Physical media has long sailed but not drm free software.
(I’m not sure which of those you’re referring to, just clearly stating)
Comment on Time to bring back physical media on PC?
Agent_Karyo@piefed.world 1 day ago
No, physical media is not useful for PC games, you want a DRM free installer (preferably with all relevant patches applied, both game patches and compatibility DLL/mods for older games), not the physical media (which may or may not have DRM).
This ship has sailed a long time ago on PC (~15 years ago).
Physical media has long sailed but not drm free software.
(I’m not sure which of those you’re referring to, just clearly stating)
I was talking about data storage on optical discs, not DRM free installers. :)
Perfect. 👍
SolarPunker@slrpnk.net 1 day ago
I think drm-free indie oriented publishers like Annapurna could make a lot of money with physical copies.
Agent_Karyo@piefed.world 1 day ago
That may be true, I just don’t see the point of storing the DRM free installer on a disc, something like an SD card which can be easily updated seems like a much better fit.
mecen@lemmy.ca 18 hours ago
You can legally resell if it is on disk.
Agent_Karyo@piefed.world 18 hours ago
Fair point, with Steam sales, I don’t really feel the need to resell.
tburkhol@slrpnk.net 1 day ago
As someone with a collection of a couple hundred CDs and another hundred or so DVDs filling my closet, I’m not really sure everyone appreciates the logistics of holding physical media for a couple-hundred-game library.
IrateAnteater@sh.itjust.works 1 day ago
I doubt it. At least for all but the most viral of indie games. Manufacturing physical copies is expensive and would involve minimum order quantity from suppliers.
mnemonicmonkeys@sh.itjust.works 1 day ago
Tbh, popular indie games could probably use crowdfunding platforms post launch to do it
kahjtheundedicated@lemmy.world 1 day ago
I could see physical releases, at least as special editions, being a thing people would like. Though I think today SD cards would make more sense, at least if flash memory prices ever come back down.
But a SD card with a custom label in box with proper box art and a little art book inside would be cool for fans and collectors.
mnemonicmonkeys@sh.itjust.works 1 day ago
Essentially Switch cartridges, but PC
kahjtheundedicated@lemmy.world 1 day ago
Exactly
terabyterex@lemmy.world 19 hours ago
it costs a lot of money. digital is what help indies flourish. you no longer need a publisher.