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Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden on Sony's years-long debate over scrapping discs, and why this time it's probably "a straight spreadsheet decision"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden discusses Sony's decision to end disc production, calling it a 'spreadsheet decision' driven by the shift to digital sales. He believes this move, accelerated by the pandemic, suggests future consoles like the PlayStation 6 may omit disc drives entirely. Layden also noted that concerns over second-hand sales are no longer a significant factor for the business.
Evening Patches
Microsoft Flight Simulator has released World Update 22, focusing on the United States National Parks. The article also briefly mentions unofficial patches and mods, as well as Grand Theft Auto 5.
Games Inbox: Giving up consoles because of PS5 going digital-only
Readers discuss Sony's potential shift to an all-digital PlayStation 5, with concerns about game ownership, pricing, and accessibility for those with poor internet. Some readers are considering switching to PC or Nintendo, while others see digital as a convenient and inevitable evolution, provided consumer rights are protected.
Marvel’s Blade is Seemingly “Pretty Far Along” With Reveal Planned for 2026 – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Arkane Studios' Marvel's Blade is far along in development, with a potential reveal planned for 2026 and release in 2027. Despite reports of delays and Xbox potentially not wanting to fund further development, the game's existence is not officially confirmed, nor is the fate of Arkane Studios or other Xbox-owned studios like Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Studio Confirms Physical Release Will Include Disc in the Box
Halo Studios has confirmed that the physical release of Halo: Campaign Evolved will include a disc, addressing fan concerns following Rockstar Games' decision to omit discs from Grand Theft Auto 6. The game will also feature a robust Machinima mode, replacing a traditional photo mode, and will be optimized for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and handheld systems like the Steam Deck.
Xbox Cancelled a Marketing Campaign of Physical Copies of Games vs Digital in 2025 – Rumor
A rumored marketing campaign by Xbox for 2025, intended to discuss the advantages of physical versus digital game copies, was reportedly cancelled. This decision may hint at future Xbox consoles eschewing disc drives and aligns with a broader industry trend towards digital media, as seen with Sony's recent announcement to cease physical game production for its consoles by 2028.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases World Update 22: United States National Parks - Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator has released World Update 22, focusing on the United States National Parks in celebration of the country's 250th anniversary. This free update for all owners adds 31 areas of interest with updated photogrammetry, TIN surface texturing, and DEM, alongside new guided tours and discovery flights. The update is available for PC and Xbox Series X|S, with Microsoft Flight Simulator also available on PlayStation 5 via cloud streaming.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases World Update 22: United States National Parks
Microsoft Flight Simulator has released World Update 22, focusing on the United States National Parks. This update enhances the in-game representation of these natural landmarks for players.
GTA6 devs accuse Rockstar of crunch and pay inequity, Spanish Ubisoft devs go on strike
Developers at Rockstar Games have accused the studio of crunch, pay inequity, and using legal loopholes to bypass UK labor laws, amidst the development of Grand Theft Auto VI. Meanwhile, Ubisoft Barcelona developers in Spain have gone on strike over restructuring and job losses, demanding better working conditions and job security. A new fund has also been established to financially assist game developers who have lost their jobs.
‘You've become the villain you mocked’ - PS5 fans slam Sony over classic video
Fans are criticizing Sony's shift away from physical PlayStation 5 game releases, drawing parallels to a 2013 instructional video where Sony championed game sharing against Microsoft's policies. The article highlights user comments expressing resentment over Sony's current digital-only direction, contrasting it with past marketing. Former PlayStation executives Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes are mentioned as having departed the company.
Minecraft Movie Build Challenge Voting Event
Mojang Studios is holding a community voting event for the Minecraft Movie Build Challenge, allowing players to decide which build will be featured in "A Minecraft Movie: Squared." Voting takes place within Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and concludes on July 6th, with the winner announced on July 10th.
On the unionization frontlines
Two significant unionization victories occurred in the video game industry: Bethesda Game Studios employees formed a union at Microsoft, and the World of Warcraft development staff formed the World of Warcraft Game Makers Guild at Blizzard Entertainment. The Communications Workers of America, represented by Emma Kinema, spearheaded these efforts, with insights from Bethesda's Autumn Mitchell and Chris Lusco discussed in the Game Developer Podcast.
Not So Massively: Blizzard’s reckless experimentation on StarCraft II and Heroes of the Storm
The article criticizes Blizzard Entertainment's recent balance patches for StarCraft II and Heroes of the Storm, suggesting reckless experimentation with minimal testing and communication. The author argues that these drastic changes, particularly to core mechanics, are detrimental to the games and their communities, drawing parallels between the two titles under Blizzard's classic games team.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7, Diablo 4, And More Games Are Free On Xbox This Weekend
Microsoft is offering several games for free on Xbox over the July 4th weekend as part of its Free Play Days promotion. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 multiplayer and Zombies are available until July 6, and Diablo IV until July 7. Demonschool and The Stone Madness have two-hour trials available until July 5. Some titles, like Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure, require an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Another giant US company is looking to expand into gaming claims report
NBCUniversal, the company behind Universal Pictures and the streaming service Peacock, is reportedly considering expanding into the video game business. This potential move comes as the company is preparing for a spin-off from Comcast. While no specific plans have been revealed, NBCUniversal is assessing various growth opportunities, with gaming being one of them.
Sony's PlayStation 6 is now estimated to cost over $900 in materials alone, signalling a launch price tag double…
Early estimates suggest the PlayStation 6 could have a Bill of Materials cost of around $960, significantly higher than previous console generations. This is attributed to ongoing memory supply issues, potentially leading to a launch price tag double that of the PlayStation 5. Hardware leaker KeplerL2 provided the estimate, which, while unofficial, aligns with concerns about rising component costs impacting future console pricing.
Nintendo probably won't ditch physical games just because PlayStation is, analyst predicts: "Nintendo is going…
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella predicts Nintendo will not follow Sony's lead in phasing out new physical game releases by 2028. Piscatella stated that Nintendo operates independently and is unlikely to alter its strategy based on competitors' decisions. Despite the industry shift towards digital, Nintendo maintains a strong physical market share, particularly with the Nintendo Switch.
Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror game OD is said to survive Microsoft's culling for the second time now
Despite ongoing major studio and game culls at Microsoft, Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror title OD is reportedly safe. The game, developed by Kojima Productions and published by Xbox Publishing, has survived previous reassessments and continues its development. The project also features collaboration with director Jordan Peele and a notable cast, making it a high-profile title unlikely to be axed.
Report: Xbox is testing a feature to digitize physical games
Xbox is reportedly testing a new feature that would allow players to digitize their physical game collections for Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles. This disc-to-digital functionality would grant a digital entitlement tied to the physical disc, enabling streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming or access on PC for compatible titles. The feature is currently in internal testing, and its inclusion in future consoles is undecided, amidst Sony's announced pivot away from physical discs for PlayStation software by 2028.
The Console Market Is Cooked
The console market is facing significant price increases for both Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5 Pro models, driven by a global chip shortage exacerbated by AI development and data center construction. Changing player habits, with a shift towards mobile gaming, also contribute to market volatility. Industry analyst Mat Piscatella discusses these factors, alongside AAA development costs and inflation, suggesting a shrinking console audience as prices rise.
