NEWS - Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Ubisoft Transitioning to Digital Game Manuals
In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, Ubisoft is doing away with what was considered one of the hallmarks of the new video game experience. The publisher announced today that they will no longer be creating paper manuals for their games, instead relying entirely on in-game digital versions.
According to the official release, producing the roughly one ton of paper needed to create a manual means consuming 13 trees and emitting roughly 6000 pounds of carbon dioxide. In addition, the 28 million BTUs of net energy could be used to heat and power the average home for approximately one year.
Ubisoft is promising "multiple benefits," including a "more robust manual." They didn’t go into anymore detail in their official release. Manuals have lately fallen by the wayside thanks to expense involved in creating them and the improved integration of tutorials.
In addition to the digital manuals, Ubisoft will be creating "echoTech" DVD cases for games like the PC release of Splinter Cell Conviction. They will include 100 percent-recycled polypropylene.
The first digital manual will be included with Shaun White Skateboarding. It’s due out this holiday season.
Source: http://www.1up.com
