tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917171058426101597.post100108063195094225..comments2023-04-05T05:42:18.312-04:00Comments on Burke's Joystick: Steam: A Neuralgic ChokepointRooksBaileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08749758612050000488noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917171058426101597.post-68697816453372972572014-05-22T19:09:51.570-04:002014-05-22T19:09:51.570-04:00I am now of a mixed mind. :) For the most part, I...I am now of a mixed mind. :) For the most part, I liked the transition from physical media for two reasons: 1) I don't have to schlep to a store / wait for it to be me mailed to me before I can play the game, and 2) I don't have to store a bunch of useless boxes! So, when I first tried DLing a game - trivia: my first downloaded game was Sins of a Solar Empire from Impulse - I loved it right away. It was so convenient! And it still is. Not having to manually patch games is also a big plus for me. <br /><br />However, now I am starting to see the potential weaknesses in the system. As Mr. Horvat points out, these DD services are neuralgic chokepoints; if something goes wrong with the service - as just happened with Steam - you are completely at the mercy of the service provider to make things right. That is a tremendous vulnerability when you stop and think about it. <br /><br />Eh, the way this industry keeps reinventing itself, I wouldn't be surprised to see physical media make a return one day, especially seeing how there is a strong retro impulse in gaming these days. RooksBaileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08749758612050000488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5917171058426101597.post-24848059688573790382014-05-21T15:31:11.080-04:002014-05-21T15:31:11.080-04:00I was actually one of those who preferred the phys...I was actually one of those who preferred the physical disc and hated the thought of only having a digital version of a game.<br /><br />The idea that I don't actually own the digital copy of a game that I purchased does bother me. Not being able to play a game I like because a service has gone down or the game is just too old to be supported I think sucks seeing as I did pay for it.Jayedubhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07437007861375094683noreply@blogger.com