With digital distribution the dominant force in the video game industry, due to its low overhead costs and ease of access, physical collectors editions and disks are likely to be phased out with the onset of next generation consoles and hardware.

For people like avid game collector Jason Ashman (inset), this isn’t particularly great news.

IMG_6868334016823

‘Personally, I hate it. There is no value in anything you get digitally. There is no rarity or collectors value, it’s just what it is. For most people this is not a bad thing, it’s quick, easy, and for the most part cheaper than their physical counterpart. But to a collector they are worthless. I can’t display it on my shelf, I can’t sell it on, I can’t get it for a bargain.

Jason Ashman is a Melbourne based video game collector and developer in the process of moving the bulk of his collection to a new house. The often large size of collector’s editions, not to mention the sheer number of games Jason has, makes for a challenge trying to find room for it all. I was lucky enough to secure him for a one hour interview in the midst of the chaos.

‘I had to steal a spare bedroom in my house (pictured below) to house my collection and it still isn’t enough room. They are just everywhere, and when you take into account that I also collect arcade machines and kiosks, it gets out of hand quickly.’

image

It takes up a lot of room, it’s expensive and inconvenient. So why does Jason Ashman collect games? In a time where it’s never been easier to download or emulate games? For Jason, it’s a labour of love and a search for nostalgia.

‘The appeal started after a large amount of boredom set in one day, in between university and work about three or four years ago. I remembered about my old Nintendo sitting up in the roof . I brought it down and played some Dr. Mario. Then I remembered my Super Nintendo, Sega, and whatever else I had stashed up there. I had so much fun I decided to go and get some games that I didn’t have as a kid. Suffice to say I just didn’t know when to stop. I don’t remember exactly what was the first retro game I went out and bought was, but if I had to guess I think it was Super Castlevania IV. Funny enough, I still haven’t played past the first two minutes.’

Digital distribution isn’t all bad though. It allows not only instant access to new games, but support for imageplaying old ones, without having to source the old, often rare hardware to run it. Finding old consoles and video games in working condition is not easy either. Jason concedes that it’s definitely broadened the market, and has even made it cheaper for collectors to get the original hardware.

‘For collectors who are just starting out, it’s brilliant. What brings prices down more than something else that is cheaper and easier to use? The advent of the Wii Virtual Console has especially helped this along. Retro games on the Virtual Console have dramatically dropped the prices of their retro counterparts. Same goes for high definition re-releases like ICO, or Shadow of the Colossus for example, which used to routinely go for 100 dollars. But a quick search on eBay finds these games sitting at 40 dollars.’

So what is the future for collector’s editions? At the moment, the market has a nice harmony of catering for the hard-core collectors, while digital distribution platforms like Steam and Desura cater for those who just want to play the games. But collectors like Jason are in the minority, and even collector’s editions with bonus content are now being cast into the realms of digital distribution.image

‘Since digital has become prevalent, I think collector’s editions are both on the way out, and coming back in a different form. Most collectors editions I see these days are ‘buy this $30 more expensive edition and get a digital download of the art book!’. Yeah, great. That is becoming the norm now. I don’t mind spending an extra $20, $30 or even $100 on a game if it has something I really like in it. I recently bought a game for $200 because it had a massive and awesome looking statue in it. But there is no chance I would spend even a cent extra to get a digital copy of the soundtrack which costs nothing to reproduce.’

Nintendo has already released their next gen console, the Wii U, which still uses physical disks. However, its increasingly popular Nintendo eShop accounted for a significant amount of their income in early 2012. With Sony and Microsoft having already announced their new consoles, the subject of physical disks is a hot topic. Jason asserts that although internet speeds aren’t good enough just yet, the PS4 and Xbox One will be the last consoles to use physical media and the next generation will likely be online distribution only.

‘With internet speeds becoming greater and greater, I foresee that the next generation of consoles, PS4, Xbox One, etc., will probably be the last for physical games. I sincerely hope I’m wrong, as I love the new games almost as much as the old. But I can’t see the publishers putting out for the costs of packaging and printing, when they can just as easily push it to consoles at a fraction of the cost, and at the same price to the consumer.’image

At the end of the day, it all comes down to ease of access, businesses reducing overhead costs, and convenience for the consumer. So collecting may become even more niche then it already is. For Jason and other collectors, it’s likely going to get harder to collect for modern gaming. But as with all niches, it will always have its place with a community of avid enthusiasts. I’ll leave you with some questions directed to him about his extended collection.

