Newsweek's LevelUp blog has confirmed with Sony Computer Entertainment that later this month, retailers will start carrying a new $39.99 SKU of the PlayStation 3 online-only title, Warhawk. This SKU will not contain the Jabra Bluetooth headset, which shipped to retail (alongside the $39.99 digital PlayStation Network download) at $69.99. While SCEA hasn't confirmed a release date, GameStop's Web site is listing an October 10 ship date.
LevelUp's N'Gai Croal predicts that this is indicative of Sony's future strategies -- games like the upcoming SOCOM: Confrontation, for instance, will likely ship with and without headsets (in addition to appearing on the PSN). While I can agree with that, his speculation that Gran Turismo 5 Prologue may ship with a limited number of bundles containing a Logitech racing wheel seems like a bit of a stretch. But then again, N'Gai talks to people who still won't return my phone calls.
Whatever the case may be, if Sony's looking to confuse the hell out of consumers will multiple SKUs and distribution methods, they're on the right track.
[Via Kotaku]
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Contest:
11:15 AM on 10.01.2007
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Just think, in a few years time you could possibly acquire a dozen or so headsets that just sit and gather dust anyway. That fact alone could possibly deter people from buying the newer titles. I think it's a great idea. Good move by Sony.
Now, commence the anti-Sony sentiment now. Because clearly no one will think of this logically, just like Nick here.
I kind of get what you are saying, except that the game is online-only. If you already have the headset or just don't care about the headset why haven't you downloaded it from the PS Store yet? It makes no sense...
Because many people, myself included, simply do not like only owning digital copies of the things they purchase. They feel comforted by having a hard copy in their hands in which they can play in the system (or whatever device/type of digital distribution we are talking about). It's just an old habit and one that has not died as quickly as some people thought it may a few years back (see, Valve). PLUS, what is the resale value of a digital copy if you happen to dislike or outgrow the game? I'll give you a hint... it's nothing.
I'm not saying the move doesn't make sense, and I never bashed Sony for the decision -- I fully support it with Warhawk. My SKU confusion comment comes from the fact that you can purchase Warhawk by one of three methods, which is mind-blowing to consumers. The PS3 has also seen three (or is it four?) SKUs in the course of less than a year, with another (or two) likely cropping up in the near future. Microsoft is guilty of this, too.
There's nothing illogical in thinking that the average consumer will be puzzled. The fact is, most are not informed. We're not the norm, remember that.
Yeah, I guess this is just for people, like yourself, that still prefer physical media.
A game like Warhawk needs a freaking headset to be at its best. To deny or make it difficult, for people to get onboard and experience the game at its best is stupid. Heavenly Sword help you, Sony.
Yes, MS have done two skus to start, but i was always pretty clear one sku came with more stuff than the other. Sony have blown multiskus out of proportion now, though.
As for DLC, it will never take off fully to replace physical media. Its like driving and being chaffeured, one puts you in control of the drivers seat, the other takes it away.