The Escapist - The Downside of Direct Downloads.
Think about it: What if, 10 years from now, 50 percent of software sales
for Microsoft's latest console come through Xbox Live? Or, in an even
scarier scenario for consumers, what if there is no physical media drive at
all, and everything goes through Xbox Live? Sony's marriage to the Blu-ray
format ensures its continued support of game discs, but Microsoft has no
such restrictions. They could cut console production costs and take control
over the entire supply chain in one fell swoop.
Gamasutra - Persuasive Games: This Is Only A Drill.
There aren't many games like this, but there could be. Think of all the
other things you would benefit from trying out once before having to do them
in earnest: changing a diaper, threading a needle, negotiating a car
purchase, hiring an escort, loading a dishwasher, carving a turkey, waxing a
sports car, ironing a shirt, wrapping a gift, tasting a wine, assembling a
bookshelf, staging a pick up, scolding a child, recording a television
program. None of these are terribly monumental or interesting acts; indeed
many are about as banal as it gets. But almost anything is challenging once.