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> theoretically the cut that the distribution platform takes could be zero. Then there is no reason for a distributed system to remain cohesive. Each node in t

by all2 8y ago

> theoretically the cut that the distribution platform takes could be zero. Then there is no reason for a distributed system to remain cohesive. Each node in the system takes some responsibilities for hosting, bandwidth, etc. Without giving the distributors a cut, no one will want to distribute. Likewise, not everyone who buys your game on the network will want to use there space and bandwidth for distribution. For a distributed system to actually be functional, all participants need incentives.

ilaksh 8y ago
You're basically arguing that the concept of torrents isn't workable. It's been proven. To me the tricky part is licensing but I think technologies like Ethereum could handle that.
- mhh__ 8y ago
  Torrents work but the incentive there is the opportunity cost(? not an economics student...) of getting the software/porn/etc for free. Also, why ETH as opposed to regular money?
- munchbunny 8y ago
  Licensing is the easy part. The hard part is discovery (there is always money for someone who can do a marginally better job matching games to gamers), marketing, financial infrastructure (dealing with returns, credit card fraud, beta keys, review keys, DLC, crowdfunding campaigns, microtransactions), social matchmaking, mod management, etc. Those are mostly not distributed problems. They are services problems. Steam is all of those things. The core licensing component is only the most obvious part. Torrents only cover distribution. Ethereum only covers cash exchange.
- all2 8y ago
  > You're basically arguing that the concept of torrents isn't workable. It's been proven. Everyone has incentives with torrents. You can interact with the content you distribute. But if I'm torrenting a game - and haven't purchased it - and I'm unable to play the thing, I have no incentive to keep it on my computer and distribute it to others. It is literally a waste of my energy and bandwidth. /edit - punctuation!

by all2 8y ago

ilaksh 8y ago

You're basically arguing that the concept of torrents isn't workable. It's been proven. To me the tricky part is licensing but I think technologies like Ethereum could handle that.

mhh__ 8y ago
Torrents work but the incentive there is the opportunity cost(? not an economics student...) of getting the software/porn/etc for free. Also, why ETH as opposed to regular money?
munchbunny 8y ago
Licensing is the easy part. The hard part is discovery (there is always money for someone who can do a marginally better job matching games to gamers), marketing, financial infrastructure (dealing with returns, credit card fraud, beta keys, review keys, DLC, crowdfunding campaigns, microtransactions), social matchmaking, mod management, etc. Those are mostly not distributed problems. They are services problems. Steam is all of those things. The core licensing component is only the most obvious part. Torrents only cover distribution. Ethereum only covers cash exchange.
all2 8y ago
> You're basically arguing that the concept of torrents isn't workable. It's been proven. Everyone has incentives with torrents. You can interact with the content you distribute. But if I'm torrenting a game - and haven't purchased it - and I'm unable to play the thing, I have no incentive to keep it on my computer and distribute it to others. It is literally a waste of my energy and bandwidth. /edit - punctuation!