Is there something that you just couldn’t get due to rarity or other factors?

‘There is always something out there that you see and you think… nope! I recently saw Nintendo World Championships on eBay. It’s a super rare Nintendo cartridge. It never saw an actual release. It was based on a gaming tournament in the late 80’s and the winners in each state got one. It sold for around about $12,000 (AUD). I would love to be able to say ‘I own Nintendo World Championships’ but I think I would rather buy about a thousand other games, or you know, a new car with that kind of money!’

What item or items do you prize most?

‘This is a tough one. I can say I prize my copy of Dr Mario very highly because of the memories attached. My family and I used to play that all the time, even my mother would get involved. When you take into account things of high value, I have a launch team Xbox 360 which was only given out to the people who actually made the 360. The only difference in my model, as it is incomplete, is the green strip on the top or bottom. But that green strip brings it from $50, which is what I paid for it, to $1000. There is also nothing like bringing someone down to my place and saying ‘Hey, you wanna have a go at Point Blank on my cabinet outside?’ It’s just a spectacularly fun thing to play and I love it to bits!’

Do you keep a list of things you have and want?

‘I do. It started after I bought the same thing that I already owned multiple times. I’m not sure what I was thinking but I definitely went overboard after that in terms of cataloguing everything. I even catalogue the cables I own right down to the power cords. As for a want list, I do have one, but its vastly incomplete. At the moment it’s just big ticket stuff that I forget about because they are obscure or super rare.’

Jason also documents his collection on YouTube

 

Last Updated: October 16, 2013

1.1
was reviewed on PC

184 Comments

  1. Nice article Stephen, I know a few people (including myself) that prefers having a physical copy of a game. I’m not going to enjoy having to get digital copies of everything.

    #edit: my collection won’t look as good anymore.

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      October 16, 2013 at 13:07

      My collection is huge, spanning a couple generations and a couple consoles. I keep it all in a built-in wall cupboard. It’s a pain to move the games, but I’m damn proud of it.

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        October 16, 2013 at 13:08

        Ever fire up the classics? What I would give to play some of the classics…

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          October 16, 2013 at 13:48

          Oh yes, I sometimes have retro weekends where I play some of my older games. A few weeks ago, I finished FF6 again, and this weekend I might head into the vault for some old school PC gaming.

          Of course, I still have a huge current-gen backlog…. :/ I seriosuly need at least a 9 day weekend!

          Reply

      • Fair usage John

        October 16, 2013 at 13:09

        If only there was some kind of machine that could allow you to play your new and old games on it.

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          October 16, 2013 at 13:10

          There is a pc, an emulators and roms and iso’s.

          Reply

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:10

            Thank you Tim for saying it.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:11

            Yes, but there is always a but… They are all illegal..

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:13

            The slightly tuned up FF VII on Steam may anger the console players, but that doesn’t make it illegal.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:14

            I was referring to things like Ps emulators and N64 emulators hell even Gamecube and wii emulators!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:14

            But they feel so right.

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:15

            Awww yissss.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:15

            GIMME YOUR MONEY!!! that feel right?

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:16

            Only after payment in kind.

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:40

            Well… emulators aren’t illegal (nor is emulating games on the PC), what is illegal is using ROMS that you didn’t pay for. Anyway, MAME is one of my favourites, and dolphin works perfectly for gamecube games.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:44

            I know I love Dolphin!

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:52

            It’s an absolute pleasure, and the games look better on Dolphin than they did on the GameCube. The one emulator I struggle with is a PS2 emulator (can’t remember the name now). For the life of me, I can’t get it working – and my poor PS2 is on its dying legs. 🙁

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:59

            Think was pse or something..

        • oVg

          October 16, 2013 at 13:24

          PC 😛

          Reply

      • Stephen Snook

        October 16, 2013 at 13:17

        Well done :3

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          October 16, 2013 at 13:18

          You have 2 N64s? They were hard to get here in SA if I remember…

          Reply

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 13:40

            Stephen’s an Aussie… and he interviewed a someone else about their collection… pay attention Tanya!

