Release date (merged)

[Frances_Penfold]

I probably am heading out to get a PS3 this afternoon!

Hear that Sony? Wipeout => PS3 sales +1. Be good to this lil' franchise

Regarding the release date-- and setting aside Wipeout HD for the moment-- I wonder if a sudden "shock release" could actually be a good thing? You know, suddenly it's available, there's an avalanche of posts on gaming message boards, and everybody goes online to buy / download the newly available software before people have a chance to think critically about what they are doing.

It would be a terrible idea with a traditional game release because people have to go to a store, plan ahead, etc. But for downloadable software, I wonder if a company could tap into the sense of excitement and hype that often accompanies new game announcements-- and avoid the inevitable backlash that comes when folks are disappointed for whatever reason.