Originally posted by Rayhn Plexus
I really don't see an conceiveable way for the game to hit the 31st date.
Doesn't it take a few days in itself to create the boxes/manuals/cds? They can only make the cds after the beta is finished and the game is finalized.
I personally prefer a better game later than an incomplete game now, however.
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Agree. The boxes are most likely already made - indeed, since the advertising features the box, the art for it is finalized. They may not quite be done - needing the final requirements, for instance - but are near ready to go.
The manual might get finalized after the boxes. But it also is done before the game is. That's why they include read me files, for last minute changes.
The CDs are last to get done - work on testing them will happen right up to, and even after they go gold. It's unlikely, but not unheard of, to pull a golden master - that is, final - CD if a big enough problem is found.
I'm not sure what the turnaround time is from GM to in-store. Say it gets done late monday. Probably the CD gets to the production facility on Tuesday morning. Duplication can start right away, and the product can begin being stuffed into boxes right then.
But, it takes some time to generate the stock - and get that stock to stores in any kind of quantity. I'm not sure how long that part takes - a week or so?
I'd guess it will hit shelves a week or two after it goes gold.