For me it's logical that there will be only a download version, because it only costs 20 euros. That's not enough to sell it on shops...Hylis wrote: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
There could be a collectors edition every year, with sm,qm,tm2 together for 60 euros, which is in the shops, but that's just a speculation
And the game ( it only has 1 environment) will probably have 2-3 gb.
Then, as this is community driven, I can't tell if people will use it or not, and if RPGs' will be good or not