Why Recent Video Games Rely on Internet Downloads Rather Than Installation Discs
The advent of internet downloads for video games has transformed the gaming industry, replacing traditional installation discs with a more convenient and efficient method of distribution. This shift is driven by a variety of factors, both technical and economic. Let's explore the reasons behind this transition and why internet downloads have become the norm in modern gaming.
Size and Accessibility
Modern games are significantly larger in file size, often exceeding the capacity of physical installation discs. A BD drive, while capable of storing up to 50GB, cannot accommodate the files required for many contemporary games. This is where the internet comes in. The widespread adoption of high-speed internet connections and the decreasing cost of data storage have made internet downloads a practical and efficient alternative.
Features and Updates
Complex modern games require frequent updates to address bugs and introduce new features. A single installation disc cannot serve as the hub for ongoing development and bug fixes. Online distribution allows for software updates, ensuring players have access to the latest version of the game. This is particularly important in a competitive and feature-rich gaming landscape where gamers demand the latest content.
Technical and Economic Considerations
Disc Drives
Many devices, especially laptops and smartphones, lack disc drives. This trend, driven by the desire to reduce size and power consumption, has left a gap in the market for physical discs. In contrast, almost every modern device has an internet adapter, making downloads the default method of game installation. Additionally, the lack of support for certain BD drives on newer processors further encumbers their use. Furthermore, discs are more expensive to manufacture, transport, and distribute compared to server hosting. Even if a game is downloaded multiple times, the cost of a digital download is still lower.
Durability
Physical discs are prone to damage from scratches or misplacement. They also suffer from wear and tear, especially the drive tray. Organic dye in BD discs degrades over time, even with proper care. In contrast, digital downloads are more user-friendly and less prone to corruption. Even games available on discs often require large initial patches, which can be challenging to install manually.
Cost/Economics
The cost of manufacturing, transporting, and distributing physical discs is significantly higher than the cost of running a digital server. Servers can handle multiple downloads and updates efficiently, reducing the overall cost for game developers. Retail and used game sales also contribute to the economics of digital distribution, providing a broader market reach and lower overhead.
DRM and Security
Digital Rights Management (DRM) based on disc checks proved to be ineffective and a security risk. The latest version of Windows 10 no longer supports certain types of DRM, forcing users to download game cracks just to use the software they purchased. This makes digital distribution the preferred method, as it can be more seamless and secure.
Data Transfer Rates
Modern broadband internet connections offer data transfer rates far exceeding those of physical discs. An internal SSD can also provide faster read/write speeds than a typical optical disc. This is particularly important for large games that often require substantial initial downloads and frequent updates.
Although physical discs still have a market, it is in decline. Next-generation consoles may even eliminate the need for discs entirely. Theoretically, using re-writable discs could be a solution, but the cost and security implications make it impractical. The development of advanced optical media has been largely abandoned as streaming has become the dominant player in home video distribution, and video games are increasingly moving towards digital formats.
In conclusion, the shift from installation discs to internet downloads is driven by a combination of technical, economic, and user convenience factors. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is clear that digital distribution is here to stay, with physical discs fading into the background.