A physical copy will require you to register it with origin no matter what, personally, i got the digital copy as i could care less about the box.

It's an EA PC game so it's never going to be on Steam. It's my understanding that when you install it you will need to log into Origin so there's no difference between where you buy it. Ether way it's all going to be on Origin and linked to an Origin account. The only difference is by having a physical copy you won't need to download it to install.

I got my copy off green man gaming like 6 months back for like $25-$30 so I'm digital.

Split the difference. Download a physical copy.

Physical copy as it is 33% cheaper.

physical copies require space. fuck that shit.

The physical copy is 60 for me, virtual is 40, so how is the physical copy cheaper?

http://www.zavvi.com/games/platforms/pc/sim-city-limited-edition/10596787.html - £32.98, I got 10% off thanks to a preorder deal a couple weeks ago.

Origin lists it for £44.99, as does GMG. Simplygames.com lists both key and physical for around £35 (physical is still cheaper by a couple of pennies though.)

It's tied to Origin permanently anyway, so the only difference is a disc which you'll only likely use once and be done with it.

I think hes talking about 40 dollars, thats still cheaper then £35.

If you go on GMG's blog the almost always have a discount code, it's like 20% off too. I got Sim City from them as a download key for £36. Not as good as Zavvi, but last time I preordered from them the game came a week late, so I've given up on them now. Used to like them.

waiting for big citys

I like to have it in my cupboard :)

Yah, its not like space is infinite, or, you know, endless.

@dagbiker: oh u!

Physical copies should be out on the 28 at walmart.

download all the way my man. Can't go wrong with it!

Physical copy. Yeah, it's 99% likely that a physical copy will require Origin, but that's better than the 100% chance of the digital version.

I did end up pre-ordering the downloadable version from Amazon.

Download, a physical copy would probably have to be imported and would cost a ridiculous sum of money.

I was honestly slightly amazed to find out that Gamestop still carries physical copies of PC-games when my friend told me that he doesn't use Steam.

It's actually cheaper for us Brits getting a physical copy from Amazon.co.uk, for a change.

Amazon.com

$59.99 = £39.55

Amazon.co.uk

£34.99 = $53.08

Physical copy, as it was cheaper for me.

@smilingpig: Just keep in mind that even though you might be able to find a physical copy to buy on February 28, it's pretty likely that you won't be able to actually play it until the official release date.

You have to be online to play it anyway, so what's the advantage to a physical copy?

Physical copies of PC games make no sense at all anymore.

I'd say physical copy just so you have something. I went digital on Guild Wars 2 and Diablo 3 - I've since uninstalled both games and have literally nothing to show for them, it's kind of weird.

Go for whatever saves you money. In the end, your physical copy will be locked to your Origin account. The game is also there for you to download at any time after you've uninstalled it.

Also, hell of DLC!! This is an EA / Maxis game. There is a good chance you will be paying money for extra content anyway.

You're not going to own the game either way, so don't bother with getting a physical copy unless it's cheaper.

I got the physical for the $20 credit on Amazon but I would rather have the digital download. I have prime so I will get it Tuesday anyways with release date shipping.

I would say the physical would be the way to go (no download on release day), but if you are like me and have absolutely NO game stores nearby, go digital.

Get the physical copy. Or... if you rather feel like buying some air, get the Digital version instead.

I went the digital route officially breaking my policy on buying physical copies of games with Sim in the name.

The future tomorrow... today, folks.

Preordered the physical here, but with the $20 credit you get with it on Amazon, that was a no brainer for me, although i use amazon alot...

Both! Download 3D image of disk, use CNC machine to print physical copy.

Does anybody know if you have to install the game from the disc with the physical copy or is it like steam and you can just use a code to download it if you want? I have a gift card from Christmas I want to use to buy the game, but I don't have an optical drive on my PC.