The decision not to have a physical release for Alan Wake 2 has sparked disappointment among fans, leading the developer to explain the reasoning behind this choice. The debate surrounding digital-only releases for AAA games has been gaining traction, raising concerns among fans about a perceived trend among major developers.
One of the main concerns associated with digital-only releases is the potential loss of access to the game. Ironically, the original Alan Wake faced temporary removal from digital storefronts due to music licensing issues, rendering it unavailable for purchase for 17 months. This situation highlighted the importance of physical releases for game collectors and preservationists, as physical copies ensure the game’s availability even if a digital storefront closes in the future.
Kyle Rowley, the game director for Alan Wake 2, has defended the decision for a digital-only release. In an interview with Eurogamer, Rowley explained that this approach allows the team to dedicate more time to polishing the game. For a physical release, the game must be playable without the need for a patch several weeks before launch, known as “going gold.” By opting for a digital-only release, Remedy, the developer of Alan Wake 2, can continue working on the game until the day of its launch.
Fans of Alan Wake can interpret this news in different ways. Some may view it optimistically, considering that it would be disappointing to have a physical release that is unplayable or merely serves as a DRM key on a disc. Remedy has been careful in managing fans’ expectations, although some concerns arose after the Summer Game Fest trailer lacked significant gameplay footage.
It is possible that digital-only releases are becoming a viable alternative for developers faced with the dilemma of releasing an unfinished game or delaying its launch. However, the developers of Alan Wake 2 have expressed confidence in their work, particularly in the context of its planned release in October—a month known for its abundance of exciting horror game releases leading up to Halloween.
