Developer S2 Games today announced that it will be foregoing traditional methods of publishing and distribution for Savage 2: A Tortured Soul, making it only available for purchase as an online download on the S2 Games Website. The triple-A title, which is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Savage: The Battle for Newerth, will be available in the Fall of 2006 at a price of $29.99.

S2 Games is planning to demonstrate how an independent game developer/publisher can create a triple-A title at a fraction of the budget of some comparative titles and be able to pass much of that savings on to the consumer. The development team at S2 will also have the luxury of working within their own timeline and not having to rush to meet publisher/distribution deadlines, ultimately creating the game they want to create.

Additionally, S2's unique publishing methods will enable it to publish Savage 2: A Tortured Soul at a much lower price point than comparative titles as they will not have to share revenues with retailers or traditional publishing networks. S2 is anticipating that its success will open many doors for other Indie teams to focus on quality of product combined with creative marketing in order to achieve the same results. At the end of the day, S2 Games will have a game where the "hype" is only centered on the actual gameplay.

"If the game was sold through retail stores, we would be forced to set a higher price point like the other triple-A titles out there," said Marc DeForest, co-founder and lead designer, S2 Games. "By circumventing traditional publishing methods, we’re able to pass the savings directly on to the consumer as well as have much greater artistic license with our game."

For more information on Savage 2: A Tortured Soul, please visit http://savage2.s2games.com