This means you can’t pass the game around to your friends or sell it afterwards, which completely ruins the purpose of physical media imo. I mostly play PC these days so this doesn’t affect me, but it’s a disappointing direction for console games. At least they could’ve used an empty disc that has proof of ownership.

EDIT: Bethesda has confirmed that only the PC version won’t include a disc. Physical versions of Xbox will include a disc. Whew.

    • DandroidEnglish
      8•2 years ago

      Why? Not trying to argue, just genuinely curious.

      • @[email protected]English
        37•2 years ago

        If they’re calling it a physical copy it should be a physical copy of the game data. Having a case to hold a code is a ridiculous slap in the face. And a waste of plastic

        • @[email protected]English
          1•2 years ago

          Unless (and I’m not saying it’s the case here) they make sure took indicate it’s only the code and include swag like physical maps, a game booklet, or limited edition collectables with it. Then I could see it.

          Otherwise it’s just misleading advertising

      • @ArbiterEnglish
        13•2 years ago

        You can resell a disk, not a code that is one time use.

        • exuEnglish
          10•2 years ago

          Or maybe it should be possible to resell a code.

          • ClarkZuckerbergEnglish
            2•2 years ago

            The reason they would never do this (unless the console maker and game publisher take a huge cut) is because buying a code vs buying a new digital game is the same thing. So why would someone buy a game directly from Xbox’s storefront, rather than buy a “used” code which ends up being the same thing to the user. Plus the codes would have to be sold on some sort of verified marketplace by Xbox, or whomever, or it would be a disaster of people getting scammed and bad PR. I just don’t see a world where it works.

          • @[email protected]English
            -4•2 years ago

            Probably need some way to track who owns the code in a robust way. I will not say what technology might come to mind.

            • @SheeEttinEnglish
              7•2 years ago

              The word you’re looking for is “database”

              • @[email protected]English
                1•2 years ago

                Yes, a database would work. Some people would say blockchain which is usually not needed.

            • exuEnglish
              1•2 years ago

              Why would you need that? You don’t have that with physical copies either.

              • @[email protected]English
                1•2 years ago

                The physical copy already has a tangible form which probably has copy protection built in. If a code would be transferred instead of copied, it would be necessary to know who owns it.

                • exuEnglish
                  1•2 years ago

                  You would have to deactivate the game in the store before you got the code out. That deactivation would also delete the game files to clean up everything.
                  Maybe you made a copy somewhere else, but you’d now have to crack the DRM on most games.
                  Only if the game doesn’t have DRM it relies on you honoring the agreement.
                  A similar situation would be processing refunds, where GOG allows refunds up to 30 days after purchase, even if you downloaded and launched the game.

      • deejay4amEnglish
        9•2 years ago

        We shouldn’t have to rent everything. If you want free market economics (which corporations claim) then don’t hold the market captive. You cannot have it both ways.