Help Eidos Decide part II - CD-ROM's or DVD's

[Grey Mouser]

Hey folks...we need your help in deciding what Media we are going to place several large upcoming games on.

The question (which was asked a few months ago) is simple: If you had a choice about a game you know you want to purchase being available on either:

5 CD's

- or -

1 DVD

...which would you prefer?

Thanks for helping us decide which is best.

[Aquarius]

I know that more me, 1 DVD would be more convinient, and less likely to damage (or destroy :p) 5 separate cd cases. :)

[Zoolander]

As I posted in the other thread, DVD roms are dirt cheap now.

[Salvage]

Even though I don't have a DVD rom I would prefer the game to be on a DVD.


edit: typo

[DMA57361]

It's about time companys start using 1 DVD instead of multiple CD's! :D

I have too many disks as it is and keep running out of places to put them . . . less disks = good. :)

[Catman]

Two CDs I can handle, but the four CDs of games like The Longest Journey and Riven were just a bit much to juggle. And don't get me started on the seven CDs of Byzatine: The Betrayal ...

http://www1.iastate.edu/~wsthune/cps/mrchimps/scare.gif

Having DVDs only would give me a good reason to buy a DVD drive for my computer.

[Xcom]

It doesn't matter to me as long as a game allows to do full install (copy all data to hard drive) so you can keep only one cd/dvd disk for validation.
But if I have to, I'd pick DVD.

[Caradavin1]

Okay.
What is the intention? Are you making these as a game to sell?? Are they free, paid postage? (You prolly posted this somewhere, but I haven't seen it).

Because, if marketability(sp?) is a factor, then you must consider us outbackers (:) ). I live in a medium city in Indiana, where some people are just now purchasing DVD players and drives. I don't even have one yet. My mother probably never will. Heck, my grandma doesn't even know what the internet is!

Point being, that some people would prefer CDs, just as some would prefer DVD's, to limit one is to limit the other.

[Grey Mouser]

Thanks for your take Caradavin1...this is Why we ask, to get a feel for what hardware people who play Eidos games have on their systems.

Your point is a good one and a view I happen to share. However, just suppose the costs of manufacturing a game on both DVD's and CD's was too expensive to do a massive run of both...how would we decide to make 70% CD's and 30% DVD's, or 30% CD's and 70% DVD's?

By listening to your input...that's how! So thanks again for letting us know what you think.

[Munin the Raven]

I prefer one disc over five because it takes up less space, there's no annoying "CD juggling" during installation or playing, and there's only one disc that can get scratched or damaged. With 5 CDs to juggle, the chances are higher for damaging the discs and making the game uplayable.

Most PCs come with DVD players now, even lower end models and e-machines. For those without DVD drives in their PCs, DVD drives now sell for as little as $40 new (combination burners are the hot item now, so older read-only DVDs have dropped in price).

[darien_specter]

Not to mention that DVDs allow PC users the full range of benefits... For instance, all those goodies on the Soul Reaver 2 PS2 disc. A PC DVD could have allowed inclusion of those features, and then PC users wouldn't have missed out on that stuff. That would be a real treat for game fans.

[Polar_Andromeda]

I have no DVD-rom, but if a game came out only on DVD and I really wanted to play it, then I'd set my comp up w/ the necessary hardware. I'm sure others would probably do the same if they were in my situation. People like convenience, after all. ;)

[Huntress]

Well I gave an extended answer on the other poll so I won't repeat myself here too much only to say I don't have a DVD and don't plan to buy one in the near future. Please review the other thread as to my thoughts regarding this issue and why I voted for the 5 CD's :D Ta and Good Hunting!

[JunoJIm]

Well, I voted No, I don't have a DVD drive, and Yes, DVDs would be better for a big game...

I need an excuse to get a DVD :D

Also, the cost to produce would be lower, and ultimately better user satisfaction, from Eidos' standpoint, but you must know this.

