The North American PC physical release of Battlefield 1 will not contain a disc, but instead a download code for the game, according to Electronic Arts.

A report done by PC Gamer notes that the upcoming first-person shooter, set in the first World War, will not contain a disc version of the game, according to listings from both Amazon and Gamestop. Later, a spokesperson from EA clarified the situation for PC Gamer, noting that all versions of Battlefield 1 for the PC in North America will be digital downloads only.

"Here in North America, there will be a PC box version that you can buy in stores that will have a code in the box and no disc. If you buy that same PC box version Internationally, some countries will offer a disc inside.”

EA did not go into details which countries will have a disc for Battlefield 1, but what is clear is that both versions of the game, the standard and "Early Enlister" Deluxe Edition, will only contain download codes and no physical copy. The Exclusive Collector's Edition, priced at $220, is for consoles only. Console versions of the game are apparently unaffected by this change.

Battlefield 1 was revealed last week and has generated some positive buzz from media and fans alike with the trailer quickly becoming one of the most liked ever. The game is set for release on October 21st.

Quick Take

This is not really surprising to me. Digital downloads are more or less becoming the norm for PC gaming at this point, so going diskless for the PC is a good business move by EA here. Consoles are beginning to follow this trend as well, albeit slowly and with more resistance. I have seen some console versions of a game, like No Man's Sky, have both a disc and non-disc version available for purchase. That may become the norm soon, despite the fact that some PC players may not be able to handle digital downloads due to data capping and some regions having significantly poorer internet access.

I don't think this will hurt sales for Battlefield 1 at all, at least in North America. What do you think, though? Leave your comments below.