It’s neither a surprise nor a doubt that digital downloads are on the rise. However, as with any medium, it does come with its drawbacks, including but not limited to, uncertainty about the future. And that’s why Shovel Knight creator Yacht Club has spoken out in favor of physical releases while reminiscing the days of flicking through glossy manuals.

In an interview with Games Industry, programmer David D’Angelo noted that gamers today are not only able to treasure old purchases but they’re also able to pick up retro titles and play. “What are you going to do when the eShop or PSN or Xbox Live is shut down, and you want to play an old game?” he questioned. “Making a physical product means you are creating something that is in the world forever – unless they put it in the garbage.”

D’Angelo also mentioned adaptability. “If I was a grandma buying a game for my grandkids, I am not exactly going to gift it to them through Steam,” he said. Though wallet top-up cards are available at stores, there’s still the question of how long people can keep or play digital purchases, which they can’t sell or trade either.

For those who aren’t aware, Yacht Club helped Inti Creates publish Gunvolt 1 and 2 on Nintendo 3DS at retail.

Do our readers agree with D’Angelo? Let us know your thoughts.

[Source: Games Industry]