The special PlayStation 5-only physical Revered Edition of Mortal Shell 2 has sold out, its publisher Playstack announced. The demand for this collector's edition, which includes the game on disc, an artbook, a steelbook, and art prints, reportedly exceeded expectations, selling out within eight days of pre-orders opening.
This rapid sell-out has been amplified by some gamers as evidence against Sony's stated intentions to cease disc production for new PlayStation games after 2028. Discontent among players regarding the move away from physical media and concerns about long-term game preservation and ownership continues to be voiced across social media platforms. These protests have recently begun to impact the visibility of new game releases, even those unrelated to Sony's disc policy.
Playstack stated that due to manufacturing timelines and the game's August 20 release date, there is a low probability of restocking the Revered Edition before launch. They are currently reviewing demand with their distribution partner, but a replenishment is not guaranteed.
While the standard physical edition of Mortal Shell 2 on PS5 remains available, the sell-out of the special edition has become a focal point for the ongoing debate about physical media. Angry responses are frequently directed at PlayStation's social media channels, with some users expressing their desire for physical games and criticizing the perceived move towards an all-digital future.
Industry analysts, however, remain skeptical that Sony will reverse its decision. Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Kantan Games, suggested that even a significant protest, such as half a million PlayStation Plus cancellations, would represent only a small percentage of Sony's active user base and would not be enough to alter their strategy. He pointed to the lucrative nature of digital sales for Sony, where the company retains 100% of revenue for first-party titles and a 30% cut for third-party games, compared to significantly lower margins on physical copies that involve retailer and manufacturing costs.
Piers Harding-Rolls, games industry analyst at Ampere, noted that the trend towards digital gaming has been accelerating over the past two console generations. Data from Ampere indicates that by 2025, digital purchases accounted for nearly 80% of full game sales on Sony consoles, a stark contrast to the 13% seen in 2013. While acknowledging concerns about choice, collection, and preservation, Harding-Rolls stated that purchasing trends clearly support the shift to digital. Another analyst, Robin Zhu of Bernstein, suggested that if players had historically purchased more physical games, the sales ratios might not have justified Sony's current decision.