Avowed Seems to Be in the Same Boat as Alan Wake 2 Regarding One Controversial Launch Trend

Key Takeaways

Digital-only releases are becoming more common for AAA games like Avowed.
Avowed will offer various different versions, but none will come with a physical copy of the game.
The decision not to have a physical release version may spark controversy among fans about the prevalence of this practice.

After first being announced in 2020, Obsidian Entertainment’s hotly awaited upcoming FPS RPG adventure, Avowed, is only a few months away from release. Originally set to launch this Fall, Avowed was later pushed back a bit to allow a better spacing out of the other major Microsoft Game Studios titles this season, according to a statement made by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. Like many AAA titles, Avowed will offer a couple of different versions, ranging from standard to premium, that come with a variety of collectibles, bonuses, and in-game content. One thing it seems that none of these will have, though, is a physical copy of the game itself.

Interestingly, on top of it being on expected digital marketplaces like Xbox and Steam, Avowed will be purchasable via Battle.net too. Still, Avowed‘s lack of a physical version upon launch mirrors a situation that was seen last year with Remedy Entertainment’s Alan Wake 2. When the developer stated that the sequel to the cult classic original was only being made available digitally, many fans expressed their disappointment with the decision. Avowed now seems to be continuing this industry trend, and it’s one that remains divisive.

Avowed
is currently set to drop on
February 18, 2025
as a day-one Game Pass title. Some of the premium pre-order versions will allow players access up to 5 days earlier.

Microsoft Accepting a Bizarre Currency for Avowed Purchases is a Controversy Waiting to Happen

Microsoft’s decision to allow players to buy the upcoming Avowed with an unconventional currency could have some undesirable side effects.

Avowed’s Lack of a Physical Launch Edition Continues A Similar Controversy Seen With Alan Wake 2

Physical Game Releases at Launch Are Becoming Rarer

Since the advent of digital game distribution over the past few generations, the practice of developers forgoing a physical release, especially at launch, is becoming increasingly widespread. While this obviously serves to save on production costs, and there are certainly great games that still lack physical versions, the frustration and disappointment felt by those fans who would like new releases to offer a tangible piece of media to buy is also understandable. In a world where the concept of ownership of games is becoming an ever-more slippery slope, many players would prefer to have at least the option to purchase a physical copy of a given title up front.

In the case of Alan Wake 2, it did eventually receive a physical version after nearly a year. Even so, it still required an additional download on some platforms to access all the content. While that may not be the biggest deal in this particular instance, the fact is that games lacking a physical version on release are becoming more and more the norm. The practice leans toward a much less consumer-friendly angle as well as being detrimental to game preservation.

Avowed Not Having a Physical Launch Version Could Contribute to the Conversation Around the Contentious Practice

A listing of Avowed‘s pre-order versions shows that even the most expensive Steelbook edition, costing upwards of $90, will not contain a physical copy of it. Though players and collectors may be excited at the prospect of receiving additional material unavailable elsewhere, like artwork and the soundtrack in these versions, the fact that none will have an actual game disc remains. For those who wish to hold a copy of Avowed in their hands when it releases, like in other previous cases of similar titles, it seems they will be out of luck.

As mentioned, Avowed will be available to buy on Battle.net using World of Warcraft gold. While this does expand its potential customer reach, it may also prove contentious in its own right. Regardless, Obsidian’s decision not to offer a physical edition for Avowed‘s launch is unfortunate for those fans who would prefer one, and might serve to generally stir the controversy of developers doing so.

Of course, depending on how successful it is, and perhaps with enough demand, there is always the possibility that, like Alan Wake 2, Avowed will eventually make its way onto a physical format. As it stands, though, it appears Avowed will follow the existing trend, leaving any fans who were looking forward to it receiving a physical release version empty-handed for the time being.