No more instruction booklets in future?

[Profit]

I usually avoid 2nd hand games without their booklets just for completeness sake, but I rarely look at them at all. Compared to other media markets, I'm surprised that most game publishers continue to supply relatively large booklets.

What's strange is the amount of self explanatory or duplicate on-screen information that is reprinted in the booklets e.g. name entry or sound options. This info just makes it more difficult to find the more commonly needed OSD, buttom or move guide. I think what would be far more useful is a single sheet (or folded single) with the basic, relevant info especially since most games come with a much better on screen tutorial.

It's also interesting the difference priorities various publishers have. Konami e.g. not uncommon to give 50 page full color booklets; which are by far and away the most expencive physical content of the package. Capcom rarely give color booklets whereas 505 Gamestreet have done well to usually give color booklets for even their most budget titles.

With manual translation and design taking weeks to months of a publishers time, I would be glad to see them go and replaced by single-paged ones. Financially also, it doesn't make much sense for publishers to continue including thick booklets.

[paul]

It couldn't be that difficult to also include the booklet online or on the game disk.
I really can't recall when I last looked at a game manual. It seems an utter waste to include the booklet in every copy.

[Number45]

I usually read the manual while I'm waiting for the opportunity to play the game, so I'm happy for them to remain personally. I wouldn't moan if they weren't included, but I'm glad that they are.

I'm not sure if it's intended, but part of the initial post indicates the cost of them as being a problem - perhaps suggesting that the cost of the games could be reduced if they weren't included? I can't see that happening personally.

[VR46]

Must admit have noticed quite a few PS3 manuals being pretty cheap looking - although prehaps it's was just the publisher being tight and wasn't format specific.

Can't see manual's being done away with in the near future, bet younger kids use them quite a bit still.

[Dezm0nd]

Manuals are crap IMO, I also only read them when i'm travelling home after buying the game. They're over in 5 minutes and i never look at them again.

but, it would be weird to buy a game without that fresh instruction booklet smell!

keep em

[Family Fry]

You think with Blu Ray and DVD mediums they could put an interactive manual with multiple languages in PDF style on disc, saves paper being wasted on pointless print.
I dont know any game that doesnt have a tutorial for play anymore or that requires you to flick through the manual.
If this could help production cost and potentially cut costs all round for everyone invloved then why not?

[Concrete donkey]

Having previously owned Civ IV and the first expansion warlord, I recently pickd up Civ IV complete, with manuals for each game on PDF. I must say I miss having a booklet to read as I was learning to play (Beyond the Sword) game like I did when I first played warlord. Would definatly miss them if they go for good.

[Vince]

I really like the manuals, i do tend to read them before i get to play the game, ie in town or at work before i go home. The thing is European manuals (and a lot of US ones) tend to be horrible cheap black and white ones with rubbish art. Japanese ones on the other hand are often full colour with nice artwork etc.

[EDDIE M0NS00N]

I was thinking about this only last wk & thought it made perfect sense.
I never read manuals as u normally get a run thru when u 1st play games, or u just check the controller config layout so I think losing manuals is a good idea as it'll save paper.
I'm sure they could inlcude all the info u needed on the disc anyway & it wouldnt take up hardly any room on the disc anyway.

[Brats]

What's with the pages of empty 'Notes' at the end of manuals? Does anyone ever actually use these?

I find that even with tutorials being as good as they are, there is always something in the manual that is missed out.

[cutmymilk]

Grrr, I seem to buy the ones with the notes written in when I get preowned games, so yes... Idiots do use them!

[egparadigm]

If I could chose between having a PDF and a paper print, I would pick the print every time. Having it in PDF only just reduces general accessibility and we have to remember that not everyone owns a computer (admittedly there will be a fair amount of overlap with gamers, but it should be 100%).

I occasionally like to look at them before I play a game, although they are often poorly put together and it can be difficult to find the answer to a question. I usually resort to using google.

[EvilBoris]

I'd be quite happy if games didn't bother will manuals . I either never read them (most games) or when I do go to read them they don't have the information I need (Army of 2) or do something even worse like spoil the plot!

I'm looking at you Lost Odyssey!

[toythatkills]

I like manuals and would be sad to see them go. It may be that I play a lot of RPGs etc where they're more necessary but I enjoy reading them, I like to know everything about the games I play, where possible. I read the Oblivion manual front to back three or four times to make sure I was familiar with everything so I could get the most out of the game. And sometimes the manuals are just really nice. The GTA games for example, or the Japanese Okami manual. The Steambot Chronicles manual had me in stitches before even playing the game too. When people make an effort with them, they're brilliant.

I'm always disappointed when I open an EA game and find somthing like a four page manual in black and white. How the hell do you explain Madden to someone who's not played it before in such a small space?

I also think it should be LAW that if you print your manuals in black and white, you should be forced to print the front cover in b/w too, as well as any advertising materials. Cheapskates.

[Stormtec]

I find Japanese games have rather interesting manuals. The No More Heroes manual is a recent example. And there can be some nice artwork in there too. I'm rather sad, and I like shiny things, so interesting colour manuals with nice artwork in them would still make it a valuable part of the box contents for me XD

It saddens me when I see lazy Western reproductions of interesting game manuals from Japan =/

And I just find it easier to have a physical manual to flip through if I ever need to look something up while I'm playing the game.