iam8bit
iam8bit business and news from across the web.- Sony Tries To Change The Subject After Killing PlayStation DiscsSony announced plans to end support for physical game discs on PlayStation platforms by early 2028, a move that has drawn significant backlash from gamers. The company's subsequent attempt to shift focus to a new wireless fight stick was met with continued anger and disappointment. Analysts suggest the decision aims to increase Sony's control over pricing and distribution, eliminating the used game market and pushing consumers towards digital purchases.
- Sony tells publishers they can still reorder physical game discs for games pubbed before 2028Sony has informed publishers that they can still reorder physical PlayStation game discs released before January 2028, even after the stated end of disc printing. This comes after significant backlash from publishers and preservation groups regarding the initial announcement. Meanwhile, Sony's disc manufacturing plant in Austria is being repurposed for optical microlens production.
"We are profoundly disappointed by Sony's decision" – Game companies express dismay at the end of PlayStation disc productionSony plans to cease production of new PlayStation game discs by January 2028, shifting to an all-digital model and closing older digital storefronts. This decision has drawn criticism from various game companies and preservationists who view physical media as crucial for ownership, preservation, and consumer choice.
"Long live physical media": Devs and publishers of Baldur's Gate 3, Silksong, and more call Sony's decision to end physical PlayStation games "genuinely heartbreaking"Sony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs starting in 2028 has been met with dismay from developers and publishers. Many express sadness and a loss of desire to develop for the platform, citing the importance of physical media for preservation, collector value, and the joy it brings to players. Companies like Larian Studios, Lost in Cult, and Fangamer are particularly vocal about the impact on their work and their commitment to physical releases.
"We are profoundly disappointed" - boutique special edition game makers react to PlayStation's discless futureBoutique special edition game makers like iam8bit, Lost in Cult, and Red Art Games have expressed profound disappointment and protest over Sony's decision to cease production of physical game discs for PlayStation consoles in January 2028. These companies emphasize the importance of physical media for game preservation, ownership, and consumer choice, vowing to continue their efforts to release physical editions for as long as possible.
Physical media retailers respond to PlayStation's discontinuation of disc-based gamesSony has announced its decision to cease production of physical disc-based games for PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028. This move has drawn disappointment from physical media retailers like GameFly, Fangamer, and iam8bit, who emphasize the importance of physical media for ownership, preservation, and consumer choice. While GameStop and Limited Run Games have not yet commented, Sony cites shifting consumer trends for its decision, which may also suggest cost-cutting measures for future hardware.- “Profoundly Disappointed” Is This Company’s Response To Sony’s Decision To End Disc Supportiam8bit has expressed profound disappointment regarding Sony's decision to end support for physical PlayStation discs in 2028, emphasizing the importance of physical media for game preservation and consumer choice. Independent developer Aeternum Game Studios also pledged to continue releasing physical editions before the deadline. This move by Sony, alongside potential similar decisions from Microsoft, signals a significant shift away from physical game distribution.
Unbeatable confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2, will have a physical releaseUnbeatable, an anime-inspired rhythm adventure game, is confirmed for release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Publisher Playstack and developer D-Cell Games announced the upcoming title, which will also receive a physical release produced by iam8bit. The game features rhythm-based gameplay, story mode, and an arcade mode with unlockable content.
Sonic The Hedgehog is being re-released on cartridge but there's a big problemSega is celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary with several new releases, including Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 and two physical game collections. Additionally, iam8bit is releasing special cartridge re-releases of the original Sonic The Hedgehog and Sonic The Hedgehog 2 for the NTSC Sega Genesis, though these are primarily for collectors due to regional compatibility issues.
Sonic Returns To His Roots With New Sega Genesis CartridgesSega and iam8bit have released new 'Legacy Cartridges' for Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, compatible with NTSC Sega Genesis consoles. Priced at $99.99 each, these collector's items feature translucent cartridges, clamshell packaging, and instruction manuals, with a chance for a glow-in-the-dark shell.
This Blue Prince Physical Collection Might Help You Crack Some Of Its Toughest Puzzlesiam8bit is releasing a physical collector's edition for the puzzle game Blue Prince on Nintendo Switch, which will also include various merchandise like posters, notebooks, and replica keys. The collection is available for pre-order on iam8bit's website, with shipments expected in October. The article also references a positive review of the game's earlier PC and PlayStation 5 release.- Lies of P: Complete Edition Switch 2 Preorders Include Some Cool CollectiblesLies of P: Complete Edition is launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 6 digitally and October 2 physically. The physical edition, priced at $70, includes the base game, the Overture expansion, two cosmetic DLC packs, and six collectible art cards. iam8bit is also offering exclusive SteelBook cases and bundle editions with additional merchandise.
Lies of P on Nintendo Switch 2 physical includes game on cartridgeThe physical release of the souls-like game Lies of P for the Nintendo Switch will include the full game on the cartridge, avoiding the use of a Game-Key Card. This practice is becoming a rarity for third-party releases. Developers Neowiz and iam8bit are being praised for this approach.
Lies of P: Complete Edition coming to Switch 2 on August 6NEOWIZ and Round8 Studio announced that Lies of P: Complete Edition, including the base game and the "Overture" DLC, will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on August 6 for $69.99. The Soulslike action RPG has sold over four million units globally since its initial release in September 2023 on other platforms. Physical and special collector's editions are also available for pre-order through iam8bit.- But What a Beautiful Sunset It Is: Sea of Stars Sunset Edition Marks the Final Update for the Game, Available NowSabotage Studio has released the final update for their JRPG, Sea of Stars, titled the Sunset Edition. This update includes a new cinematic opening, revisited balancing, and new key art. The game is now available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, with a physical Collector's Edition planned for later this year.
Sea of Stars' Final PS5 Update Issued in Sunset EditionSabotage has released the Sunset Edition of its RPG Sea of Stars for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, featuring a new cinematic introduction and updated key art. The studio is also working on a new game codenamed Project Sparrow, which has entered full production. A physical collector's edition of Sea of Stars will also be released in collaboration with iam8bit.
Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth Physical Editions Available for Pre-Orderiam8bit and Hyper Games have opened pre-orders for physical editions of Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The Retail Edition, priced at $29.99, includes stickers and a digital soundtrack, while the Collector’s Edition for $74.99 adds an artbook, tote bag, pins, and keychain. The game is inspired by Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories and follows Moomintroll's winter adventure.- Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth coming to PS5 alongside physical editionsiam8bit and Hyper Games have announced physical editions for the cozy adventure game Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth. The game will also be released on PlayStation 5, with physical versions available for purchase.
Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth set for Nintendo Switch physical releaseiam8bit and Hyper Games have announced a physical release for the cozy adventure game Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth, set to ship on September 18, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch. The game is available standalone or in special editions, including a collector's edition with exclusive merchandise. Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth, inspired by Tove Jansson's Moomin stories, follows Moomintroll's journey after waking early from hibernation.
Game Maker's Sketchbook announces selections for 2026 showcaseThe Game Maker's Sketchbook has announced its selections for its fifth annual showcase, highlighting concept art, environment art, character designs, and storyboards from games including Pragmata, Borderlands 4, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Monument Valley 3. The works are featured in an online gallery and will be exhibited at Summer Game Fest: Play Days in Los Angeles, with prints available for pre-order to support non-profit initiatives.