Mario- By downloading content via PSN be cheaper to make games for next gen consoles?

[jasche78]

Mario,

I have had an idea but unsure of the sustainability of maintaining it.

Could a rugby league game be developed whereby all the content, features and functionality be either installed or downloaded on to, for example a PS3 hard drive then have some kind of "individually unique"authentication code( released by Sidhe) once the transaction has been processed.
Furthermore make it so all the games core features, content and functionality can be "upgraded" or "tweaked" via online downloads for any future new content to be added or even used to re-install another iterations of the franchise.
Would this save on cost in ways by the developer not having to produce the actual data cd for the game and packaging associated with releasing the game?????

Secondly, what are the security implications by developing and distributing games in this manner?

[Shadynzer]

thats a good idea...instead of releasing a whole new game, just updates and whatevers thru the PSN, mean...

[Knights4Premiers]

Could be targeted by Gameshare people, Although you can put a lock on it.

Burnout Paradise is available on the PSN and is 3 Gig, Thats not to big, and its full 1080 HD.

[WannabePopper]

You can download full games on XBox, Wii and Playstation without the need for any convoluted security codes. There are even expansion packs for said downloaded games.. Wiiware, VC, XBLA and PSN games have been available well, since the consoles came out...

[mick457]

You can download full games on XBox, Wii and Playstation without the need for any convoluted security codes. There are even expansion packs for said downloaded games.. Wiiware, VC, XBLA and PSN games have been available well, since the consoles came out...

no Sh##.......

[WannabePopper]

no Sh##.......

That was in direct response to the original poster querying whether a downloadable game was an option. His original post implied that this was something he "just thought up" however, my post was to remind him it's not a new thing, and his idea of a security code is a waste of time.

[jasche78]

That was in direct response to the original poster querying whether a downloadable game was an option. His original post implied that this was something he "just thought up" however, my post was to remind him it's not a new thing, and his idea of a security code is a waste of time.

Thanks for your clarification but I am well aware of games being available for download.

My question is however aimed at installing an initial installment of the game then future iterations of the game can be , for lack of a better term "edited/updated over" so core gameplay, functionality and content can be continually updated and enhanced over time, as opposed to the one off games that are on offer currently with no capacity to be able to be enhanced fundamentally via downloadable means. Basically removing the cost associated with producing discs. packaging and shipping which should free up some of the budget contraints.

Also by making the title available through the Playstation Network it can reach a larger target audience at cost neutral to budget (other than the fee to have it available on the PSN)with no risk to cost vs return becuause the game itself is not shipped as a physical unit (cd...etc)

I believe its the future of selling games due to piracy concerns, cost associated with manufacturing(product, packaging and distribution) coupled with a "secure" way to distribute the game and provide the foundation for further installments of any particular franchise.

[Radman]

EA do this now, they sell the game disc at full price every year with a few nip tucks and then sell DLC feature updates on top at extra cost for extra profit.

There is no way they are going to stop selling discs and just sell the new game as an update or DLC only, that'd be the end of them.

What about those who buy consoles with no intention of using them online or can't afford broadband?..which there are more than a few. You'll be losing a fair chunk of potential buyers going that route. Plus we'd expect it to be a lot cheaper, losing companies even more money.

[Radman]

Losing the physical disc will lose countless retailers jobs then you'll get this DRM rubbish where you can only redownload a few times then your console dies and you lose all your games and have to redownload them all...ugh!...

Apparently games for download on PSPGo are selling at the same price as a game on UMD in a case with a manual...just doesn't seem right.

[Radman]

Awaits Marios more educated opinion...

[jasche78]

Radman , You make some very valid points in your response.

As for the employment aspect yes it is an unfavourable way to go by making packaging/ distributing staff redundant but the more important aspect is maintaining a companies profitability against what seems to be an expanding game developing market. To remain competitive as a business, costs must be to a minimum to potentially increase profit margin to re-invest and improve product quality, hence why a company of the size Sidhe opt to develop RL3 for Wii.

Considering the governments initiative to provide broadband at affordable prices, with time in my opinion, the internet will be more easily accessible and affordable to lower income households.
All marketing and distribution can be administered via the internet at very low cost compared to that of the costs I have mentioned previously.

I am very interested in what Mario has to say bout this too????

[WannabePopper]

Annually renewable licenses make WAY MORE money than a single release then downloadable add ons.

That said, there are already certain games that had an initial release, and then use the core of the game disk to play much expanded add ons. GTA IV for example. You can go either way, but Sports Games have been shown in the past by the most succesful Sporting game creater (EA) that annually renewable license, whole new game, whole new disk is the way to go. Yes they release a few small add ons for their games. But you can guarantee, there is a whole new disk coming in approx 1 year ;)

[jasche78]

Annually renewable licenses make WAY MORE money than a single release then downloadable add ons.

That said, there are already certain games that had an initial release, and then use the core of the game disk to play much expanded add ons. GTA IV for example. You can go either way, but Sports Games have been shown in the past by the most succesful Sporting game creater (EA) that annually renewable license, whole new game, whole new disk is the way to go. Yes they release a few small add ons for their games. But you can guarantee, there is a whole new disk coming in approx 1 year ;)

Good point you have raised ;0)

C'mon Mario throw your hat in the ring........ Show us that infinite wisdom you behold ;0)