job bro and keep up the great quality videos

[@ayemaldo]

thanks man! i appreciate it 😁

[@awesomereviews1561]

Not really because games are not complete anymore at launch. So even if you own the game, it’s not the best version of the game. In some case it’s even obsolete, like for Fighting Games and Strategy games because you are missing all the gameplay patches. And finally, you can ALWAYS find a copy on the high seas, even if a game is delisted. Physical media is important for movies and music ( way better quality than streaming and no censorship involved) but for games it’s factually obsolete. Some are nice objects though.

[@JammyGuns]

A complete version of a game is on the vast majority of PS4 and PS5 discs, though yes it probably won't be the best version of the game (without the benefit of patches) in most cases.

[@elmasheavy89]

It’s 100% correct that physical games are way better than renting/licensing digital games .

[@ayemaldo]

totally! hopefully we can figure something out in the future for digital games

[@Thatshibadogman]

so hackers wont still your stuff!

[@mantlecollector]

If physical games better than why is 92% of sales are digital games compared to 8% physical

[@Ubermensch_Salazar2]

Because people prefer convenience. Also it depends of the continent you're in. For example in Europe The market of physical games still dominates digital games.

[@jamesMBaseballLover]

100% paying for something you can’t tough is like buying fools gold. Laziness and foolishness!!

[@CHICKEN_Lord617]

Fire video man.

[@J03_C001]

i just got into buying music digitally and its cheaper than the CD. unlike the games...

[@ayemaldo]

music is tough, i used to collect CDs but now it’s Vinyls for the record player since it’s a great ambiance for a living space, but outside that it’s all digital streams 😭

[@svenstylesz]

This makes no sense. It's the same Game. How can a format make a Game better?

[@ceeehmeszee]

Digital is just environmentally friendly. I started downloading them the moment Xbox enabled it. Game cases take up space, cause clutter, and are just in the way sometimes. I also don’t care to organize them into a gallery collection for all eyes to see. Minimalism is the way.

[@ayemaldo]

Environmentally friendly is a good point and reason for making digital purchases! totally respect that! Thanks for watching the video! 🙌🏻

[@Eigengrau608]

The server hosting the game data is using electricity. It is not environmentally friendly.

[@abrahamalvarez8692]

At first, it seems that way until you look at the bigger picture. The problem is the servers used to keep the digital storefronts up and running are quite costly and take up a lot energy, thus creating a large carbon footprint. In other words, digital isn't much more environmentally friendly than physical.

[@elfishcoder7287]

The server hosting the game still uses electricity so your point is null.

[@Plz8662]

I agree

[@LuisPerez-5]

This screams first world problems

[@WildfireX]

Digital games have been a thing since pre 2012. Digital games have many advantages: - I can get them cheaper without ever leaving my house - No clutter on the shelf - Can redownload/replay old games without having to go to a store & re-buy, or order in a physical copy There's tonnes of downsides though, the resale value one is interesting because I'm pretty sure a french supreme court ruled that digital game licenses belong to us the consumer, & are not merely being rented a few years ago over a steam case. Who knows, maybe in the future it'll be a ruling in most countries & therefore there will be a digital second hand market place setup where you can resell your digital licenses.

[@ayemaldo]

Couldn’t remember exactly when they started, so only mentioned when I remember them kinda taking off! Having a digital resale market would be interesting, I would totally be open to something like this. Thanks for the comment! 🙌🏻

[@itsmattagain3874]

A digital resale market would in theory destroy the gaming market. Since people would sell an expensive game that they already completed and they don’t want it anymore for a low price. I would take a lot of money from the company who made the game and platforms such as steam and epic games who get commissions for getting the game out there. Unless we can make a digital market without ruining the main sources of money for countless companies then I don’t think it will happen

[@jeromekeh]

keep in mind that not everyone is rich enough to get internet so saying that everyone in the world has internet is like saying that everyone in the whole world is rich.

[@WildfireX]

@jeromekeh if you can't afford to have good internet, you shouldn't playing video games at a level where you're worried about cost tbh. Internet is practically a utility so that's not a valid excuse

[@shauncameron8390]

Also no need to worry about the game being out of stock.

[@elfishcoder7287]

Digital games are not consumer friendly at all. Buy physical if you want to own your games.

[@ayemaldo]

i do like physical games