    • Stephen Snook

      October 16, 2013 at 13:14

      Thanks! There were more photos, but it made the article look cluttered. I wish the main one didn’t come out so blurry though =(

      Reply

    • Skyblue

      October 17, 2013 at 10:14

      Help is just a click away.

      Reply

  2. oVg

    October 16, 2013 at 12:45

    My sentiments exactly. OWNERSHIP will be dead in the future.

    AND SO WILL THE CONSOLE Trolololol

    P.S. What do the SIM Shitty owners do with their R599 CD once the servers are shut down next year?

    Reply

    • NecroRince

      October 16, 2013 at 12:51

      LOL! I look forward to catching up with you, seems your sentiments are all over the place! I think hard work has fried your brain boet!

      Reply

      • oVg

        October 16, 2013 at 12:53

        This is what I did with it after seeing the new Black Cat Peanut Butter logo.

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          October 16, 2013 at 12:56

          Was it this?

          Reply

          • NecroRince

            October 16, 2013 at 12:57

            It’s OVG’s opinion of the world after the design for Black Cat peanut butter changed.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:02

            I CAN READ! I was asking if the picture I posted was the new BCPB logo. It was a joke, that you’ve RUINED! All 5 seconds of my hard work googling & copy & pasting WASTED. 🙁 Sad Panda. SAD BLOODY PANDA.

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:04

            Master Rince is a devious foe, Emperor, who takes pride in pretending to misunderstand other’s jokes. Many a jokester has fallen to his evil undead genius.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:11

            Oh. He’s called Necro because he’s undead? I feel a bit silly now :/

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:12

            As apposed to Necrophiliac?

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:14

            Well, I suppose if you’re undead sleeping with a living person is frowned upon.

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:15

            So here’s a question then… If your sister dies and you have sex with her dead body… Is it necrophilia or incest?

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:15

            Did anyone find out?

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:15

            BOTH!

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:16

            It’s a dark world out there…

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:17

            You have no idea! I think I am cursed, random street lights go off when I drive or walk under them at night… True story btw..

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:18

            Scientists would have a field day with your brain my dear Tim.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:22

            They would!! Did i ever tell you about the night I saw a ufo! It just stood there in the sky! Seen about 3! 1 while driving! I nearly crashed the car to see where it was going to!

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:24

            I remember when I had my first glass of strong liquor differently.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:28

            Are you sure you crashed the car AFTER seeing the ufo? 😉

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:30

            I call lies. Everyone knows (you best of all Emperor) that UFO’s only travel in pairs.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:32

            At least the DSTV reception is good…

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:33

            I call Bullshit! We gamers here people.. I seen a real one! Seriously.

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 13:34

            The only way I know they didn’t probe you is because you’re telling people about it.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:13

            Some say, he is undead himself! Others say he raised an undead women just to have a date… The rumor I like the most is he played a role in Tim burtons Corpse bride..

          • oVg

            October 16, 2013 at 13:04

            bwahahaha 😛

          • NecroRince

            October 16, 2013 at 13:52

            Sad panda? Then my work is here is done @johnambitious:disqus http://www.fisttothecrotch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/caruso.gif

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 14:02

            You’ll appreciate this:

            Our receptionist was just asking us to choose our preferred menu options for our end of year function. One of the vegetables was carrots. So I said, “CARROTS! That’s my favourite animal.” There were polite uncomprehending smiles from most, but one colleague’s reaction who’d seen a certain image was, “BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA SIS!”

          • NecroRince

            October 16, 2013 at 14:13

            Brilliant! 😉 I am glad I managed to get at least one person in your office to know ow deviant you are 😉

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 14:22

            It’s not much of a secret :/

          • oVg

            October 16, 2013 at 13:02

            I cant find it on the internet yet, but it looks like that cat from Shrek. A little kitten that makes the jar look like it is cat food.

            Next, the Jungle Oats logo will be Tiger from Winnie the Phoo.

            It is all those little shits who have designed a cell phone APP and sit on bean bags at work that are screwing everything up.

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:02

            Now I’m also curious

          • oVg

            October 16, 2013 at 13:12

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:14

            What the hell is that? And he’s wearing a construction helmet. Meth sure does mess people up.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:16

            I like the new look!

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:17

            I think the construction hat is due to the fact that the new website is “Under Construction”

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:18

            I got that. Doesn’t make it any less silly.

