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What's your preferred way of buying games? (digital/physical/physical digital) (programming.dev)
submitted 21 hours ago* (last edited 21 hours ago) by the16bitgamer@programming.dev to c/patientgamers@sh.itjust.works
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Ran across this in a discussion about Nintendo's Virtual Game Cards and Key Cards.

For myself it's

Physical > Perpetual Digital (GOG) > Key Cards (Switch 2) > DRM Digital (Steam/PS3/Xbox 360) > Account DRM Digital (PS4/Switch/Xbox One) > System Locked Digital (3DS/Wii U) > GamePass > Streaming Games (Amazon Luna/Stadia)

For some context.

While Key Cards are digital they are not tied to hardware which means so long as the servers are still running the game can be downloaded and played... presuming no additional authentication is required.

DRM Digital is bellow that since services like Epic Games, and Steam still require re-authentication from time to time. Though Steam is getting better thanks to the Steam Deck.

GamePass is low because it is the same as Game Rental. You don't own the game. Good to try never to own.

On that note, physical games with download codes inside don't even get a place on my list. Got tricked into buying Patapon 2 this way and I always read the games fine print ever since.

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[-] mohab@piefed.social 3 points 15 hours ago

I have no interest in any kind of physical media. GOG and Itch.io do not carry any of the games I'm interested in, so I only buy through Steam.

I like Steam, I just wish we were buying the games, not leasing them. Bullshit system and I hope it changes one day.

I only buy games on deep discounts—I spent only $100 over the course of the past 4 years to buy 14 games.

If I'm curious about a game but not sure if I'll like it, I sail the high seas to try it before committing.

this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2025
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