Surprising news out of EA: “Burnout Paradise,” the well-received January-launched racing game from Criterion is going to be fully downloadable on the PS3 for $29.99 this fall, with Trophy support and all download packs included.

As best I can tell, this makes “Burnout Paradise”:

• The first disc-based game of this generation to be released as a downloadable one later in the same year it was released in stores (”Warhawk” doesn’t count. “Portal,” coming to XBLA, almost fit the bill too.)
• The first open-world game to be offered as a downloadable title on consoles, a sign of the sheer size of games now being issued via the Internet.
• The first third-party, multi-platform disc-based title of this generation to be announced as downloadable for only one console. (A new front in the battle for third-party exclusives?)

All things to chew on. Now think about the implications for store-bought games and how this combats the urge to buy a used copy of “Burnout Paradise” at your local GameStop…

Full EA press release follows:

BURNOUT PARADISE LAUNCHES ON PLAYSTATION NETWORK

’Year of Paradise’ Heralds Direct to Consumer Revolution as Criterion Games Introduces

PLAYSTATION®3 Trophy System and Motorcycles

Redwood City, CA – Aug 14, 2008 – Criterion Games, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that the Platinum-hit driving game Burnout™ Paradise will be available to download from the US PLAYSTATION®Network via the PLAYSTATION®Store for $29.99 this Fall. Winner of over 55 awards worldwide, the downloadable version of Burnout Paradise will incorporate all of the recent updates that Criterion Games has delivered directly to consumers.

Burnout Paradise offers hours of intense, high action driving in a stunning open-world that can be experienced both in single player and socially online with your friends — but the fun does not end there. Earlier this year, Criterion Games kicked off ‘The Year of Paradise’ at www.criteriongames.com. The Year of Paradise is a year-long direct-to-consumer program where Criterion Games regularly releases new game-changing downloadable content that is designed to evolve the game beyond its initial retail release. The first update is available now (August), free of charge* through the PLAYSTATION Network and Xbox LIVE® Marketplace, and includes three new game modes, new cars and 70 new multi-part challenges, extending the game with hours of new gameplay. The download pack also introduces a live news page where players can track their game progress and find out news on upcoming online multiplayer events. More game-changing downloadable content is coming this Fall for Burnout Paradise, including trophy support and motorcycles free of charge* through the PLAYSTATION Network and Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

Fiona Sperry, Studio Manager for Criterion Games said, “Our mission at Criterion is to provide the most entertaining gaming service possible. In order to do that, it’s key that we have the ability to deliver content to players in ways that work for them – through quick and easy download or via traditional bricks and mortar. For us, the fun is in playing the game with friends and constantly discovering new surprises in the world. Download packs with meaningful new gameplay are the perfect way for us to keep entertaining fans and keep them playing, even months after launch.”

Burnout Paradise is now available on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system for the greatest hits/classics price of $29.99 in North America. The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI. For more information about Burnout Paradise, please visit http://criteriongames.com.

Related Posts
More Wheelies, Less Crashing — How Motorcycles Work In ‘Burnout Paradise’
EA Says You’ll Experience ‘Burnout Paradise’ DLC — Even if You Don’t Buy it
Vs Mode Final Round — Off The Rails And Going Into Crash Mode (’World Of Burnout’ Considered)