          • oVg

            October 16, 2013 at 13:18

            So they are not targeting the Minors? 😛

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:20

            Of course not, they’re widening the purchasing demographic to make it more inclusive.

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:21

            Sounds like you’re the guy writing all the explanation letters when adds are taken up the wrong way…

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:27

            Years of listening to peoples complaints about things not working lol.

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:21

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:18

            Ads were so much better when people still snorted coke.

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:19

            Much. But everyone’s too larney for that these days.

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 13:41

            What they hell have they done?!?!?

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:45

            Made it cool!

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 13:46

            No. They haven’t.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:49

            Cat looks cool! Butter tub sucks!

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 14:01

            I like the design work, but why change something that people have known for years?

            I know places rebrand, and redesign etc, but I don’t get this one… it’s like they’ve taken Chocolate peanut butter off the market again.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 14:06

            Should of kept the Glass bottles

          • NecroRince

            October 16, 2013 at 14:15

            Wtf? It’s a KAK ad man! DEMOTION TIME! @illuchnemancera:disqus @johnambitious:disqus

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 14:17

            Who we demoting, and how far down?

          • NecroRince

            October 16, 2013 at 14:23

            I think Tanya needs to spend some time in the muscle category until she works out what a cool looking cat is! @timster1033:disqus #norightsinSOMA

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 14:26

            Lol… I’d love to do it myself, but I don’t have access to demote him as he’s on my rank 😛

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 14:17

            Kak ad! yes, cool cat design! I have freedom of speech. The tubs are bullshit.. I just like the cat man! relax!

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 14:21

            I think so too. But I fear he can’t be demoted any more. (we should probably be keeping track of this)

          • NecroRince

            October 16, 2013 at 14:23

            Mmm, teaboy?

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 14:25

            Teagirl*

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:09

            The worst part about this is laughing, while knowing I shouldn’t. It’s why I stopped reading Dilbert cartoons – they became tiny documentaries.

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 13:03

            Saddest thing is I remember this show well…

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:04

            FINALLY! One person gets it! SAD BLOODY PANDA.

          • Rock789

            October 16, 2013 at 15:01

            Oh… My… Word! Grief, I haven’t seen that in ages!

            I mean… What’s that? My young mind clearly has never been exposed to it before… 😉 🙂

          • That Happy Twit

            October 16, 2013 at 15:48

            LOL!

          • Craig Lotter

            October 28, 2013 at 22:11

            Die Swart Kat! Never ever thought I’d see mention of that so many years down the line! For you young’uns out there: http://www.vintagemedia.co.za/television/die-swart-kat

        • NecroRince

          October 16, 2013 at 12:57

          I feel your pain man.

          Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      October 16, 2013 at 12:59

      Pay R100 for EA’s innovative new Sim City Private Server.

      Reply

    • Fair usage John

      October 16, 2013 at 13:00

      Now you’ve just ignited my fury again with mention of the Sim Shitty servers.

      Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      October 16, 2013 at 13:05

      This OVG SPEAKS THE TRUTH! If a game curtails my rights to own, then I’m going all Charleton Heston on them and publishers will only get money from me… if they pry it FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS!!!

      Reply

      • Fair usage John

        October 16, 2013 at 13:08

        Remember the DarkSpore debacle? Sounds like EA really need to get their shit together. The hard copies never worked and you had to download the full game, making your physical copy useless. Many people were pissed about it because they couldn’t download an entire game (especially in countries like ours). This all, aside from it being a bad game.

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          October 16, 2013 at 13:21

          Or the Spore debacle, that tried to force limited installs on unsuspecting gamers. Whoever thought that limited installs was a good idea, seriously needed a brain. Chances are that person is now working for Microsoft.

          Looking back, EA truly deserves those two golden poos. What a dreadful anti-consumer company! The day it goes under is the day I rejoice with a cigar, some actual french champagne and a packet of Lays chips.

          Reply

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:22

            Just please invite me…

    • TiMsTeR1033

      October 16, 2013 at 13:09

      They can always turn the dvd into an ashtray..

      Reply

      • Fair usage John

        October 16, 2013 at 13:10

        Works better as coasters.

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          October 16, 2013 at 13:10

          I would wanna burn it though, I like fire..

