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Mrak
Nov.9,2023
Physical games no longer popular? Is the future dominated by digital games? In recent times, discussions around "Starfield" have been skyrocketing. It all started with a 45-minute long real-time demo showcased at a Microsoft event. The richness of the content in the demo delighted players. Just as players were still immersed in the excitement of "Starfield," Bethesda (commonly referred to as B) dropped a bombshell by announcing that the console version would be locked at 30 frames per second (FPS). While Game Director Todd Howard explained in interviews that the frame rate was locked on the console to prioritize visual effects and ensure a smooth experience even during intense battles, his words didn't sit well with many players. This is partly because of the disastrous experience with "Redfall," which was released with a 30 FPS lock. Locking "Starfield" at 30 FPS seemed unrealistic to players. However, while players were still digesting the disappointment of the "Starfield" console version being locked at 30 FPS, another piece of bad news came from Bethesda. Recently, a player inquired whether the Xbox Series version of "Starfield" would include a physical disc, and the official response was that all physical boxed versions for all platforms would only contain a redemption code. Bethesda later clarified that the standard physical version for the Xbox platform would indeed include a disc, and only the physical edition for the PC platform and the digital redemption code included in the Xbox platform's collector's edition would not have a physical disc. This, however, sparked a discussion among gamers about the necessity of physical discs. As time has progressed, games have increasingly shifted towards digitalization. Microsoft and Sony's next-generation consoles both include all-digital editions, and PC gamers have been using digital storefronts like Steam for a long time. Many physical game stores have been forced to close due to the impact of the pandemic, and even the world's largest game retailer, GameStop, closed over a thousand physical stores in 2019. It seems like it's just a matter of time before physical games are completely replaced by digital ones. But will physical games be completely replaced by digital games? Do digital games really have no advantages over physical ones? In fact, physical games have certain unique advantages. Physical discs offer a tangible presence, something you can see and touch, which always holds a higher value as a collectible compared to virtual products. Items like action figures, CDs, and art books that you can display on your shelf carry individual memories that virtual electronic products can never have. Moreover, physical games have higher resale value. After experiencing a game, players can sell the physical copy on various platforms, essentially recouping some of their costs. For some newly released AAA titles, there's a short window when the game holds its value, so players can experience the game and then sell it quickly, effectively enjoying a AAA game at a much lower price. Whether a player prefers physical or digital games depends on their individual needs. Each format has its unique strengths. While digital games represent the future, it's hard to predict what lies ahead. Twenty years ago, no one could have predicted that music and video stores would be replaced by digital platforms, and bookstores are slowly moving in the same direction. So, which do you prefer, physical or digital games? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
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