[Rose662]

I would prefer the one DVD over the many Cd-roms.

Packaging for games with two or more Cd-roms can be aggravating at times because things can go wrong. (I have had experiences with this.)

One DVD will lessen users' installation hassles and unexpected damage problems. It will also ease the running of the game.

My vote is for the DVD.

[Azuriel]

i remember the disk issue with Baldur`s Gate... 5 disks! which had to be switched every 20 minutes.



1 DVD would be my choice

[bravus]

Heh, coincidence - I was just going to mention Baldur's Gate! They did offer to exchange the 5 CDs for one DVD at one point, and if I'd heard about it I definitely would have taken that option, so I guess that answers the question!

Bravus

[DjZ]

i voted for a dvd :P

what you have to consider is how easy it is to copy cd's now adays if u went with the 5 cd option and how much security you need to put on each cd to stop some one copying it as a dvd would take longer to copy but the costs to mass produce dvds would be higher.

seriously i know what im on about in my head :P


Dj

[1shot1kill]

I voted for DVD, but considering that a part of the EIDOS customers will not have a DVD player you would lose customers on it, so when you are going to change releasing games on both DVD and cd's would be the best option for the first few years.

[sick]

mmz, good idea!

[Azal]

I'll butt my ugly head in here and give my $0.02

I'ld like to see both release options and, as with the choice between DVD or video for movies, the DVD version could have extra features.

For example, DVD audio, 'the making of' videos and interviews with the brains behind the game. That sort of thing.

If people as vacuous as Hollywood directors and actors can do it, why not extend the concept of the 'commentary track' to a game? "You're now entering the gardens of Lord Philius. We had a devil of a time getting all the lighting right in this section. If you look in the NE corner you'll see a plant modelled on a tree from one of the designer's own gardens"


You know, two cents doesn't get you as far these days :p

[@m]

I would prefer for now that is 5 cd's instead of 1 dvd as long as you don't have to switch cd's all the time. I just bought a cd-rw so I don't want to spend money to buy a dvd-player. The best would be if the games are released on both CD-rom & DVD like other people already mentioned.

p.s. can you name some of that large games that are coming out? :D

[Data]

Digital Versatile Disk every time. ;)

[Scotsman]

Originally posted by Huntress
Well I gave an extended answer on the other poll so I won't repeat myself here too much only to say I don't have a DVD and don't plan to buy one in the near future. Please review the other thread as to my thoughts regarding this issue and why I voted for the 5 CD's :D Ta and Good Hunting!
-----------

Hey come into the 21st Century and buy a DVD Drive as it will allow to watch music DVD's on your computer or even movies if wish !

[Caradavin1]

I just want to say that it is a person's choice whether or not they move into the 21st century (in your words). I myself would prefer to be fully in the 21st century, but unfortunately I am a college Grad Student who can only afford so much luxury. I think it is unfair to say something of that nature to Huntress or anyone else. I don't know her situation whatsoever, but I know mine - and your comment did gibe me. It is also unfair to limit people like me access to their favorite game. I'm not even offended, I just wanted to share. :)

On another note, I think that the 30% CDs and 70% DVDs is more than enough of a fair compromise, Grey Mouser.

[Azuriel]

Originally posted by @m
I would prefer for now that is 5 cd's instead of 1 dvd as long as you don't have to switch cd's all the time. I just bought a cd-rw so I don't want to spend money to buy a dvd-player. The best would be if the games are released on both CD-rom & DVD like other people already mentioned.

p.s. can you name some of that large games that are coming out? :D


you know you can buy a DVD-player for..like.. 30 euro, right?

[GlasW0lf]

Definitely DVD for me, but I think it's too early for an all-DVD release. Same as the transition between releasing games on floppies and CDs (aah, them were the days...). I think the problem could be if a game was released on both formats, say 80% DVDs and 20% CDs, then all but the larger stores would only stock the DVD version.

