Alan Wake 2 Without Boxed Edition; Devs Explain Controversial Decision
Remedy has made a controversial decision - Alan Wake 2 will be available for purchase only digitally regardless of the platform. We know the contents of the various editions of the game.
Remedy follows its own path - AAA game Alan Wake 2 will be available for purchase only in digital distribution on all platforms. The developers defend their decision.
Alan Wake 2 to be available only in digital distribution
The relevant message can be found on the game's official website. The developers announce that Alan Wake 2 will not be available for purchase in a boxed version - both at launch and in the future (according to current plans).
The developers give three reasons for this decision.
- The price - The console edition has been priced at $60, and the PC edition at $50. This is $10 less than the current new standard pricing.
- Social preferences - The PS5 console is sold in two variants, including one without a drive. The new Xbox in the Series S variant does not offer this option either. Despite this, both platforms are very popular.
- Convenience - buying the boxed version to then download the entire game or the missing files (that didn't fit on the disc) is inconvenient, and would even, the developers say, interfere with the great experience that is the actual game.
As you can see, the developers have a strong case, though even that wasn't enough to prevent heated discussions on Reddit or Twitter. This is not surprising - a sizable portion of players, despite the convenience of digital distribution, still buy games on physical media. The "second-hand" versions are rapidly getting cheaper (which is not influenced by the publisher) and it's just plain cool to see another box in your collection.
Alan Wake 2 - editions of the game
The official release also mentions the game's editions. Alan Wake 2 will be available for purchase in two variants:
- a standard edition containing the base game ($50 on PC and $60 on consoles);
- a deluxe edition, which includes Alan Wake 2, as well as exclusive content: a pass for future DLCs (Night Springs and Lake House), cosmetic items (a shotgun skin each for Alan and Saga, a unique suit for Alan), a new weapon for Saga (a windbreaker) and an "amulet lantern" for Saga. This edition has been priced at $70 on PC and $80 on consoles.
If you pre-order any of the above editions, you will also receive a revolver skin for Alan and a mysterious survival kit for Saga.
Post-release support
It is worth noting that the game will be developed in the future with free DLCs and two paid expansions - the developers are unable to say anything more for the moment. This is nothing new, as Control (the studio's previous game) received to decent paid DLCs.
Alan Wake 2 will debut on October 17 on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series S/X. You can read more about the game in the news analyzing the trailer or on the game's official website.
