Alan Wake 2’s launch was a resounding success, living up to all the hype. A tip of the hat is due to Remedy Entertainment and particularly to Sam Lake for this feat. Its joint status with Baldur’s Gate 3 as the most nominated game at The Game Awards 2023 speaks volumes of its success. However, amidst all this acclaim, there’s a slight disappointment — the absence of an Alan Wake 2 physical release.
We get it, gaming is naturally more keen towards digitalisation than other art forms. Yet, the tangible feel of a game’s physical copy holds a unique charm over a mere digital listing on Steam (Or Epic Games Store, in this case). So, the question on everyone’s lips is: Does Remedy have plans to release a physical edition of Alan Wake 2?
Related: Is Max Payne in Alan Wake 2?
Is Alan Wake 2 Digital Only?
Alan Wake 2 made its debut as a digital-only release across all platforms on October 27, 2023. It’s exclusively available on the Epic Games Store for PC, bypassing Steam entirely. For console players, the game is accessible only through digital downloads from the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store.
So, what led to not having an Alan Wake 2 physical release and being a digital-only title? The primary reason is the game’s pricing strategy. Remedy Entertainment opted for this route to widen its audience reach, pricing the game at $49.99, a notch below the standard $69.99 tag of many AAA titles.
The second reason is the flexibility it offers to developers. Physical releases require the finalisation of the game weeks in advance, but going digital allowed Remedy Entertainment to refine Alan Wake 2 until just hours before its launch.
Lastly, the gaming world is increasingly turning towards digital formats. This shift is evident in hardware developments like the PlayStation 5’s disc-less version and the Xbox Series S’s disc-free design. In tune with this trend, Sam Lake and his team chose to release their horror survival action game digitally.
Related: Can You Play Alan Wake 2 on GeForce Now?
Will There Be an Alan Wake 2 Physical Release?
Regrettably, there are no immediate plans for Alan Wake 2 physical release. This update comes straight from Remedy Entertainment, clarifying that their current focus is on resolving technical issues in AW2, with a disc version not on their agenda at the moment.
But it’s not all bleak — there’s still a glimmer of hope. With two different DLCs slated for Alan Wake 2 in 2024, it’s plausible that a combined version of these expansions with the base game could be in the works. This could be the opportune moment for Remedy Entertainment to consider a physical release.
What’s keeping our hopes alive is the involvement of Sam Lake. Known for his uniquely close relationship with the gaming community, Lake is certainly aware of the demand for a physical release. As a versatile figure — actor, director, writer, and creative director, and playing Alex Casey in the game — we’re optimistic that he’ll steer the possibility of an Alan Wake 2 physical release in the future.
Related: Alan Wake 2 System Requirements: Can I Run It?
Final Thoughts
Alan Wake 2 is a game that’s got us talking. Rarely do we come across a game so masterfully written, planned, and intricately designed on a meta-level. Characters like Tim Breaker quickly endeared themselves to us, adding to the game’s appeal.
We also resonate with the players’ longing for physical copies. In years to come, when we look back at 2023 as a landmark year for gaming, AW2 will undoubtedly be a significant part of that conversation. However, the lack of an Alan Wake 2 physical release does tug at our hearts, too. But, as mentioned earlier, we’re holding onto hope with a good dose of excitement.
For now, that’s our perspective on the Alan Wake 2 physical release. We anticipate discussing it more, especially if it becomes one of the most celebrated games at TGA 2023, possibly by early December. Until then, delve into how its story intertwines with Control and find yet another reason to admire Sam Lake.
Alan Wake 2 hit the markets on 27 October 2023, available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and GeForce Now.
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