Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft has decided against a $80 price tag for certain first-party games, like The Outer Worlds 2, amidst gamer concerns about digital-only releases.
2. After the Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft is now offering physical disc versions for some upcoming titles, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2.
3. The most affordable Standard Editions of these games are not available in physical stores, raising concerns about the amount of data on the discs.
4. Critics of digital games express frustration, but physical copies allow for buying and selling used games, a feature still valuable to many players.
5. While some upcoming titles like Oblivion Remastered will have physical versions, others, such as Gears of War: Reloaded, may only be available digitally, indicating a trend away from physical media in gaming.
Recently, Microsoft has chosen not to impose a price of $80 on certain first-party games, such as The Outer Worlds 2. Many gamers have expressed frustration over the growing trend of the publisher relying solely on digital releases.
Change in Strategy
After the Xbox Games Showcase in June, fans noticed limited physical pre-order options for the revealed titles. However, Microsoft appears to have shifted its approach, now providing disc versions for both Obsidian’s action-RPG and Ninja Gaiden 4.
Social media user Wario64 was the first to spot that Canadian retailer PNP Games had updated listings for upcoming Xbox games. Gamers can now pre-order Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2, which include disc and download codes. Since these are labeled as Deluxe or Premium editions, it’s probable that the additional content will be in digital format. Though the box art mentions “Digital Game Code,” it’s common for covers to be revised prior to release.
Availability Concerns
Sadly, the most affordable Standard Editions for these games are not found in physical shops. Furthermore, it remains uncertain how much data will actually be stored on the discs. For instance, Doom: The Dark Ages requires about an 85GB download before it can be played. This situation isn’t unique to Xbox games, as many PS5 titles have similar requirements; however, first-party PlayStation releases usually come on physical media.
Digital Xbox game critics might still be upset with the current direction. Yet, a notable benefit of physical copies is the option to buy and sell used games. Nintendo is also making efforts to guide its fans into this new gaming landscape with Game-Key Cards. Even though these Switch 2 games rely on servers for installation, players can utilize them across different consoles.
Upcoming Releases
When Oblivion Remastered launches on the Xbox Series X|S in October, a physical version will also be available. Still, other first-party Xbox titles might not follow the lead of The Outer Worlds 2 or Ninja Gaiden 4. As it stands, Gears of War: Reloaded seems to be available only in digital form for Xbox users. Nevertheless, despite some trade-offs, the gaming industry is rapidly moving away from physical discs and cartridges.
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