Venting - Complaints about US PC Game Boxes

I like the fact that PC game boxes commonized a few years back. But double wide DVD boxes? They eliminated the large game boxes because most manuals were on the CD or DVD. So why double wide? WTF? It makes most sense to keep them single wide DVD cases like consoles, and that's what they do in Europe as well I believe.

Secondly, the fancy colored flip-front cardboard sleeve over the top is fine. But I hate it when you remove the case from the cardboard sleeve, and there's no insert on the front or back of the DVD case. So instead of throwing out the cardboard cover, and having quick and convenient access to my CDs or DVDs, I have to keep the cover so I know what game it is, pull it out of the cardboard cover before I can access the discs. Plus the cardboard cover screws with standard DVD storage racks and devices.

Lastly, why are there still games released on CD? I mean like 2, 3, or 4 CD's? WTF? They should have switched to DVD like six years ago, but it wasn't until just a year or two ago that they actually started releasing games on DVD.

Ok, that's all I have to say.

 

Why not just get a case for your CDs, (and maybe a display binder for all your booklets/'album art' with serial codes)?

If you keep everything in one (or two) neat package(s) you'll save a lot of space, be less likely to misplace a CD, and you won't have to deal with double wide DVD cases. Almost every DVD case in existence has easily removable artwork.

 

TBH I wish all PC games were boxed like CoD4: recyclable cardboard box the size of those plastic ones you are talking about in order to fit whatever they want, and inside have the game in a standard small CD case. This way you can still fit those bigger manuals or papers in the box, but still be able to get rid of the bigger one and keep a nice compact case for your game DVD.

 

Steam ftw!!

thats all i have to say about this

 

Second that!

 

Thirded-ed.

 

seriously. if you have a problem with boxes, hop on the steam train.

i only buy steam games now. problem solved.

 

I really don't know why people hate PC box's. I don't mind them but still I can understand why CS:S needed a big box thats because it has 4 disks lol. But Why gears of war pc and halo 2 vista needed a big box I have no idea lol.

 

i also don't like the big case they make, it doesn't make any sense. they should just use standard dvd cases.i hate it when i open up a case the the books inside are flopping around or fall out because they have too much room.

for the cardboard sleeve, why not just cut it to fit in between the plastic on the case.

 

Fourth-ded.

 

Agreeeeeeeeeed.

 

buying actual game discs gives some collection value, just like music cds. so in some way, publisher wants to make the game boxes look outstanding, of course making it big is just one of many ways to attract attention. that's why i prefer to buy games at stores, it gives you some excitement.

 

I love Steam, but frankly I'll buy whoever's selling the game for cheapest.

That said, I can't understand why the double-wide DVD cases are being used when the single-wide would suffice just fine. It doesn't bother me that much (cardboard boxes for PC games feel genuinely antiquated and unnecessary at this point), but I'd sure rather just have a single standard size DVD case than the fat one.

 

And if games AREN'T on Steam?

Also, I prefer to buy physical boxes in many cases either for collector purposes, or the fact that I can sell a game when I'm done with it.

 

Do stores really accept used PC games? (who would even buy a used PC game? lol)

 

I can definitely understand the drive to have a beautiful box sitting on the shelf and all - after all, people even pay to have the same game in different box covers (e.g. WC3), and for collector's editions.

Still, in the long run, I feel that's just a waste of space and material. Think of all the trees you could save if everything was downloadable. Plus, it's incredibly annoying to want to play a game and realize you can't buy it as a direct download.

Games are like movies - if I'm in the urge to play a particular game, I want to buy it and have it ready to go within an hour or two, sometimes at odd hours of the night. If I have to go out looking for a 24/7 store that carries what may be a 3-4 year old game at midnight on a holiday, odds are I won't even be able to find it. If I end up having to order a semi-old game online, possibly pay for shipping, and wait for nearly a week for delivery, by the time I get it, I probably no longer want to play.

What's really annoying are those games where the expansion pack is available as a digital download, but the original game isn't....

 

Also, if all games moved to digital downloads.... they cost less for them to sell since they don't need to box them, burn them onto disks, and ship them out to retailers. Means we could get more deals like that weekend bioshock was only $15. Try finding that in a store.

 

i like steam because i never have to worry about loosing CD keys.

 

I also hate lugging around a huge case full of dvds whenever I move...or for that matter actually needing to put the cd into the drive when i'm playing...both problems that digital download editions solve (although you probably end up with more drm with digital editions?).

 

Well, you can download and install them on any computer using your steam account....

 

You don't have to persuade me to use steam...I already use it. I'm just ranting about how annoying boxed discs for just about anything is.

 

No, I mean that comment about DRM on downloaded content. Was just saying there isn't any unfair restriction on Steams stuff.

 

It's called eBay... ever heard of it?

 

Oh right, good point... still, who'd buy a used PC game? Plus with digital distribution, why buy games on eBay at all?

 

I don't care who buys it, but I usually get a decent buck from eBay.

Games that I know I will play repeatedly I consider digital distribution. But in many cases, I prefer the box anyhow for collection sake.

I like digitial distribution, but I still have a few issues with it:

(1) Not all games are available, or are available from multiple sources, so you still have to juggle where you bought it, CD-keys, etc.

(2) Download times can be horrendous, especially on launch day. I know Steam frequently allows you to preload a game, but in many instances you just "pre-ordered" and had to download on release day anyhow. Since my free time is limited, I want the instant gratification of installing a game and playing quickly.

(3) Cost. Many times I can buy the boxed version for $10-$20 less than the digital version. It should be the opposite.

Either way, eBay has been my friend for years for selling used PC games that I no longer play. And if I buy a game launch week, finish it in a week, I can usually get at least 50%-60% back. Wait a few months then it's usually anywhere from $5-$20.

 

companies meed to get on the same train as ubisoft. look at the packaging for assassin's creed. slim, compact and looks great.

 

I love my Steam games. I used to be one of those gamers who NEEDED everything in the Collector's Edition boxed set sitting on my shelf. After a little while, though, I realized that I really limited myself, title-wise, by doing that. While I still buy a few games boxed, I do enjoy getting games on Steam, especially when the manual is in a high quality PDF file and there is a weekend deal going on (Got BioShock for 14 bucks I think).

Also, I am absolutely SICK of carrying CDs/DVDs or whatever with me. I HAVE to do that with my old favorites, I don't want to have to do that with my new games too.

I am not a person who can part with a game, I could NEVER sell a game I have purchased. Then again, I can't think of a game I have ever owned that I hated, so maybe I have never had motivation to sell. So I really don't mind that Steam games are tied to your account permanently.

As for the boxes, I agree with htwingnut. Why on earth haven't PC game boxes transitioned more fully to either a console style disk case, or a standardized mini-box with a SINGLE DVD and manual? Why do we have to get many different kinds of boxes and all sorts of paper cd cases and also mini cd cases and sometimes a double wide CD holder? PC gaming prides itself on its ability to stay unique and independent. This is one area where sacrificing a little bit of rampant individualism might help. Standardize the packaging a bit more, please! Otherwise the convenience of Steam and like services will have an effect on the gaming industry similar to what nice home theater DVD setups did to movie theaters.