[jso2897]

My puter was SOA maybe 2 years ago, my wifes maybe 3. We aren't getting new ones till they break (which will be soon - ours is an inclement and dusty environment) But I won't get a DVD drive till I replace one of them. If AOD is released on DVD, I won't be getting it for awhile.

[KittenCeleste]

A DVD is more practical, takes up less space..
And besides, most modern computers have a DVD player.. Mine is not one of them.. :(

[sbp]

DVD all the way.

[RicknMel]

I voted for DVD even though I don't have one in my pc. There's nothing worse than having to change CD's everytime you enter a new area of the game (read that "MYST") :D

However.... I do have a request...
Make 'em playable on my old piece of junk 500MHz computer with a wimpy 16MB Voodoo card please.
:rolleyes:
Yeah right. This thing can't even handle solitare anymore.
;)

[Old_Mate]

A single DVD is better for the environment than 5 CD's as well.

[psiko]

I vote for just one DVD :)
my larger answer is in the other poll :)

[Von Thomas]

It doesn't matter 1 DVD or 5CD as long the quality of the game is not lost as in other games where cinematics are horrible on CD version. Most important is to be able to install whole game on hard drive, DVD and CD drives are to slow and slowdown the action.

[blincoln]

DVD all the way, I hate swapping discs even if it's just for an install.

The extra space on DVDs also allows for cool bonus material like the German Soul Reaver 1 + 2 release.

IMO any PC game that is coming out this year is going to require hardware that is new enough that it should have come with a DVD drive anyway, but if not the cost to add one is minimal.

[David]

dvd i sbetter. it also will prevent a little piracy!!
besides there is more onfo could be writen,and it is more comfortable!!!
:D

[Dell]

My choice would be DVD. Somehow, whether just a psychological trick or not, I get the picture and sound quality are just a bit higher...and wrestling with multiple disks is a pain.

*Staunch supporter of all Eidos games.

[AlphaOmega]

IMO: Wait 1 more year for the DVD-ROMS to become more widespread. Only $50 CDN (bout $30 American) now, one year will make a heck of a difference to your buying market.

[croftmania]

I think that any game larger than 2 CD's should be put into a DVD.
My Dad has a DVD player, so I suppose I would have no problem at all.

[Azrael]

I would prefer the game in one DVD then i various cd's, althought i don't have a DVD player yet.
So i voted on the second one.

[Huntress]

Let me just say that I'm definately in the current century and I have upgraded my equipment many times over in the last few years...but the added benefits you suggest are furthest from my mind :D I do not have any intention ever to watch a movie on my computer(s) or music videos unless they happen to be via a file that is .mpg or .avi or perhaps some other format that I can use my Real Player to view. As an example of a music video, which happens to be a .mpg of a Beattles song I downloaded from a site I visit quite a bit, satisfies my limited desire to have this kind of thing on or in my computer. If you notice my status as a member, I am definately a "senior" citizen and don't have the same wants as you may have :) Perhaps in time I'll get a DVD of some kind or other...but not for quite awhile as I stated in the other thread. So fear not my friend...in time all will come to those who wait and will be rewarded with even better selections and cheaper prices too :D
Ta and Good Hunting!

[Keeper Collins]

Not sure if I have a DVD drive or not but I would like the games on one CD and not 5.

[JSWY]

DVD's, this computers had it anyway, and my sister has never seen interested in any of my current CD games...

[Mr. Perfect]

CD swaping is evil!

[Buglunch]

CD swapping takes 5 seconds. Ask people in pre-ordering if they want Cds or DVD. Make initial runs about 40% DVD and take destination into account when shipping to retailers.

[Omega One]

CD swapping is the work of the Devil...

Star Trek: Borg (great game) was on 4 CD's... but would've been better on one (before the time DVD's became mainstream), saying that, the menus could've been better ;)

I'm not going to vote, but I am going to echo my reply in the other thread :)

I'm not going to vote, unfortuantly.

