Another Reason Why I like Physical Media

A few weeks ago, I mentioned how I love physical media and didn't think I would buy into digital media. Part of my fear is that someday the service will shut down and I won't be able to play/watch/listen to whatever I bought. This sort of thing happens already.

EA's download service* (through a company called Digital River) charges you an extra $6.99 for the privilege to download your game for up to two years. Two years!? Firstly, I feel it should be for a lifetime considering the amount of money companies save by not printing a manual, box, or discs. It's true they need bandwidth and storage space, but both of those are getting cheaper (especially storage). Generally these companies have a pretty beefy connection that they pay monthly for, regardless of bandwidth used anyway. Secondly, it's depressing to see them charging an extra $7 for only two years! I could almost understand if it was $7 for a lifetime, but still...

I can't tell you how many times I've dug up an old game to play for a bit, especially after two years. Plus, many people will upgrade their computer in the next two years - do you want to have to buy a game or movie again in two years just because you have a new computer? Heck no!


*Not all of EA's games are on Digital River, some are through Steam which does allow you to download your games for an indefinite amount of time. I think this is a must for digital content!

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