[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

Mortal Shell II launch and physical media backlash

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-03 09:42 UTC → 2026-08-10 22:14 UTC · added removed

Mortal Shell II sellout sparks Sony disc‑free launch and physical media backlash

Cold Symmetry and publisher PlayStack confirmed Mortal Shell II will launch worldwide on 20 August 2026 for PC, PS5 PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The limited PS5‑exclusive “Revered” sequel features a redesigned combat system, over 60 dungeons, and a compact open world. Pre-order options include a Devout Edition with a 72-hour early-access window and a physical edition PS5-exclusive “Revered Edition”. The limited “Revered Edition” sold out within a week, fueling criticism of rapidly across markets including the UK, US, Austria, Brazil, and Germany. This sell-out has fueled significant backlash regarding Sony’s plan announcement to end cease new physical disc production in January 2028. Retailers across Austria, the UK, the US, Brazil, Germany Critics and other markets reported the edition fully reserved or out of stock, publishers have expressed concerns over digital ownership and PlayStack said restocking depends on its distribution partner preservation, with no guarantee of additional copies. some Mexican legislators even threatening antitrust complaints. Analyst Daniel Ahmad noted the sell‑out shows strong event demonstrates persistent demand for disc‑based disc-based collector editions despite the deliberately small print run. runs. On 31 July 2026 2026, the studio opened launched a free open beta for consoles, mirroring the PC build released earlier PC release on Steam. The beta, available on both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, lets beta allows players to experience roughly approximately three hours – of gameplay, covering the prologue and the first open‑world area – and carries over progress to open-world area. Players who complete at least 30 minutes can unlock the full game. Clearing “Flayed Harbinger” cosmetic skin, while clearing the Marrow Keep segment lets allows players to skip the prologue at launch, and a 30‑minute playtime unlocks the exclusive “Flayed Harbinger” cosmetic skin. Reports cite over 500,000‑650,000 PC downloads before the console rollout, and the console beta has already attracted hundreds of thousands of testers. Feedback launch. The full release is collected via the official Discord channel; no fixed end date for the beta has been announced. Pre‑order options include a Devout Edition with a 72‑hour early‑access window starting 17 August expected to feature extensive trophy and the physical Revered Edition for PS5. The developer continues gathering player feedback as launch approaches. achievement support.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-10 22:14 UTC Mortal Shell II launch and physical media backlash
  2. 2026-08-03 09:42 UTC Mortal Shell II sellout sparks Sony disc‑free backlash
  3. 2026-08-01 09:01 UTC Mortal Shell II sellout sparks Sony disc‑free backlash
  4. 2026-07-31 18:13 UTC Mortal Shell II sellout sparks Sony disc‑free backlash
  5. 2026-07-31 14:54 UTC Mortal Shell II sellout sparks Sony disc‑free backlash

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.