Although I have a DVD drive (£40 UK from Amazon.co.uk) I remember before I got it that I couldn't get magazines that had DVD's on.

Regardless of what you decide - its important to remember that not everyone has a DVD drive (even if they are cheap) nor does everyone have the knoledge to install one.

Personal preference would be DVD - I have too many CD's as it is, and what with them getting broke 'n all (well, they do look like frisbee's :p) saying that, CD drives are everywhere, and its almost impossible to find a computer without one.

Basically - just take into consideration people who don't have DVD drives :)

[Noreen]

its my opinion that pcs tha t dinna have dvd drives alsi dinna hiv enough megahertz capability anyhoos, so i say DVD

[El-Spaz]

OK, here's my take...I like the idea of using a single DVD over multiple CD's because it is easier to handle, but in thinking about it, i have to go with CD's at this point. This is more because i have had too many problems with my CD's/DVD's getting scratched after any real amount of use, and trying to back-up a DVD is a whole lot harder than a set of CD's. I don't really want to fork out a minimum of $200 just to be able to back my stuff up in the almost inevitable case that the disk will eventually get scratched, and i definitely don't want to pay another $50 because i bought a new game and my kid got ahold of it and decided that it would make a good chew toy. So for my money, at this point i would have to go with the CD's

And with the whole piracy problem, i don't really want to pay $200 to buy a DVD-RW drive because then to justify the cost i would be too tempted to copy a friend's DVD's, and i don't really want to do that.

Edited: In response to Noreen's post, its my opinion that pcs tha t dinna have dvd drives alsi dinna hiv enough megahertz capability anyhoos, so i say DVD I have to disagree. It only takes about 350MHz to run a DVD player, so just about anyone could put a DVD player into a computer that came out well before DVD drives came out(or when they were expensive). The problem is that anyone with a computer slower than 350MHz won't be able to run any newer games anyways.

[Marc]

TOMB RAIDER IN DVD, PLEASE!!blue huge

:D

[Claymore MacBran]

DVD'd be so much better!!!

[Mercian]

DVD ROM is the way to go, the media is now dead cheap and so are DVD drives...All games should be on it now.

[bond0bhave]

I disagree, We are talkign about countries places where dvd-roms are cheap.

I am in the UK at the moment, but I know back in South Africa, dvd roms are not that common.

No offence to Eidos, or meaning to break forum rules, but if a game is released on just dvd, then pirated copies are going to be the only way for lots of people who want that game, but dont want to have to pay a lot for a dvd-rom to go. this will increase pirate versions of the game. A dual release would be the best way to stop this, I dont think a dual release would be much more expensive than a single release, I know lots of PC gaming mags do it.

While I hate having 5/6 cds per game, I would rather have that than not have the game.

[TYCharley]

DVD

[clairelovestlc]

just a point to think of, cds came out ohh wowo lloooookk u can fit so much on a cd..... few years later argh it wont all fit, lets use 5 cds,

dvd ooohhh wooowww look how much u can fit on a did ooooohh 5 cds naah use one dvd.... few years later argh it wont fit we need 5 dvd's lol just a funny thought.
neway yeah go 4 dvd

[VMan]

I think its time to move forward with more advanced and convienent technology. With the size of games growing larger and larger, its quite simply overwhelming for a CD-ROM to provide in terms of convience. The industry needs to move forward.

[Salvage]

Well, Deus Ex 2 came out on 2 CDs(the cost of one DVD at this time for the same quality discs). What we got was a game where much of the high quality graphics(textures, models, bump maps) that were seen in all of the screenshots is missing. Had it been on DVD that content would probably have been there, as it stands it is not.



This is what you get for wanting games on CDs. :(

[Morganawolf]

I would prefer DVD myself. Makes it easier..............

[The Gamester]

Is it possible to do both such as combining the CD/DVD format onto one disk?

Personally I like the DVD format. It can store up to ten times the maximum data size of a CD.

[CROFT_LARA]

CDs are absolutely better