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

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 ) 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!

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 ...



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.

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 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

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

[@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?

[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 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.