Poll: boxed or download version?

[wiidesire-2]

Depends which one of them is cheaper.

Boxed version are usually more expensive than download versions


but depends on the store for example steam want to make much money and the games are more expensive or the same price.

[elitechris]

I prefer boxed, cause, in my opinion, the online transfer is better and original will always be an original. What's more, I don't have to worry about errors then.

[Electron]

I would pay the double price for a big box if it contains a booklet about the game play, two books explaining the MediaTracker and the Dedicated Server as well as a comprehensive reference with many examples to ManiaScript. I don't like PDF manuals and inaccurate user tutorials.

[Hylis]

having a box is something "more" than having the game.

So, I would even also answer "with the box" myself if I was only looking to that perspective.

But there are many reasons that makes the digital download better, even for the players. The logic of maniaplanet, with many titles, is not really compatible with the shelves space strategy of the current distribution. They have made a lot of space for console products and now, they have more difficulties to keep titles on the long run, like they do for mangas, movies and music for some.

Difficulties like that can create difficulties for us and difficulties for maniaplanet. Since first TrackMania, I wished I can make all of this more agile. Waiting to make three environments to make a product that make more money by space on the shelves is not the right strategy in my oppinion for maniaplanet.

The question would rather be: would you prefer to see a stronger maniaplanet thanks to digital distribution?

I have decided to make the best choices for the games and I believe for the gamers. I know that box are cool and I bought many in my life. At the moment, there is not a good solution for boxed products like maniaplanet, so I have to make it digital. Paiement methods are still being worked out, but we are also taking good care that players will have access to it from many ways. It depends of countries and there are many evolution in that way. Just look at paysafecard if you want to see one, but there are many other ways.

Anyway, this is still in work and I only wish players believe that we are making this in order to make a stronger maniaplanet and a more dynamic way to reach players. Even for the delay, you can imagine that worldwide boxed distribution is not something that can be done in a day. More than a month to start, once you have finished the beta, it is also strange when you have one title around every 4 to 5 months.

As for printed documentation, I would not print a million of books with a tutorial for 5% of them to read it. We are also in a world where we need to take care of our environment. In fact, I would recommand to make a book, like maniaplanet for dummies ^_^ and so people can order what they really need.

I hope players will understand, even if I understand box is funnier. The good point is that when you will invite your friend on a sunday night, he will not tell you that he will wait to come because he also want the box, he will download and play it right now with you

[elitechris]

Maybe you're right, especially about the tutorial. But how will you sell those digital versions of TM2?

Edit: Yes, you're right fastforza. At least we're not lost with that.

[fastforza]

Thanks Hylis, I believe this has answered many questions. I guess the related question is answered now as well.

[Knutselmaaster]

Thanks Hylis, that ends a lot of speculation and discussion here on the forums.

When you look at the "online payment" problem, there are already solutions in the gaming industry for that.
For example, for world of warcraft, xbox live, playstation network and many other things, you can buy credit with real money in a lot of shops.
There are also independent solutions, where you buy credits with money, to be able to pay online.
These are safe solutions, that should be acceptable for people that fear online payments.

[Kaldra]

having a box is something "more" than having the game.

So, I would even also answer "with the box" myself if I was only looking to that perspective.

But there are many reasons that makes the digital download better, even for the players. The logic of maniaplanet, with many titles, is not really compatible with the shelves space strategy of the current distribution. They have made a lot of space for console products and now, they have more difficulties to keep titles on the long run, like they do for mangas, movies and music for some.

Difficulties like that can create difficulties for us and difficulties for maniaplanet. Since first TrackMania, I wished I can make all of this more agile. Waiting to make three environments to make a product that make more money by space on the shelves is not the right strategy in my oppinion for maniaplanet.

The question would rather be: would you prefer to see a stronger maniaplanet thanks to digital distribution?

I have decided to make the best choices for the games and I believe for the gamers. I know that box are cool and I bought many in my life. At the moment, there is not a good solution for boxed products like maniaplanet, so I have to make it digital. Paiement methods are still being worked out, but we are also taking good care that players will have access to it from many ways. It depends of countries and there are many evolution in that way. Just look at paysafecard if you want to see one, but there are many other ways.

Anyway, this is still in work and I only wish players believe that we are making this in order to make a stronger maniaplanet and a more dynamic way to reach players. Even for the delay, you can imagine that worldwide boxed distribution is not something that can be done in a day. More than a month to start, once you have finished the beta, it is also strange when you have one title around every 4 to 5 months.

As for printed documentation, I would not print a million of books with a tutorial for 5% of them to read it. We are also in a world where we need to take care of our environment. In fact, I would recommand to make a book, like maniaplanet for dummies ^_^ and so people can order what they really need.

I hope players will understand, even if I understand box is funnier. The good point is that when you will invite your friend on a sunday night, he will not tell you that he will wait to come because he also want the box, he will download and play it right now with you

Create a box for every game, or for the first 3 environments (which are confirmed to be released) of every game. Meaning one box gives you access to Trackmania Canyon + the two others which will come in the future. Let it cost 50€ and I buy it. Even if I can only play Canyon first. And I believe many people share this opinion.

[haenry]

Good answer
But there are still players with a bad connection and they will need much time to download. But the other reasons of your answer are fine

[HeZiX]

I voted Both, I'll buy the boxed version then link it in Steam :°)