Sony to discount day one digital releases

As of next month it may be cheaper to buy triple-A releases for PS3 digitally rather than from the High Street.

The American PlayStation division has announced an initiative called PSN Day 1 Digital” that will see major releases available to buy through the PlayStation Store on the same day that they are released at retail.

This is nothing new, of course – Sony debuted this functionality earlier this month.

What is new, however, is that PlayStation Plus subscribers will be entitled to a ten per cent discount on a selection of said titles.

Although this is unlikely to bring the digital purchase price down far enough to challenge the sorts of deals offered by online retailers and in supermarkets, it could pose a problem for some retailers, most notably specialists, who traditionally stick far closer to RRP.

Titles confirmed for PSN Day 1 Digital include Dishonored, Resident Evil 6, Assassin’s Creed III, 007: Legends, Need for Speed: Most Wanted and Medal of Honor: Warfighter.

If nothing else, though, this initiative is still a notable development in the transition toward a greater role for digital distribution.

Nintendo debuted its day one digital offering with the release of New Super Mario Bros last month, though it is resolutely sticking to top RRPs for its pricing.

Microsoft has previously stated that it is against offering new releases digitally on day one, although the gap between some titles’ Hihg Street and digital release is narrowing by the month.