February 10th 2024.
As time goes on, it seems that physical media may soon become a thing of the past. For years, I've been a firm believer in the importance of physical media, especially when it comes to gaming. But with the rise of digital formats and the release of consoles like the Xbox Series S and the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, it's becoming increasingly clear that the industry is moving towards an all-digital future.
Unfortunately, this shift towards digital media also means that video game publishers will have much more power and control over the industry. Recent events, such as Sony's attempt to remove Discovery channel content from their service and Ubisoft director Phillippe Tremblay's statement about gamers getting used to not owning their games, have made me realize just how worrying this future could be for consumers.
Of course, there are definitely benefits to digital content - it's convenient, takes up no physical space, and is easy to access. But this convenience can often blind casual consumers to a very important fact: when you purchase a digital game, you don't actually own it. That long end user license agreement that you quickly scroll through before playing a game? It actually states that you're only purchasing a license to use the software, and that the publisher can revoke that license at any time for any reason.
This means that in a purely digital industry, companies have complete control over what games are available, how much they can charge for them, and what refund options are available. It also eliminates any second-hand market for games, as there are no physical copies to sell, trade, or exchange. And let's not forget about preservation - while digital versions of older games may seem like a perfect solution, the reality is that companies often limit access to these titles through subscriptions or paywalls. Is it any wonder that many turn to piracy when the options offered by companies are so limited and expensive?
I don't want to sound like a doomsayer, but the constant shutdown of storefronts and servers, as well as the recent attempt to remove paid-for content, shows that corporations will act on their control over digital content. And let's not forget the actions and attitudes of CEOs over the years - it's clear that they will continue to take advantage of their power and control for their own benefit.
I'm not here to tell anyone how to buy or experience their games - everyone has the right to choose what works best for them. But if digital becomes the exclusive format for gaming, and all media for that matter, we run the risk of losing control over how we purchase and experience our favorite games.
In the end, it's up to us as consumers to be aware of the potential consequences of a solely digital industry and to make informed choices about our purchases. Let's not give up our control and power to corporations without a fight.
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[Generative AI is experimental.]
