Alan Wake 2 Digital-Only Release Allows for More Time to Polish the Game, Explains Remedy Entertainment

Alan Wake 2 will not have a physical edition release after all. The reasons for that have been further clarified. Creative director Sam Lake and game director Kyle Rowley have explained why Alan Wake 2 will only have a digital edition release.

Alan Wake 2 Developers on Alan Wake 2 Digital-Only Release

Creative director Sam Lake told Eurogamer that the idea comes from both Remedy and Epic, considering the timing. More importantly, he added that it benefits the creative side of development as well. Lake said that a digital-only release allows developers more time to polish the game ahead of its release. He also explained that a physical edition means that the game will be heading to customers without any patches put on after the game discs are shipped.

He said, “As creatives obviously, by going digital-only it does allow us more time to polish the game. Like, a significant amount of weeks actually. Because otherwise, the game that goes on the disc, obviously it has to be playable without a patch.”

“We didn’t want to release something that we weren’t proud of basically, and that we didn’t want players to play. So hopefully this way we can give you a better version of the game”, he added.

Remedy’s Explanation of Alan Wake 2 Digital-Only Release

An FAQ section on the official Alan Wake 2 website has already addressed the question of a digital-only release. Remedy mentioned that they are “many reasons” for their decision. They pointed out how “a large number of players have shifted to digital only” followed by the mention of Sony PlayStation 5 digital edition and Microsoft’s Xbox Series S. Both of these next-gen consoles do not feature a disc drive.

The company also pointed out that a digital release helps them keep the game’s price low. Finally, Remedy also said that they did not want to ship a physical edition which basically includes a code to redeem the game online and download it. This is a path that Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 opted and so will Starfield’s physical edition for PC versions. Finally, Remedy added that they have no current plans to release Alan Wake 2 on disc.

Alan Wake 2 was showcased most recently at the Summer Game Fest and it stood out during the presentation. The upcoming sequel from Remedy Entertainment will be introducing a new playable protagonist as well as mark the return of the titular character. Alan Wake 2 will be released for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on October 17, 2023.