Goodbye Game Manuals

[DrRipley]

I always liked those booklets in games, in fact, I like seeing them in any tech purchases. And even though I've always favored digital downloads over physical media, seeing this admittedly kind of makes me sad. I know some other games might still contain some pages, maybe some ads, but seeing this reminds me that soon they will just stop including them altogether. It is pretty understandable, though, since paper media really isn't that practical anymore these days. It's just a shame that some kids from the next generation might never know what it feels like to flip through the catalog while the game loads, but such is life. RIP, game booklets, you will be missed.

 

[jardantuan]

It's the same with the Wii U. Promotional material is pretty common, and sometimes there will be a little piece of card with basic controls on it, but generally there are no booklets.

At the end of the day, digital downloads are becoming more frequent, so instructional manuals can't be given to those that go digital. It makes more sense to either have a digital manual (like the Wii U) or just feature more tutorials.

It is a shame though - reading through the manual was always the first thing I'd do when I bought a new game. Ahh nostalgia...

 

[Haze]

Yeah I knew this would happen when they only included basic 4 page manuals during the past year. RIP Game Manuals. You were awesome!

 

[mauricioq]

No, I can't be alone in thinking those were awesome!
I actually was used to read them before playing, and be ready to jump right into action!
Oh well...

 

[baracksyndel]

I miss our childhoods. I used to love game booklets, they were so expansive with great art, more background info on the characters/world/story, and of course game tips. Remember the booklet for Final Fantasy VII or the one for Ocarina of Time? I still own those, digital booklets just aren't the same.