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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.
Circana says that it seems unlikely that Nintendo will abandon physical media
Circana's Mat Piscatella suggests it is unlikely Nintendo will discontinue physical media, despite PlayStation phasing out physical games by 2028 and Xbox potentially following suit with their next console. This comes as speculation arises about Nintendo's future strategy regarding physical game releases.
Next Xbox, Project Helix, Will Reportedly Not Have a Disc Drive
Reports indicate the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will be a discless model, eliminating support for physical media. This follows PlayStation's announcement of ending physical disc production in 2028 and Rockstar Games' confirmation of no disc version for Grand Theft Auto VI. The move raises significant concerns for game preservation and the physical game market, with figures like Frank Cifaldi of the Video Game History Foundation highlighting the challenges for archiving digital-only content.
Xbox is reportedly testing a feature to digitize physical game collections as PlayStation decides to phase out discs
Xbox is reportedly testing a "Disc to Digital" feature that would allow users to convert their physical game collection into digital entitlements. This comes as PlayStation plans to phase out disc-based games by 2028, and other publishers like Take-Two are opting for digital-only releases, signaling a significant shift in the industry away from physical media.
PS3 & PS Vita PlayStation Stores to shut down
Sony's PlayStation is ending online store support for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. The PS3 store will begin closing in select markets in August 2026, with a full global closure of both PS3 and Vita stores planned for July 2027. After the closures, users will no longer be able to purchase new games, though previously bought titles will remain available for download.
Fresh off of dumping on Xbox's flailing, former Sony exec says PlayStation's pullback from PC releases…
Former Sony executive Shawn Layden criticized both Xbox's strategy and Sony's recent pullback from releasing games on PC. He argued that bringing PlayStation titles to PC was crucial for brand awareness across other media, even if it didn't directly lead to hardware sales. The discussion also touches on the current strength of the PC market and Microsoft's continued commitment to PC releases for its exclusives.
Opinion: Everything hurts and no one knows when the pain will end
The article discusses the ongoing financial struggles and mass layoffs within the game industry, attributing them to a combination of economic factors, executive mismanagement, and alleged abuses of power. The author, Bryant Francis, shares personal coping mechanisms for dealing with the constant stream of bad news and emphasizes the need for the industry to learn from past mistakes.
Uncharted PS5 remake scrapped by Naughty Dog, it’s claimed
Naughty Dog reportedly shelved plans for a PlayStation 5 remake of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune to focus on The Last of Us: Part I. A section of the original Uncharted was remade with Uncharted 4's graphics, but the scope of a full remake led to the project's cancellation. The future of the Uncharted series is uncertain, with rumors suggesting Bend Studio may take over.
Marvel Tōkon roster adds Deadpool, Loki, and Blade
Marvel Tōkon has added Deadpool, Loki, and Blade to its playable roster, as announced by PlayStation and Arc System Works during EVO 2026. A new gameplay trailer showcased these characters and the upcoming open beta for PlayStation 5 and PC, scheduled from July 24th to July 26th. The game will also feature a new stage, Asgard, and plans for post-launch DLC characters.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls recruits Blade, Deadpool, and Loki for surprising new team, locks open beta for PS5 and PC
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls will feature Blade, Deadpool, and Loki as part of its final roster, revealed at Evo 2026. The game, developed by Arc System Works and published by Marvel Games and PlayStation, will launch on PlayStation 5 and PC. An open beta for the fighting game has also been confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC players.
PlayStation CEO says company wants to "revitalise" live-service games
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino expressed a desire to "revitalize" the live-service game market with both first-party and third-party content, emphasizing the importance of continuous updates. He mentioned the upcoming release of their own live-service title, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and acknowledged the challenges in the genre. This comes after recent layoffs at Bungie and the cancellation of several PlayStation live-service projects, with Helldivers 2 being a notable success.
After years of suffering, Spyro fans suddenly have not just a brand-new game but an impending PC port of the OG PS1 classic with 60 FPS and "true widescreen" support
A fan-made PC port of the original PlayStation 1 classic, Spyro the Dragon, is nearing completion and promises features like 60 FPS and true widescreen support. This decompilation project, developed without AI, aims to replicate the original game's console experience on Windows 11. While not yet released, a full launch is anticipated soon, with potential for future support of the PS1 sequels.
Bungie Confirms Layoffs, “Most” Of Destiny Team Let Go
Bungie has confirmed company-wide layoffs, impacting a significant portion of its workforce, including most of the Destiny 2 team and some members of the Marathon development team. Studio leadership cited Destiny 2 falling short of expectations and the need to align resources with current priorities and future projects. This reorganization follows Sony's acquisition of Bungie in 2022, amidst a broader shift in PlayStation's focus away from live-service games.
Report: PlayStation changed first-party single-player PC strategy due to lack of revenue
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly shifted its strategy for releasing first-party single-player games on PC, with CEO Hideaki Nishino confirming that such titles will now be exclusive to PlayStation platforms due to insufficient revenue. Live-service games, however, will continue to be released on both PC and PlayStation 5 to reach a wider audience.
'There's No Ambiguity in Sony's Strategy': Trusted Journalist on PS5's Exclusivity Approach After Wishy-Washy CEO Statement
Journalist Jason Schreier stated there is no ambiguity in Sony's strategy to keep single-player PlayStation games exclusive to its platform, citing internal communications from Hermen Hulst. PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino's recent comments to Famitsu were carefully worded, suggesting PC releases will be considered on a case-by-case basis for individual titles, while live service games will continue to launch on both PlayStation 5 and PC.
Xbox's latest tactics display 'a basic misunderstanding of how the interactive entertainment world moves', says former PlayStation exec
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent strategic decisions demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the interactive entertainment industry. He criticizes the company's studio closures, reliance on live service games, and industry consolidation. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also previously advised Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella against entering the gaming market, citing a lack of creative DNA.
Sony Reiterates God of War Laufey Is 'Coming Soon' to PS5
Sony has reiterated that God of War Laufey is 'coming soon' to PlayStation 5, with marketing emails and social media posts highlighting its imminent release. While no specific date has been given, insider information suggests a launch in the first half of 2027, with a formal announcement expected later this year.
Former PlayStation boss says Xbox shows a "basic misunderstanding" of the games industry amid leadership changes, mixed messaging, and reports of studio closures
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent inconsistent actions, including shifts in publishing strategy and reports of studio closures like Ninja Theory, indicate a fundamental misunderstanding of the games industry. Despite denials from figures like Matthew Ball, these moves have fueled an identity crisis for Xbox, leading to confusion among players and raising concerns about the company's health.
Xbox Shows a “Basic Misunderstanding” of the Gaming Industry, Says Former PlayStation Exec
Former PlayStation Studios boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent actions, including impending layoffs and studio closures, demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the gaming industry. This perspective arises amidst reports of significant financial losses and strategic shifts within Microsoft's gaming division, impacting studios like Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games.
Weekend Console Download Deals for June 12: PlayStation Mid-Year Deals
PlayStation is offering mid-year deals on titles like ARC Raiders and Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection, with additional free games for PlayStation Plus members. Xbox features Capcom publisher sales, including Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition, while the Nintendo eShop also has Capcom discounts. Various other publishers like Atari and RGG Studio also have sales across platforms.
