Dear EA,
Almost, EA. Almost you got me on that purchase of Crysis via EA Link. That game downloader sounds like a great concept, but not if you are going to charge me again if I lose my download or installation.
###
So, I had pre-ordered Crysis from Gamestop last week. It was a little expensive, but I really can’t wait to get it. Add shipping and tax, and the price was at almost $75.
This morning, I noticed that EA was offering the game via their download agent called EA Link. I’ve used this in the past and it works similarly to Valve’s Steam client. However, I noticed something different this time around. When I added Crysis to my shopping cart, another item was added called the Extended Download Service (EDS). With it, I can re-download the game anytime I want over the next 2 years. Without it, I only get 6 months.
So, hmmm.. what option should I choose? I can purchase the game in a box and install it at anytime throughout my life (assuming Windows still exists). Or I can download the game and play it for 2 years until I reformat again.
I would buy the box. What if something goes wrong with your pc and you can’t play it for 2 years. I think windows will exist as long as Bill Gates doesn’t keep shoving out these new and ‘better security’ vista operating systems.
What a con. Good job you caught it.
I’m in two minds about digital distrubution. I do like the idea of downloading the game wherever I am, but I really like having the physical game infront of me.
I would go with the box. I don’t like buying games digitally, because knowing my luck the second I do that my system will die and I’ll lose everything
UPDATE:
I re-ordered it from GameStop. The game came on time and I am installing it now.
Screw EA and there crappy download server.
I bought the 2 BF2 add-on expansions a long time ago, and the downloader used to be more complex, it had the store in the client and worked great, I recently downloaded the EA Link again and its only a download service, since I bought the games about 1 year ago I think I should be entitled to download it any time I want because that policy wasn’t put in place.