Downloaded VS boxed
The trend of switching to downloads as the distribution medium of choice as opposed to going with the retailers + boxed copies is stronger than ever. The video rentals/sales distribution-over-the-net-for-just-a-few-bucks business is ready to welcome the big guys ( Amazon and Apple ), while everyone is going to be dropping the price and adding new features and services to appeal to the consumers. The same goes for the music business. iTunes music store is leading the pack, of course, but the other players are not being idle; URGE, Micrsosoft's forthcoming network that will accompany their Zune device ( quite a screw-you to their MTV partners by the way ), Real Media, Napster.. the list is long and interesting. As far as gaming goes, GameTap seems to be doing quite good with its subscription based service seems to be the leader so far. Microsoft and their wonderful XBox Live system, Sony's forthcoming service to accompany their PS3 device and Nintendo's Virtual Console are going to make it extremely easy ( and affordable ) for people to download classic games, even full-blown ones from their couch. There is also Valve's Steam distribution platform is disrupting the established retail business in more ways that meet the eye.
There are so many benefits to this new Internet powered distribution channels. Namely, download from anywhere, access to everything regardless of where in the world you are, greatly reduced price tag ( no middle - persons, no brick-and-mortar retailers who get over 50% of the money ).. it will be so easy ( relatively) now for developers and content producers to provide their creations to everyone in the world and have their products ( games, music, video etc ) quality drive their sales rank.
There is one downside to this. Boxed products come with a box (obviously) which is usually well designed ( at least in the case of games ), it contains more than just the DVDs or CDs of the actual medium. For instance, there used to be maps, plastic gadgets, compasses, books, manuals, cards..you name it in the games, at least in 80's - 90's ( unfortunately, its not quite the case nowadays ). I will dearly miss those. I will also miss the thrill of opening the box and face the material, going through those props and manuals or guides or whatever. Unfortunately, though, the pros far outweighs the cons so I suppose a new market for those products will be developed/enhanced, which will cater for the needs for ones like me..
