Alan Wake fans took quite a hit when Remedy Entertainment announced that the long-awaited sequel was releasing exclusively on digital storefronts. Is this an ominous sign of the times? Or a one-off instance that won’t affect other future releases, like the Metal Gear Solid 3 remake? Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was first revealed during the May 2023 PlayStation Showcase and specifics about the game have been scarce since.
It’s understandable that long-time Metal Gear fans and collectors of physical media would be a little worried that Naked Snake’s outing would be relegated strictly to a digital space. With that question fresh in our minds, we take a look at Snake Eater’s future release and whether or not it’s going digital-only.
Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake Release Plans
As of writing, Metal Gear Solid Delta’s release has been shrouded in a fog. We know very little, from its release date to how it will launch. However, digital-only has been slowly creeping its way into the AAA game space. Alan Wake 2 isn’t the only game to suggest a digital renaissance, as even the Starfield collector’s edition is launching with a download code. Even God of War: Ragnarok’s collector’s edition graced players with a digital code.
While we can’t say for certain whether the Snake Eater remake is going digital-only, a 2024 and beyond release date is going to increase that likelihood. If we’re to believe analysts, by 2028, most AAA titles will be going the digital route to take advantage of bigger profits at the cost of preservation.
The one glimmer of hope for a physical copy is actually in the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection. Releasing for PC via Steam, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X & S, the five-game collection, which includes the first three Metal Gear Solid games and the Metal Gear predecessors, will receive a physical launch.
Of course, there is a considerable difference between developing a whole new game and porting older titles, but it’s possible Konami may want to keep all Metal Gear titles on a physical disc.
When Will We Know More About Metal Gear Solid 3 Remake?
The brief reveal at the PlayStation Showcase offered no in-game footage and was likely a rendering made specifically for the event. It’s unlikely that we’ll see anything more in 2023, and we may not get our first glimpse at gameplay until one of the bigger showcases in 2024.
Should there be a physical release, we may not hear about it for quite some time.
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