I want to own what I buy

As you know, I still own a PlayStation 4 for one reason. PT My PS4 will never connect to the network again. Because I'm afraid of those games disappearing from my hard drive due to random updates. I only plug in the console when I want to do PT and put it away with the care of someone who handles nitroglycerin. Having a huge, clunky system for one purpose is a terrible waste of space. But I really don't want to lose what I love. And the good news: That’s what it’s all about from now on! Finally, all of our purchases will follow the same pattern as the beloved free demos that Konami likes to drown in the bathtub.

Here's something I've done in my life without any problems. You visit a store in person or online, and exchange money to receive a product or service. Those stores were usually very clear about whether I was getting the product I was talking about or the service I mentioned earlier. I'm not a huge fan of GameStop, but I've never given them $60 and gotten a note saying “We can take this stupid toy whenever we want because it's a secret service.”

And even 10 years ago, that wasn't a big concern for me when it came to digital sales. I was always confident that I could pay for the game and own it, which was the deal I agreed to with the publisher. But now, between content being completely digitally removed from consoles (a not entirely new problem, but a growing one) and the final disc format being consigned to the retro repositories of history, I think… I want to own the product I purchased.

Nothing beats the feeling of a real copy.

It may sound strange, but the concept of storing what you tell me has been added to the “shopping cart,” which was once a common means of moving products from store shelves to the checkout. When I shop, it's great for me to expect that what I buy is what I keep. It was only a few years ago that states and countries were forcing these companies to basically say, “We just sell licenses. What that entails is up to us, because are you going to play the 2,000 games we already have? Shut up, motherfucker.” The language is a little better than that, but the end result is basically the same. Still, it's not like they're shouting that language to the heavens and it's not like customers are focused on it when there's literally no other way to get Grand Theft Auto 6.

I know this is not a new claim. This has been discussed ever since people have been purchasing music on iTunes. Maybe it was before, but I was stupid. If I'm wrong, get angry and let me know in the comments below! Digital content and the concept of ownership have been quite a hot topic over the past 20 years. And for about 20 years, we've refused to solve this problem in a way that doesn't consistently tilt toward “customers should burn in hell.”

We've now reached a point where physical editions of albums and movies are almost exclusively expensive special editions for super fans. This makes sense because many casual people want to listen to music, play games, and watch TV without friction. Not everyone is a collector. Some people treat entertainment like fast food. They won't focus on what happens after they finish eating.

Many customers probably don't realize the problem of trade-offs. To be honest, I was one of those people when convenience suited me. The only thing I have maintained consistently has been my hypocrisy. But I understand it. Digital content is instantaneous, and as someone who lives in New York City, I know that shelf space in many homes is limited. Or maybe you just don't want to see people owning every game in the Ys series. Because we need to explain what Ys is. No, it's not like Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy. It's more action-oriented. Ah, it feels like The Legend of Zelda? But very different? Forget it.

Digital is not just another hit

Whether you prefer digital or not, it sucks to completely lose your disc, cartridge, and memory card options. Losing the ability to archive your content sucks. A future where all the “retro games” you can buy at conventions will be discontinued in 2024 is really sad. I know some PC stores allow backup downloads, and I like that. But don't joke here. That won't happen on console.

And don't tell me you can't make physical media that fits the entire game. The memory cards have more storage space than any computer I owned before 2016. Of course, computer components are becoming more and more expensive. I understand it. Literally every type of cost related to gaming will become higher due to AI. But the size of the game alone isn't enough reason to ditch the physical media.

The worst part is the consistent evidence that companies are willing to take back the content you purchased. The problem may be smaller if you purchase media online and the price is not exactly the same as physical media. Customers will sign up for more and more gaming services that don't bring in enough money for the company to be practical, but still cost enough to make them feel downright annoying. It's ridiculous, but a lot of people already have that mindset. That's their right! But it would be nice to have that right along with the right to own the things we buy. Just because you're okay with renting games for a temporary period doesn't mean you want your entire library to behave that way from this point on.

It's such a shame that we're losing physical media when we need it most. That in itself may sound a bit hyperbolic, but many companies are becoming uncomfortably comfortable with the idea of ​​owning nothing. Do you like it when updates you download remove famous music from older games? Good news: That's what it's all about from now on, baby! Oops, the copyright holder of the game you purchased doesn't want you to play it anymore. No refunds. It took me about 2 years so I might have to finish it. No, we have decided to completely remove the mode that only you enjoyed. If only I had a few friends to play with! Again, I know this whole thing is happening like crap right now, but it's going to get a lot worse.

I want to own what I bought. I want to know that even 10 years from now, I can rediscover what I like as I flip through books on CD or memory cards. I'd like to be able to buy old, used consoles in the distant future, and still be able to play some classic games that may no longer be available because stores are closing. Maybe it's just “the old man shouts at the clouds” nonsense. I'm sure that after a console generation or two, people won't really care. Maybe you find it hilariously bizarre. Or maybe there will be a resurgence of physical media like we saw with cassettes and vinyl. In other words, it may be a passing phase for people feeling nostalgic for a different era.