It’s possible to buy full games on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, but both companies have only barely tipped its toes into the water. Traditionally, the games appear for purchase months after they’ve been available at retail.
Sony and Electronic Arts are taking a step forward with Mass Effect 3, as the PlayStation Blog notes the game will be available day and date on PSN alongside the retail version on March 6, and you can digitally pre-order on PSN now.
Anyone who pre-orders through PSN will gain access to the M55 Argus rifle. What’s that?
“The Argus is a high-powered rifle and an excellent close-range weapon. Its bursts of fire ensure ammunition conservation during lengthy conflicts. Law-enforcement agencies across the Mass Effect galaxy are adopting the Argus as their standard rifle, as much for its intimidation factor as its suppression power.”
PSN consumers also gain access to a system theme that won’t be available anywhere else.
i never understood the saying "day and date"
Yeah, I saw this on psn. Very tempting !
@unstoptheday said:
Just a turn of phrase that means "the same day."
This is cool as shit. Honestly, I wish that the CE version of the game I was buying came with a digital copy of the game. But I still like having things, so I'm not giving up the box and goodies for the ease of digital.
@patrickklepek: I mean, I get what it means just always thought it was odd they had to come up with a different term for it. I may just be looking into it too much.
@patrickklepek: How do you turn a phrase?
I think this news is great for the game industry and bodes poorly for retailers. If more games adopt this practice in the future, not only do you get rid of used games, but you also get rid of shipping costs, printing costs, retail markup, and other middle-man related costs. In the long run, the game developers (or console license controllers) get a bigger cut of the profits and that's good for everyone. Just don't expect fancy Gamestop-funded commercials for games if this pans out. Also, it'd be nice to get my games asap on release date, though I imagine console pre-loading is a long way off.
Mass Effect is probably one of my favourite game franchises ever but this From Ashes stuff has made me seriously considering boycotting. Never considered it with any game before but I feel like they are abusing the loyalty and devotion of the hardcore fans to a point where I cannot save face and give them my money at the same time.
You do it to yourself, EA.
I was highly considering playing through the 360 version (as the demo was better on that system). But when it comes to games I'm a big fan of digital distribution, looks like I shall be getting the PSN copy.
off topic, not sure patrick will be able to teach everyone the nuances of the english language.
on topic. this is really cool.
@unstoptheday: Well, saying the same day probably wasn't specific enough when the term was first used, because, theoretically in this situation, just because the download version comes out on, say, a Tuesday doesn't mean it's the same Tuesday as the retail one. (i.e. it could be a week later). Possibly.
I'm all for digital distribution, if only my wireless internet didn't suck so much ass that it would take a week to download the whole game ><
@Sgtpierceface: Did you not see last weeks TNT? Vinny was turning a pass phrase (or password as it's also known) in all sorts of different ways!
When do we get the article about the insane petition?
I wish I could buy the xbox version digitally on day one, the disc-drive of my 360 is on it's last legs. And I don't really want to buy a new console.
EDIT: And the dumb web they are spinning around this game with all the different pre-orders and social media crap is really getting out of hand.
Just cancelled my Amazon pre-order...No need for a physical copy.
Since when do Mass Effect guns have ammo, other than heavy weapons.
Do this more video game industry.
DLC: The Game.
I'll just sit back and watch the disaster unfold.