Burnout Paradise to cut out retail

In a move that will likely send shudders through the entire retail chain, EA-owned studio Criterion has confirmed that its recent release Burnout Paradise is to be made available as a full download on Sony’s PlayStation Store on PS3.

Priced at $29.99 in North America, the game will be available to download for significantly less than it cost when it first arrived at retail.

Our mission at Criterion is to provide the most entertaining gaming service possible,” Criterion’s studio manager Fiona Sperry stated. In order to do that, it’s key that we have the ability to deliver content to players in ways that work for them – through quick and easy download or via traditional bricks and mortar.

For us, the fun is in playing the game with friends and constantly discovering new surprises in the world. Download packs with meaningful new gameplay are the perfect way for us to keep entertaining fans and keep them playing, even months after launch.”

This move is just the latest in a lengthening line of moves that looks to reduce publisher’s reliance on traditional bricks and mortar retail on the current generation of machines. Eidos made Tomb Raider Anniversary available on Xbox Live as well as in the shops, whilst Sony’s upcoming Siren: Blood Curse will be the platform holder’s third title to be released both at retail and for download on PSN.