The phrase refers to acquiring a digital copy of the video game “Returnal” for personal computers, where the file size has been significantly reduced through compression techniques. This practice aims to minimize download times and storage space requirements. As an example, a game with an original size of 50 GB might be compressed to 20 GB, thus facilitating faster acquisition and reducing the burden on storage devices.
Reducing file sizes offers several advantages. For users with limited bandwidth, faster downloads represent a significant benefit. Moreover, smaller files consume less storage space, allowing individuals to maintain a larger library of games on their PCs without upgrading their hardware. Historically, the practice of compressing game files has been driven by the desire to distribute large amounts of data efficiently over networks and accommodate storage limitations on consumer devices.