I previously postulated about how the digital download option is going to slowly destroy the local industry and the first people to lose out will be mainstream retailers and distributors while the gaming specific retailers will adapt and survive… for a while.
Well BT Games has made the first move locally for a dedicated gaming retailer to start offering purely digital titles from their new website http://downloads.btgames.co.za
Now we’ve received no communication from BT Games about this and there is no link from their main site so this may in fact not be ready for release yet…
If so then sorry BT Games for stealing the story but for the rest of you why not head over to BT Games new digital library and place an order for Battlefield 4 for R499 and be assured of a day one experience.
So are you excited about this new digital world or do you think this will all end badly for the locals?
Thanks to Shaun Trennery for tweeting the link
Last Updated: August 5, 2013
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 5, 2013 at 11:49
As long as the server does not moer over, then well done BT!!!
DBL_ZA
August 5, 2013 at 12:00
If they can compete with Steam and Origin in terms of pricing, then why not?
This is a good step forward for SA gaming, with ADSL slowly getting to the point where digital downloads are more “accessible”.
Uberutang
August 5, 2013 at 12:01
Are they just reselling Steam and Origin keys?
Gavin Mannion
August 5, 2013 at 12:10
No it appears to be leveraging zstorm who have deals directly with publishers..
Hell I don’t even know if it’s live yet, who wants to try buy a game’?
Admiral Chief Minion 47
August 5, 2013 at 12:15
Lend me your credit card, I’ll be the guinea peeeeg
FoxOneZA - X-Therminator
August 5, 2013 at 12:18
You are too smart to be a guinea pig minnion.
Tarisma
August 5, 2013 at 12:01
Well done to BT games for moving with the times and not ending up like blockbusters.
Trevor Davies
August 5, 2013 at 12:01
Good idea, rather than moaning about how digital is killing your business, change your business to include it.
Rudi
August 5, 2013 at 12:05
I like how they have a summary of how long the download will take, the list starts at 1mbps, and goes up to 100mbps…
The Infamous KingKongShlong
August 5, 2013 at 12:05
Fuck BTgames!
That Twit In Black
August 5, 2013 at 13:00
umadbro?
Sageville
August 5, 2013 at 14:21
Just insult, no explanation?
I just tossed your comment in the trash.
ElimiNathan
August 5, 2013 at 12:07
Origin, Steam etc are slowly but surely making EVERY game distributor null and void
Gavin Mannion
August 5, 2013 at 12:09
And that is not a good thing… once they have complete control do you really think they’ll keep prices down?
DrKiller
August 5, 2013 at 12:11
Currently I LOVE steam.. I get 90% discount vouchers on games, which is awesome. I just wish Origin and Steam will migrate together.. I don’t see why we should have 2 applications on the PC to do the exact same thing.
Trevor Davies
August 5, 2013 at 13:06
EA is trying to cut out the Steam middleman with Origin. Same with Ubisoft & their Uplay client.
DrKiller
August 5, 2013 at 13:48
Its stupid from a customer point of view.. So now I need like extra apps on my PC for nothing.. People didn’t think this whole “digital” thingy through well
ElimiNathan
August 5, 2013 at 12:11
Theres no way of stopping it. EA wont sell to BT Games or whoever for cheaper than what they are offering it on Origin so direct competition for NEW titles is almost pointless.
I can see how offering specials on older games etc can make a difference
Uberutang
August 5, 2013 at 13:47
Being on PC the big ‘keep it low’ motivator comes with a Pirate flag. They know that if they over do the pricing, the buccaneers will sail in to keep them honest.
BeatzByChrisBrown
August 5, 2013 at 13:56
Well, since Origin, Steam, GOG, Uplay, etc. are in competition with each other, I would say the prices won’t inflate significantly if at all.
Dosanator
August 6, 2013 at 16:55
Yes its a good thing, Distributors would rather sell there product to more people for lower fees, same reason why murika can have dirt cheap telecoms and SA is kak expensive in comparison.
Steam will always be competitively priced, if they ever had to increase there prices, someone would simply take over where they have left off.
You shouldnt think about it in terms of what South African companies would do with a large % of the market. Volume > price
DrKiller
August 5, 2013 at 12:09
How are they controlling licenses for a game? Or are they reselling Origin/Steam?
TiMsTeR1033
August 5, 2013 at 12:42
The article is incorrect. you said start offering purely digital titles. This is only for pc games as their site shows and nowhere does it say they ending physical copies being sold. Its just a choice thing thats all.
Its Just a Ride
August 5, 2013 at 13:04
Awesome, saw Toilet Tycoon is there for R99, But I think I’ll wait for the Lazygamer review first before making the purchase… Gav?
TiMsTeR1033
August 5, 2013 at 13:06
toilet tycoon!!!!! your shitty me! excuse the phun!
Mark Treloar
August 5, 2013 at 13:17
So R499 for BT Games digital edition or R409 for Origin digital edition. Fail to see how this will work for them.
ElimiNathan
August 5, 2013 at 14:55
Yup, gna end in flames