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Someone probably just assumed it would be better user experience not having to patch after install. That just doesn't work out when the user's network isn't as good.

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At one point, I know neither Microsoft or Sony deployed patches as binary diffs. Depending on what assets get patched, it might be faster to download the latest available version instead of installing from local disc and then patching to current as the "patch" may be similar size to fresh install.

unless the game is legit unplayable from disc, you can get players into the game and download it in the background.

I think _in general_. Games are stupid big now.

I'm amazed we're still on discs as physical media and not usb keys. Speed (), size, and capacity would all be greatly improved. It would be a bit like the cartridges of old.
I guess it must be a cost thing.

USB3.0 can theoretically do a 25GB blue ray in 50 seconds, 3.1 is half that, and 3.2 half again.

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