          Reply

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:11

            Your poor mom probably had to wash your bedding twice a week when you were in school.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:21

            What you trying to say John? Saying I had issues? You really want to open up that can of worms… You see there are people in this world that are like Trevor in Gta v… need I say more…

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:23

            Who didn’t have issues?

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:25

            And then you get people like Tanya here 😛

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:34

            You know what happens when you put icecream in the oven? You want to see?

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:38

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 13:41

            smooth…

  3. Admiral Chief Ninja

    October 16, 2013 at 12:49

    [inputs mandatory G’DAY MATE]

    Reply

  4. NecroRince

    October 16, 2013 at 12:49

    I do prefer real copies. It’s nice being able to display them etc. I wonder if this going digital will extend it’self into all areas of our lives. I fear it will. No more going to the office, Oculus ON! No more meeting mates to go to the movies, sad days!

    Reply

  5. Admiral Chief Ninja

    October 16, 2013 at 12:50

    I love real copies, I also like lots of money. Sadly, I have a lack of both these days

    Reply

  6. TiMsTeR1033

    October 16, 2013 at 12:52

    If the guy has a spare Guitar for Guitar hero to give away that would be great! he Has so much stuff!!

    Reply

  7. Alien Emperor Trevor

    October 16, 2013 at 12:55

    I think the last big box collectors edition I ever bought was the lawful good edition of NWN2. Was the size of a phone book & had a cool Eldrich Giant statue that’s still on my shelf. I’d like to get more stuff like that, but those kinds of editions just look to pricey for me now days. And I hardly ever bother with digital collectors editions unless the price difference is small, because half the stuff doesn’t interest me in the first place.

    Reply

    • Kromas

      October 16, 2013 at 13:04

      I love my bioshock collectors edition.

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        October 16, 2013 at 13:22

        I wish I owned that collector’s edition. Awesome statue!

        Reply

  8. Ryanza

    October 16, 2013 at 12:57

    When I look at my digital games on steam and think what should I play, the answer always is , I am not going to spend hours to download that or download that again.

    Digital games = no sentimental value, no re-downloading value, no re-play value, just no damn value at all.

    Can you download the game, copy it to disc and play it without internet? You can with The Witcher 3. I do not understand why we need internet to play video games. Will digital games come with uncapped internet? If not then they need to fuck off.

    Do not support DRM in any form.

    Reply

    • Kromas

      October 16, 2013 at 13:02

      All my steam games are backup up properly and sit on my server. In fact my friends now frequently come over and get the backups from me as it is easier than re-downloading it.Even though origin does not have a similar system I just straight copy the games and they usually work (mass effect 2 I had to get again once after origin went crazy). So your point is really not valid. Then a question gets thrown my way.”What happens when your drives fails with all your backups?” My answer is usually the fact that my storage server has mirrored drives so I have never lost data on it.But sometimes I will reply with “What happens when your disc gets scratched?”

      Reply

      • Ryanza

        October 16, 2013 at 13:19

        I’m sorry, I forgot that everyone who buys Steam specials have mirrored backup server drives.

        And when my discs get scratched I take it to Mr Video and get that shit buffed out, 10mins max.

        Reply

        • Kromas

          October 16, 2013 at 13:53

          You don’t need to mirror 3TB drives.You can mirror two old 250GBs on the cheap.Also Mr Video won’t last a lot longer since the world is moving into online content.Also … buying steam specials is a great way to save money.

          Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      October 16, 2013 at 13:37

      You can with GOG games. Plus there are quite a few Steam games that you can do that with too. Steam itself isn’t DRM, Steamworks is. Developers can choose to implement that or not. Granted it’s mostly indies & older games that don’t.

      Reply

  9. Fair usage John

    October 16, 2013 at 12:58

    The same as we are seeing a return of vinyls now because of the large amount of collectors I don’t think collectors editions of games will ever be completely fazed out.

    Reply

  10. Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

    October 16, 2013 at 13:11

    Wait, am I right in assuming that Stephen is a new guy like Vicky? If so, why are you(we) being so nice to him, yet you(we) ripped him appart?

    I do agree having a hard copy of a game is better, like a real book vs an ebook…

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      October 16, 2013 at 13:12

      Stephen is our Australian correspondent. Vicky is our intern. Interns get grief. 😛

      Reply

      • Stephen Snook

        October 16, 2013 at 13:19

        I’m like a really far away intern that can’t bring people coffee and whatnot.

