E-distribution has been picking up steam in the last few months - Xbox 360 has a fantastic service called Xbox Live Arcade, offering quick, casual games for a small price; Valve’s Steam has allowed developers (like Ritual) release full games without going through retail. Sony has also jumped on the bandwagon and has divulged plans for the PS3 E-Distribution Initiative that will let both first and third-party developers digitally distribute games via download, directly to the PS3.

Gamasutra had the chance to talk with John Hight, the man behind the PS3 EDI project. He talked about making games available globally, reaching remote markets, curbing used game sales and piracy, among other things. Most interestingly, his comments indicate that PS3’s EDI will see exclusive games for the platform that will take advantage of the machine’s features (especially the “dualshake” controller): “We’re looking for fresh, new ideas that fully exploit the power of PlayStation 3. Our 1st party projects are all unique to PS3. Some of our games, by virtue of their design and hardware demands, simply couldn’t work on Xbox 360.”

He also talked about letting independent developers on the platform as well as development of other content for games. No other details were offered.

Dismissing traditional methods of publishing and distribution in favor of digital distribution is S2 Games, who has announced that Savage 2: A Tortured Soul will be available for purchase this Fall on their website.

Hoping to showcase how an indie developer can create a “triple-A” title at a fraction of the budget of comparative titles, S2 Games has chosen digital distribution. The company has the “luxury” of working within its own timeline and also doesn’t need to answer to anyone - well, that’s what they said. Apparently, Savage 2’s digital distribution will pass on the savings to the consumer in the form of a lower price-point - the game will be available for $30, as opposed to $50, according to S2.

Let’s hope S2 is successful with their digital distribution effort.