Matrix Games announced today a new line of Game Editions, starting with the Digital Express Edition This new product classification system aims to clarify the contents of each game package to make it easier for customers to know what to expect when they purchase a physical copy of a Matrix Games product.  With the roll-out of printed manuals in 2007 for new releases and some old releases, customer feedback asked for more information on which titles now have printed manuals and which do not.  The new Digital Express Edition is an effort to make it easier for customers to inform themselves regarding what each game box contains.

A Digital Express Edition is a game which comes with an electronic PDF manual only and no printed manual option.  The boxed versions of a Digital Express Edition will consist of a shrink-wrapped color double DVD box and a color printed CD (or CDs) to install the game.  This new designation will start with some of the new releases in 2008 and be gradually applied to the existing catalog over the course of the year.  The first Digital Express Edition will be released later this week.

A Standard Edition is a game which comes with both a printed black and white manual and an electronic PDF manual.  The boxed version of a Standard Edition includes a shrink-wrapped color double DVD box, a black and white printed manual, and a color printed CD (or CDs) to install the game.  This designation will be rolled out later in the year to new releases and the existing catalog.

A Collector’s Edition is the same as a Standard Edition with the exception that the printed manual is in color rather than black and white.  This designation is rare and will be rolled out later in the year for new releases and one or two titles in the existing catalog.

Three different logos in color-coded bands across the top of the game box will make the edition of each game clear in the online store and on the physical copy of the product. Also, please remember these contents are only for the physical version of the game and will not affect the digital download, which remains as it has always been: a single downloadable installer file with a full color PDF manual.

Erik Rutins, Director of Product Development at Matrix Games, said “We’ve heard from a lot of customers who love our new printed manuals but wanted us to make it easier to understand what comes in each game package. We think these changes will go a long way to making it easy for customers to know exactly what to expect when they order a particular game from us.”