Release date report on Digital Spy

Just seen this on DigitalSpy (hate the trashy celeb stuff but the forums are good for sports broadcasting discussion!). Interesting the last line on release dates, is this an outdated article or should we be worried about getting boxed copies on "release day"?

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/a178112/fm-2010-dated-for-october.html

Sega's Football Manager 2010 will be available for download next month, the publisher has announced.

Developed by Sports Interactive, the series is one of the most popular management sims on the market, with over one million copies sold worldwide. The latest edition of the title will be released for PC and Mac, with PSP owners able to download a handheld version via the PlayStation Network.

The studio has reportedly taken fan feedback on board to implement key changes to this year's iteration. The game features a brand new look and user interface, as well as an overhauled match tactics system and match analysis tool.

"We have worked very hard with the Football Manager community to target not only the areas of the game that needed re-working but also what we could add to improve what's already there. We've also conducted extensive usability studies which has led us to overhaul the whole presentation of the game, which we're really excited about," said Miles Jacobson, studio director at Sports Interactive.

"There has been a lot of polish to existing areas of the game but it's also driven us to introduce changes to answer some of the feedback. We're very confident that having done that we will deliver the very best Football Manager to date in October."

Football Manager 2010 is available for download on October 30. Boxed editions will be available from November 2.

Makes sense to me.

The release date will be the later of the two dates and the day you can activate the game.

The few days inbetween are being used to distribute the boxed version to the retailers. Why not use this time to allow download customers to download the game ready to activate spreading the server load over a few days rather than just release day.

November 2nd is a Monday though, it will be pretty annoying if that is the case as I don't have much time to play during the week.

Makes sense to me.

The release date will be the later of the two dates and the day you can activate the game.

The few days inbetween are being used to distribute the boxed version to the retailers. Why not use this time to allow download customers to download the game ready to activate spreading the server load over a few days rather than just release day.

But SI announced the release date as Oct 30, knowing that most people buy the boxed version

Is it not referring to the FM/WWSM release dates? They are often a few days apart

I wouldnt believe it until SI say its true, they have said all version will be out 30th October so until an official announcement is made thats how it is

But SI announced the release date as Oct 30, knowing that most people buy the boxed version

Is it not referring to the FM/WWSM release dates? They are often a few days apart

Yes, I wasn't really commenting on the actual dates, more that its natural for the download version to be available first.

As to actual dates if SI say Oct 30th then boxed versions will be in store by then ready to sell unless something happens during distribution to the retailers.

I dont think Si and Sega will release it on a Monday.