Now, if you haven’t seen the Sony-fanboy message boards in the past few weeks, then listen up. The rumor that Warhawk may only be a PlayStation Network download was spread like wildfire. So, 1UP contacted Sony Computer Entertainment of America:
Warhawk will be available on Blu-ray and through the PlayStation Network. Whether there will be differences in price or content (i.e. the downloadable version being more stripped down, with more option to purchase new content) between the two has not been announced.
Now, this could go one of two ways. Either:
Path 1) Warhawk will become the first example of the digital distribution of new releases on consoles. And in a good way. Warhawk would actually be cheaper on the PlayStation Network, thanks to no needs for production onto discs, as well as boxes and manuals, etc. In the long-term, Warhawk could be the leading charge for digital distribution on consoles. This would hurt the used-game market as well, thus increasing company profits (EB/GameStop gets all of the money when you buy used), and would revive developers’ spirits. Not to mention a new emphasis on episodic content (Haha, Half-Life….you’re so funny!)
Path 2) Sony goes the Xbox Live Marketplace route, and rapes you for all you’re worth. First, you’ll buy the game. But what if the game only contained 5 levels, and three ships? Lack of multiplayer? Well, why not buy the Map Pack for only 8 dollars? Or the Ship Pack for 6 dollars? Or, why not save and buy the Double Package, where you’ll save $1.72! Or you could buy this new package coming out in a few days…
It’s too early to tell. Until full details come out, you may not want to get your hopes up. Expect the second path.
