Visual novel publisher, MangaGamer, get a lot of requests for physical hard copies of their games. At present, they only offer their titles via digital download. At Anime Expo 2010, however, MangaGamer, put limited run physical copies of KiraKira and Higurashi chapters 1 – 4 up for sale.
That experiment worked rather well, so they’re trying it again with a different game. The lucky contender this time is D.C. Da Capo, which gets hard copies in a limited edition package in collaboration with U.S. retailer, Hendane. The limited edition of Da Capo, priced at $55.00 USD, will come with a DRM-free copy of the game, a soundtrack CD, and a 24-page art book, just like its original Japanese release.
Provided response to the physical edition is satisfactory, MangaGamer will consider rolling out physical editions of other games, such as Shuffle!. These will be offered in both limited and regular editions, depending on whether the original Japanese release saw two versions or not.
Hendane are an American retailer, although, they do ship games to Europe as well. However, MangaGamer are also looking for other ways to distribute their physical editions directly in Europe, and are reserving “a few hundred additional copies” specifically for sale in European territories.
You’ll want to keep an eye on the MangaGamer and Hendane blogs to watch out for when pre-orders for the game go up. We’ll have an interview with MangaGamer to discuss the company’s year ahead in the near future, too.
