Alan Wake 2 is fast approaching, now with a firm release date (October 17th) and an impressive new trailer at the latest PlayStation Showcase. However, as fans read the fine print in the game's FAQ section, which spells out its 'digital-only' release, it becomes clear that the lack of a physical edition is really getting under their skin.

The developers cite several reasons for their decision. First, they point to the presence of modern digital-only consoles like the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S as a significant factor. Secondly, they point out that ditching the physical disc allows them to keep the game's price tag at a solid $59.99 for console editions, while shaving off ten bucks for the PC folks.

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Finally, the developers express their desire to avoid selling an incomplete disc that would require a day-one download, as it wouldn't make a great experience for fans.

In a recent Reddit thread, fans have expressed their disappointment with comments such as "SEVERELY disappointing," "This makes me sad," "An easy pass on the game," and "What a shit load of ****." On Twitter, the sentiment remains consistent, with numerous individuals not only criticizing the decision, but also seeing it as part of a larger trend toward the gradual disappearance of physical games, as jackal27, SmugKaiSupreme, and TheOtakuSpartan have all theorized. In addition, long-time fans like DragonkinSverd are heartbroken that Alan Wake 2 will not receive a collector's edition like its predecessor.

The way Remedy phrases its announcement while showing clear dedication and passion for what's best for the fans, also exacerbates these foreboding sentiments, as the decision is also forced by another trend; it's a direct response to the rising $10 price hike that has become all too common in modern AAA releases.

Besides, technically speaking, to get the full experience (the two-story expansions included with the Alan Wake 2 deluxe edition), you still have to shell out $79.99 for consoles and $69.99 for PC. So it's not like switching to no-discs will magically "remedy" the whole situation.

Alan Wake 2, according to a new press release, will use a new concept that recognizes Alan Wake and Control as two parts of a larger interconnected universe (as hinted at in the last Control DLC).

The game is also making a switch to the survival horror genre, which the developers believe is the key to tying the whole story together. There will be two parallel storylines, two playable characters, and a ton of connections to the first game. That said, for those who want to dive headfirst into the action of Alan Wake 2, the studio assures that the game will work as a standalone experience without the need to have played the previous games.

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