Xbox showcases five exciting games, but one major announcement leaves fans fuming
Xbox recently held its latest Developer Direct event, revealing a lineup of five games set to launch on Xbox and PC in 2024. Among the games showcased was the highly anticipated sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, which initially captivated fans with its stunning graphics. However, the announcement of the game being digital-only has sparked fury among Xbox enthusiasts.
Long-awaited sequel of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has been the subject of much anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. The original game, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, was released in 2017 and gained acclaim for its gripping story centered around the protagonist's struggle with psychosis. It received numerous awards, including Best Action Adventure Game and Best Performance at The Game Awards.
Deeper look at the game during Developer Direct
During the Developer Direct event, Xbox treated fans to 10 minutes of gameplay footage and developer talks, providing a deeper insight into what Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 has in store. The showcased gameplay showcased some of the best graphics ever seen in gaming, leaving gamers in awe.
Controversial digital-only release
While the gameplay footage thrilled fans, a post-showcase announcement on Xbox Wire left many furious. In the blog post, it was revealed that Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 will be released as a digital-only title, priced at $49.99/£49.99. The post explained that this decision allowed the developers to create a game that perfectly fit their vision while reflecting a lower price point due to the shorter length of the story.
Although the digital-only release means a lower price, it has sparked outrage among gamers who still prefer physical copies of games. Concerns about online services shutting down and losing access to games have been raised, echoing similar outrage when Alan Wake 2 announced its digital-only release last year.
Conclusion
The announcement of Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 as a digital-only release has left Xbox fans disappointed and frustrated. Despite the excitement surrounding the game's graphics and gameplay, the absence of a physical copy option has generated backlash. It remains to be seen whether Xbox will reconsider its decision in response to the passionate outcry from fans.
