Every company always makes decisions based on costs. I can't really be mad and feel entitled to instruction manuals (especially from Ubisoft and EA) because I never look at them anyway. I'll always look at bigger scoped games manuals (Fallout 3, DragonAge, and so on) and Nintendo manuals but otherwise I'm not too worried about it.
Im sort of conflicted about it, realistically I know I havent read a manual in years (even when I got stuck I prefare to think), but when there isnt a manual there it feels slightly lacking. Its more to do with the fact I like complete sets of things but If it goes away I wont really care after a little while.
They've been decreasing in quality for a LONG time. I just wish they put more personality and work into it. That way, we could do away with forced tutorials.
" If they bring a pdf with the manual for the game i have no quarrels with it. Otherwise it's a shitty move. "
That's how 2K Sports does it, and they've been doing it that way for a few years now. I love manuals too, but I almost think that folks who are pro-manual are in the minority.
" Honestly, though, when was the last time you actually looked at the instruction manual for information about the game? "
The last game I bought a couple of weeks ago. I really like instruction manuals. And we don't need more "robust" in-game instructions. This is a bad trend. Ubisoft games should now all be $5 cheaper.
" Honestly, though, when was the last time you actually looked at the instruction manual for information about the game? "
The last game I bought a couple of weeks ago. I really like instruction manuals. And we don't need more "robust" in-game instructions. This is a bad trend. Ubisoft games should now all be $5 cheaper. "
I totally agree, companies like Ubisoft are cutting costs with moves like this and those flimsy cheapass boxes and they still cost the same!
But i don't think this measure can be applied all over the place, as some contries have restrictions about game manuals, and require them in the language of the country. It can be a page only, but still required.
Just like for Music when you buy a physical CD / DVD you want to have nice track-list or lyrics printed I feel the same way about Game Manuals. It's about presentation. Next they will just sell a CD without a case....
Seems like a legitimate reason, why continue to print books that cost money (and trees) when most games have in-game tutorials. I think its a good move.
" Honestly, though, when was the last time you actually looked at the instruction manual for information about the game? "
I do with every game I buy before I start playing it. "
Me too, I always read through before I start playing. Maybe not in complete detail, but pretty closely. I used to appreciate them more when they had more story to them. Now all they are is basic controls for the most part. I am still opposed to this though.
" Seems like a legitimate reason, why continue to print books that cost money (and trees) when most games have in-game tutorials. I think its a good move. "
The environmental reasons are just a cover for stock brokers. It makes them seem responsible, which investors like.
I support no manuals. Less wasted paper so my resold games save me an ounce on shipping and this can easily be offset by thoughtfully crafted in-game tutorials or just plain accessible controls and common sense game design.
Last time I opened a manual was for MGS4:GotP to learn CQC maneuvers (hostage, butt hump choke, etc) and even after gleaming over the comic book presentation I just watched a CQC tutorial [at YouTube] that was miles more intuitive than the manual.
I can't say I like this, but it does make sense. As digital distribution gets more and more popular, we are going to have to find alternatives to paper manuals.
I read the manual over the span of one or two bathroom sittings. I am sad. Regardless, companies like Ubisoft as well as EA might as well just stop, because they've been 8-10 pages for a while now. Other companies invest the time and money into making a real manual, so I hope they keep it up.
Instruction manuals aren't needed anymore. All the information that usually turns up in one is pretty much always conveyed in the opening sections of almost every game.
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