As one of the online distribution veterans D2D has been around since as early as September 2004. The digital download platform is part of the larger IGN Network (IGN.com, FilePlanet.com, GameSpy.com) which in turn is part of the even bigger Fox Interactive Media, Inc.
As one of the bigger online shops it hosts more than 1000 PC and Mac titles both from major and independent publishers and developers. Its portfolio is comprehensive and the shopping experience is decent.
Background Info
IN 2004, IGN.com, in response to a growing demand for digital content, released Direct2Drive.com, a digital distribution system. Since its release, IGN has reported massive surges in its sales and profitability. Direct2Drive currently distributes over 1,000 titles from 300 different developers. ItDirect2Drive allows users to download games without requiring them to download a client, living up to its name of downloading directly to the drive from the website. The homepage features several bestselling titles prominently displayed on its homepage, with a more general search function allowing users to perform searches based on game genres. The top section features a menu bar that allows users to search from different types of content, such as PC games, Mac games, and expansions for existing games. Just to the right of the menu bar, a text field allows users to search for titles of a specific name or from a particular publisher.Game titles are listed together as thumbnails on the site. Clicking on one of these thumbnails will load a description page for the title, displaying a brief overview, the game trailer, screenshots, user reviews, ESRB rating, specific systems requirements for the title, and a link to purchase and download the game online. If you want to buy online using Direct2Drive, an account with the site is required. To create a new account, click “sign in” at the top right of the homepage, and then fill in the information under “new users” at the right. After clicking to buy online, Direct2Drive will feature the new item in your virtual shopping cart, along with any other titles, and will give you the option to check out or continue shopping for more titles. After checking out, you will be able to review the digital downloads in your list to verify everything is correct. You will then have the option to log in or create a new account. Despite gaining rapid popularity, Direct2Drive has faced numerous user complaints. The system uses SecuROM to prevent software pirating, which many gamers blame for system instability. It also institutes limits on game activation, enraging many users after they upgrade to a new computer. This is also blamed for upgrading issues. Additionally, users have reported issues when attempting to upgrade existing games, claiming that the system fails even when precise instructions have been followed.