        So, not an intern xD.

        Reply

        • Fair usage John

          October 16, 2013 at 13:20

          Do not underestimate the Exalted Overlord.

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:23

            Yeah, he might insist that Stephen courier that coffee via FedX….. 🙁

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:24

            Or hand deliver it 😛

          • Fair usage John

            October 16, 2013 at 13:25

            No cup. Cups are for sissies.

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:27

            Yeah real men EAT their coffee out of the bag!

          • TiMsTeR1033

            October 16, 2013 at 14:04

            Do it all the time! Puts hair on your chest!

        • oVg

          October 16, 2013 at 13:28

          and do our night shift ;P

          Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          October 16, 2013 at 13:54

          They’d just send you back because it’s cold you mean.

          Reply

          • Stephen Snook

            October 16, 2013 at 14:15

            All good. I’ll keep it warm in my kangaroo pouch.

            Fuck I’m awful, ignore me.

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        October 16, 2013 at 13:53

        What could you do to Stephen that’s worse to being Australian anyway?

        Reply

        • John's digital rights

          October 16, 2013 at 13:54

          ..

          Reply

          • Stephen Snook

            October 16, 2013 at 14:06

            Call that a burn? I get sunburnt out the back of the ute more than that.

            G’day mate crikey etc.

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 14:09

            Haha. True.

    • Stephen Snook

      October 16, 2013 at 13:16

      I’m Australian?

      Either way I appreciate the kind words ^^ Honesty can go fuck itself.

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        October 16, 2013 at 13:24

        Pffftt.. the Southern Hemisphere Alliance is stronger than you think, but expect a few digs after a rugby match. Oh and don’t pet OVG, he’s got rabies!

        Reply

      • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

        October 16, 2013 at 13:27

        I merely wanted to confirm the status quo :P… Just a quick question, do you like Little Babies Ice Cream?

        Reply

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          October 16, 2013 at 13:28

          heheheheh!

          Reply

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:30

            I think we should team up and form an evil empire… People world wide would tremble at the mere mention of….

            BANANA SPLIT!

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:32

            We’d be awesome James Bond/Spawn/Batman villains, Banana Jim and the IceCreamMan!!!!!!

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 13:33

            Only weakness is heat and pressure.

            Meet your villain… Captain Steam! (it’s not me, though I do support him)

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:35

            No heat can penetrate my Meringue hat…

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 13:37

            That’s like a Magneto helmet thing, isn’t it? Clever, I must say. Until someone gets hungry.

          • Stephen Snook

            October 16, 2013 at 13:45

            This.

        • Stephen Snook

          October 16, 2013 at 13:47

          I don’t know how to feel.

          Reply

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 13:47

            No worries, you’re not alone.

          • Unavengedavo(aka. IceCreamMan)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:53

            You should spring from activity to activity and love your job and love your life 😛

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 13:55

            Feel good. You’ve been accepted by a bunch of South Africans without too many insults…and no mention of Rugby.

          • Stephen Snook

            October 16, 2013 at 13:59

            I feel very good :3

            What’s Rugby? what’s that on?

  11. UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy

    October 16, 2013 at 13:14

    I have 180 steam games… Yes, I have not played them all yet.

    Reply

    • Stephen Snook

      October 16, 2013 at 13:15

      So you could say you ‘bought too many games?’.

      I have like, ten.

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        October 16, 2013 at 13:29

        Maybe we should have a Gamer’s Anonymous. 🙁

        “Hi, My name is Banana Jim, and I’m a gamerholic”

        “Hello Jim”

        Reply

        • Fair usage John

          October 16, 2013 at 13:31

          Hello Jim.

          Hi my name is John and I stay at home playing games rather than going out.

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            October 16, 2013 at 13:32

            That’s ok John, the outside world is a scary place. It’s safer inside anyway.

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            October 16, 2013 at 13:51

            You say that like it’s a problem.

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 13:52

            Haha. You know. I really enjoy it. I’ve made the inside of my house homey for a reason…

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      October 16, 2013 at 13:39

      180? That’s adorable. 😉

      Reply

      • John's digital rights

        October 16, 2013 at 13:40

        42 🙁

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          October 16, 2013 at 13:42

          Sadly I have many, many more than that. In my defense, I’ve been on Steam for quite a few years, bought game packs & about a 3rd of my titles where purchased through various indie bundles.

