Its logical that if the data is saved on a faster storage like HDD or even SSD the loading times could be shorter menus and stuff might be snappier. What framerate is concerned it should be similar or the same as most games on PS3 atleast take advantage of the hdd if it speeds up framerates to access the data from a faster storage instead of the disc.

I do think digital could ultimatively perform slightly better here and there because of the bandwith difference doesnt mean it absolutely has to be better always, depends on the game and the installation.

Someone would have to test each version of a game specifically and to make the call on whats better. But generally digital wont ever perform worse it will atleast perform the same.

If you dont mind skipping the disc using bandwith for the download and using space on the HDD digital should be the better choice.

if you will recognize a difference then in favour of the digital version.

I would always get physical unless the digital copy is free from the PSN store. Mainly because digital copies are tied to an account.

And I do like getting special editions most of the time. Partly also because if you ever go to Comic Con you can get that edition signed by your favorite developers or voice actors, etc.

Sometimes I notice more tearing when playing digital games compared to physical.

Physical games can have more extras on the disc, extra language options. The digital version is usually the leanest version to keep the size reasonable. Physical games can also play cut scenes from disc while loading the next level from the hdd install. Or stream from both disc and hdd install to speed things up. 2 locations to get data from is always better then 1.

However I have no clue how DW8 was made. It could work the other way around too, all loading from disc without an install which makes the physical version slower. Since it's on 360 too, which doesn't have a mandatory hdd, and pc, where it always runs from hdd, I doubt it's optimized for using both disc and hdd simultaneously.

You'll have to wait until DF to find out, I doubt there will be much of a difference though. The physical copy will probably have a large HDD install and will perform the same. Simplest solution for multiplat titles.

Thanks for the help everyone, I think ill wait and buy it physical.

physical dude.
You want that sexy box in your house, so you can look at it during loadtimes and kiss it.

Might not be the same case for the PS3, but for the Vita, physical perform better.