Arguments for Same Pricing
- You're still getting the same game. Publishers may argue that the game is the same, only the content delivery system is different. By not having a physical package, you're not missing out on anything. Manuals will still be available online or in-game, but now the game only takes up space on your memory stick, not on your shelf. In fact, you could even argue that downloading a game is worth more than having it on UMD, because you're getting the latest version (supposing the game was patched or updated), and there is potential for the PlayStation Network to automatically detect any updates or new content for your games, the same way Apple's App store does.
- You don't need to worry about losing the game. If you lose a UMD game disc, you've lost the game, but if you accidentally delete a downloaded game off your memory stick, your can just download it again, free.
- Physical packaging doesn't add much value. It cost a lot to make packaging, but how much does it add to the value of the game? How many people even read the manual? And supposing you want to trade in a game when you're finished playing it, how much do you actually get for the trade-in? Unless it's a really, really recent game, probably not very much.
- Marketing costs more. Without the physical product in stores, publishers may have to spend more to get the word out about their games.
Arguments Against Same Pricing
- Digital distribution costs less. Many gamers feel that since publishers don't have to spend money on making packaging for downloadable games, the savings should be passed on to the consumer in the form of lower prices for downloaded versions of games. It might be argued that because there is no physical game for buyers to see in the store, some of that saving is spent on extra marketing. Since many gamers get there game news and reviews online anyway, though, that argument feels a little hollow.
- You can't resell or trade in a download. When you download a game to your PSP, it's tied to your PlayStation Network account. You can't sel it when you're done with it, or even lend it to a friend. With games on physical media, you can let your friend borrow it, and you can sel it when you're finished, getting back a little of the cash you spent. Since you can't do that with a download, it's argued, downloads should be cheaper to compensate.
- It just doesn't feel like it's worth as much. One of the biggest stumbling blocks for the download-only model is that people still feel like they're not getting as much if they don't have a physical item to how for it. This has gradually been changing in the music industry, so it may just be a matter of time for the game industry, too.
Resolution
Whether or not Sony will convince gamers that downloadable games should cost as much as games on UMD or not remains to be seen. It looks pretty clear to me that the arguments for making downloads cheaper than UMD games are stronger. I don't think the price difference even has to be that big. Depending on the title, a five or ten dollar discount on a downloadable game is probably sufficient.
So far, most older games released on the PlayStation Network seem to be fairly priced, though I have noticed that some of the more recent PSOne Classics and UMD Legacy games are priced higher. And if a game like Myst really does deserve a higher price tag, perhaps the reasons why need to be spelled out so consumers don't feel like publishers are trying to rip them off. I would have bought Myst the instant it was released (despite having played it on PC back in the mid 90s, and despite having it on my iPhone right now) if it had been $9.99. Maybe even if it was $14.99. I'll no doubt end up buying it at $19.99 anyway, but only because I have plans for a PSP/iPhone/DS comparison article and it's now available for all three.
I'm pretty sure that a lot of you reading this have pretty strong opinions on this issue, and I'll bet some of you can even add to the arguments on one side of the issue or another. If you've got something to say, please follow the link below, and share your opinion, or just see what others have to say.