          Reply

    • Vampyre Squirrel

      October 16, 2013 at 13:45

      That’s only 180 more than me.

      Reply

  12. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    October 16, 2013 at 13:38

    And now, Banana Jim formally welcomes Aussie Stevie:

    Reply

    • John's digital rights

      October 16, 2013 at 13:39

      Hahaha

      Reply

    • Stephen Snook

      October 16, 2013 at 13:43

      I hate myself but this song is fantastic xD

      Reply

  13. Anon A Mouse

    October 16, 2013 at 13:54

    And here is to Aussie Steve, I’m sure this is how he sounds 😉

    Reply

    • Stephen Snook

      October 16, 2013 at 13:58

      Boo. I’m still bopping to land down under :3

      But also thank you ^^

      Reply

      • John's digital rights

        October 16, 2013 at 14:00

        It’s kindof like Toto’s Africa for us bunch.

        Reply

      • Jason

        October 17, 2013 at 01:23

        they arent far off

        Reply

  14. SaintsRowNigri

    October 16, 2013 at 14:15

    Stephen Snook: If I say Mortification what do you think?

    Reply

    • Stephen Snook

      October 16, 2013 at 14:19

      I think Wikipedia. Wikipedia says, Australian,Christian, hardcore metal band.

      Oh god.

      Reply

      • Vampyre Squirrel

        October 16, 2013 at 14:20

        That’s what they said…

        Reply

        • Stephen Snook

          October 16, 2013 at 14:21

          Clever boy!

          Reply

        • SaintsRowNigri

          October 16, 2013 at 14:29

          No. They would have said: Oh God.

          Reply

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 14:30

            True… I stand corrected.

            But then I’m not a Grammar Nazi.

      • John's digital rights

        October 16, 2013 at 14:31

        Still trying to get my head around Trivium’s new album. Don’t want to hear about metal now…

        Reply

  15. Vampyre Squirrel

    October 16, 2013 at 14:19

    Is it wrong that I’m laughing every time I read @stephensnook:disqus ‘s surname?

    Reply

    • Stephen Snook

      October 16, 2013 at 14:20

      Not at all. It’s silly.

      In high school, people used to call me snookie so much that after a while they thought it was my first name.

      Reply

      • Vampyre Squirrel

        October 16, 2013 at 14:22

        That’s a really sad story, funny, but sad.

        I’m mainly laughing at it because it’s 1 letter change from the name of a fish…

        Reply

        • SaintsRowNigri

          October 16, 2013 at 14:31

          Or worse…

          Reply

          • Vampyre Squirrel

            October 16, 2013 at 14:31

            OH! BWAHAHAHA!

            I missed that completely… thanks @bca976a3b2f582290cd921c5fef0e4c2:disqus

          • John's digital rights

            October 16, 2013 at 14:43

            I’ve lived way too much of a censored life. Or am I just thick?

          • Stephen Snook

            October 16, 2013 at 14:38

            I was waiting for it =(

          • SaintsRowNigri

            October 16, 2013 at 14:42

            If it makes you feel any better, I did not REALLY want to go there. But @illuchnemancera:disqus made me do it!

  16. spacemonkey

    October 16, 2013 at 17:01

    If you like to collect boxes, artbooks, guides, statues… that still be there, just with a keycode so you can download the thing instead of a disk that is probably going to be scratch, lost, or resell at somepoint. That should avoid the usual distribution crap, like diferent regional release dates, leaks, and overcharges.

    Reply

  17. Jessenia Lopez

    October 16, 2013 at 18:46

    mmmm(44 sec)mmeh!!i hate digital games

    Reply

  18. DAS

    October 19, 2013 at 10:02

    Oh well, just think…we have one major disaster that wipes out anything on servers, pcs, and such and we will lose all records, collections, and materials that are being turned digital. Also much easier to track, monitor and spy on everyone when in order to have electronic entertainment now, everyone must have a broadband internet connection and purchase things using digital purchasing…

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Manchester United Sues Football Manager Over Use of their Name and Fan Mods

Manchester United, that massive global football brand whose fans are as equally annoying a…