PC Games vs. Console Games -- The Containment Factor

[IKEA_boy]

This is something that has bugged me for a long time now.

Ever since console games have been moved towards optical media everything has been wrapped up in a nice little package. You have your case, which contains the disc, instructions, and whatever else goes with the game, all of which fits nicely on your shelf, all lined up evenly.
But, for as long as I can remember, PC games have always been in a bulky, nasty, ugly box. This box usually contains an oversized manual, (oversized compared to standard jewel cases that the discs are usually in,) and the game disc, (which 50% of the time is in a flimsy paper sleeve.) It all makes for a nightmare for the storage nut.
I have many PC games that, until recently, occupied three shelves of a big book shelf. I cut that down a lot by breaking down the boxes that could be broken down and storing them under my bed.
But I digress... the point is, PC games are a packaging & presentation terror. What you end up with most of the time is a loose jewel case or paper sleeve, (blech,) a box that has no use other than to take up space, and a manual that has to be stored separate from the disc.
Speaking of the manual, I hate buying jewel case games. Jewel case games are those that are cheaper than their boxed siblings because they are cut down significantly. You get the same game, but no “all out manual,” (PC games have always had the best manuals in my opinion,) and are distributed in just a jewel case, no box. What they usually include is a printed installation instruction sheet in the case and a “digital manual” that is included on the CD-ROM. Most of the time, even if it isn't a jewel case game, if it's not the original release you're going to get a slimmed down package anyway. Not a good thing in my book.
This doesn't happen with console games. Even if you buy the re-issued budget line version, in nine out of ten instances, the only difference is some aesthetic changes of the case insert and disc design. Everything else is the same.

Why with PC games? I wish there would be some universal design that came along with PC games. Maybe package them in double disc DVD cases, with one side for a thick, fat instruction book and the other for the disc (like many PSX games were packaged -- Worms Armageddon is one that comes to mind right now.) They could use single disc cases for those that don't require huge manuals. They could even put the DVD case in those smaller boxes they've been using lately. You'd still have the “PC look” when you pick it up at Best Buy or EB but you have the option to take it out and display the attractive case on your shelf.

Perhaps it's because practically anyone can develop and distribute a PC game nowadays that there is no universal standard. That's cool, I'd even settle for just the major publishers using my above method. I'm just tired of the inconsistencies! I hate having a stack of differently sized boxes that jut out every which way, (anyone remember the old Eidos boxes?) I hate stacks of paper sleeves and jewel cases, some of which don’t have any inserts at all, lying around, generally not fitting in with the media population at my house. I hate having to keep a box under my desk for all the oblong instruction books, having to search every time I want to know something about the game.

Give me conformity or give me death!

[octopus1256]

I concur, Consoles are easier to live with. The games are just plug and play, rarely crash, have a great controller and usually are better looking than the PC equivelant. If you think about it, hooking a PS2/Xbox/GC to a TV is easy, hooking a PC to a TV, let alone a 5.1 system is too difficult.

But I still use my PC more than the console.

[Reaver]

Well, the boxes that PC games come in are getting smaller, but it would be hard to try and get all PC games to fit the current console game case standard since some games have to have big booklets. Look at the D&D games from Bioware, each of which have booklets that are massive, almost an inch thick. You can't fit that in a DVD case. But, I'd figure that most PC games could, so I don't see why they dont.

[Damian]

I think it's similar to how music CD's use to come in those long carboard boxes. Lots of air for a little case. Eventually those went away. PC games are starting to do the same but like Reavar said, some games have manuals to thick for the smaller boxes. I for one really like the new small boxes. Up until them I would through all the PC game boxes away simply because I use to buy too many games to justify keeping the boxes.
I just snapped this picture with my web cam. (My digital has dead batteries)
You can get an idea of their size by scaling it next to the polaroid sitting to the right.
MUCH smaller then they use to be.
But like said earlier, console games are easier to handle and store.

[IKEA_boy]

I like those new boxes, but they only makes up like 2% of my PC game collection (I thought I mentioned them above, I dont remember though).

[IKEA_boy]

This is about half of the rest. I have that stack of callapsed boxes under my bed.

[Damian]

Ahhh..another Crusador: No Remorse player. Probably one of the best games ever made for the PC.

[Astrakan]

Last time I went to London, I saw quite a few PC games in DVD cases... "The Sims" comes to mind. But I guess that's not the norm? Octopus1256, could you shed some light on the UK situation?

KM

[Enzian]

I ditch the boxes completely. (It only hurts once!)

I used to hang onto the jewel cases, too, but even that got to be a PITA.

I bought a Caselogic CD book-thing. I buy games at a fairly good clip, so I have to do some re-arranging now and then. Overall, I love it.

Oh, I write down all the codes and registration crap. I keep 4 records of them and I keep one printout in the front pocket.

I have a lot of diagnosis software, for some work I do on the side. With my current set up, I just grab the whole booklet and go. I have it all!

Manuals... I keep them in a box next to my computer desk. How often do you really look at a manual, after the first week?

[keiths]

Was I the only one to notice the upside down Leisure Suit Larry Box?!?!

[octopus1256]

Octopus1256, could you shed some light on the UK situation?

PC games are now coming in standard DVD cases, as are all the console games that are out now. They've been like this since last year.

[orf]

I have a few import games from UK for PC (Operation Flashpoint, Operation Flashpoint: Resistance, and Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction), and they're all in DVD keepcases. I love it; they save so much more room.

[DVDriven]

I have only one game in a DVD case and that is Max Payne (originally came in the oversized paperboard package, bundled with a free MP mousepad ).

Although the smaller boxes are an improvement, I would prefer my PC games packaged in DVD cases. Seeing as some OEM titles comes in CD jewel cases anyway, there's no need for the extraneous packaging that adds unnecessarily to the overall cost.

[Enzian]

That's the only DVD'd PC game I own, also.

And who thought to throw in a free mousepad? When I opened the box, I was shocked! How 1986! A mousepad?! Who needs a mousepad?

But, lo and behold - I actaully needed one at work. Go figure.