Sony Interactive Entertainment
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This Week in Switch 2 - PlayStation's physical media fiasco, Xbox layoffs & Nintendo's annual report
This Week in Switch 2 covers recent Nintendo news, PlayStation's announcement regarding physical media, and significant layoffs at Microsoft's Xbox division. The article also mentions a preview for Splatoon Raiders and free interactive maps for other games.
Evening Legal Briefs
A former director for Destiny 2 and Marathon has settled a $200 million lawsuit against Sony and Bungie, expressing satisfaction with the outcome. The article also briefly mentions a judge rejecting a Kalshi attempt to override new regulations.
Former Destiny 2 and Marathon director settles $200 million lawsuit against Sony and Bungie: 'The outcome is one I…
Former Destiny 2 and Marathon director Christopher Barrett has settled his $200 million lawsuit against Sony Interactive Entertainment and Bungie. Barrett alleged he was wrongfully terminated to avoid paying him over $45 million in owed compensation and to scapegoat him for business failures. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Barrett expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
Players prove Destiny 2 can still produce wonders with discovery of poopy pants transmog
Players have discovered a humorous transmog combination in Destiny 2 that makes hunter characters appear to have 'poopy pants' when using the Scavenger Suit leg armor with the Cobwebbed shader. This discovery highlights the game's enduring capacity for player-driven entertainment, even as Bungie faces staffing changes and the game enters its twilight years.
After Sony announces its sunsetting PlayStation discs, Hideo Kojima shares a warning about physical media: "What is happening to video games in 2028 might also happen to movies"
Hideo Kojima expressed concern over Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to discontinue physical game disc production in 2028, warning that the shift away from physical media could impact movies and other digital content. He highlighted the risks associated with streaming services and the potential loss of access to content if servers are shut down or distribution changes.
Yes, PlayStation Is Making A Gaming Monitor–And You Can Preorder It Now
Sony Interactive Entertainment is releasing a new 27-inch gaming monitor designed for the PlayStation 5, featuring a 1440p resolution and up to 240Hz refresh rate. The monitor, priced at $349, includes a DualSense charging hook and will be available on August 27. Preorders are now open. Additionally, the official Wireless FlexStrike Fight Stick will release in August 2026 for $200.
'No way THIS is the first tweet PlayStation puts out after 6 days' — Instead of responding to the physical disc controversy, PlayStation is trying to advertise its new fight stick as fans refuse to back down
Sony Interactive Entertainment is facing significant backlash after announcing plans to cease the production of physical game discs for PlayStation 5 starting in January 2028. Instead of addressing the controversy, the company's first social media post after six days of silence was an advertisement for its new FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick, further angering fans who are demanding a response and urging the company to reverse its decision.
PlayStation social media accounts bombarded with complaints over its disc controversy
PlayStation's social media accounts have been inundated with complaints following the announcement that the company will cease support for physical game discs in January 2028. Fans expressed their dissatisfaction across platforms like X and Instagram, with many pleading for the company to reconsider its decision to move towards digital-only distribution.
The petition against Sony's decision to kill PlayStation physical discs has over 170,000 signatures
A petition against Sony's decision to end physical disc manufacturing for PlayStation in January 2028 has garnered over 170,000 signatures. The campaign, started by retailer PNP Games, argues against the loss of consumer ownership, reduced market choice, and damage to game preservation. The petition urges Sony to continue physical disc production beyond 2028.
Xbox has lost five studios – so who is left to make new video games?
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs, impacting approximately 3,200 staff members and leading to five studios divesting from the company. Xbox leadership aims to refocus on core franchises and expand its daily audience to over a billion people through its services. The article details the remaining studios, their current projects, and their future prospects under this new strategy.
Nobody Plays New Games Anymore: The 2026 Playtime Data | TAG
Recent data from Valve's Steam Replay and Newzoo reports indicate that new game releases consistently capture only 14-17% of player playtime on PC, with older titles dominating the remaining hours. This trend holds true across platforms, with Xbox showing the highest engagement for new releases at 18%. The analysis suggests this is due to factors like the prevalence of live service games, adult time constraints, and the value proposition of established back-catalog titles, rather than a decline in player interest.
PlayStation Plus Offers Rare 50% Discount to Users Quitting
Sony Interactive Entertainment is offering a rare 50% discount on PlayStation Plus subscriptions to select users who are attempting to cancel their membership. This offer is primarily seen on three-month PS Plus Extra subscriptions, with longer terms receiving smaller discounts. The timing of this promotion is notable, as it follows player backlash against Sony's decision to end PlayStation 5 disc production.
Acclaimed PS5 roguelike shooter Saros gets a substantial free trial, but there's a catch
Housemarque has released a two-and-a-half-hour free trial for its PlayStation 5 roguelike shooter Saros. However, the trial is exclusively available to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers, the highest tier of Sony's subscription service. Despite critical acclaim, Saros' sales have reportedly been slower than its predecessor, Returnal, leading to concerns about its commercial performance.
Sony leadership says AI tools are "an important foundational technology supporting our strategy"
Sony Interactive Entertainment leadership has declared artificial intelligence a crucial foundational technology for their strategy, emphasizing its role in enhancing game development quality and speed rather than solely for cost efficiency. AI tools are being integrated to streamline repetitive tasks, enable faster iteration, and create richer in-game experiences and content. While acknowledging near-term efficiency gains, Sony is also exploring fundamental AI-first initiatives to maintain a leading position as the technology evolves.
Lords of the Fallen 2 Studio CEO Says More Games May Go Fully Digital by 2027 or Sooner
CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski believes physical game discs could disappear by 2027 or sooner, citing Grand Theft Auto 6 potentially skipping physical releases and Sony's planned end of disc production in 2028. Tyminski argues digital sales offer significantly higher revenue per unit for developers compared to physical releases, which incur higher costs and lower margins. Industry figures like Shawn Layden and Hideo Kojima have also commented on Sony's decision, with Kojima expressing concerns about the broader implications for digital ownership and access to art.
Game History and Preservation
Hideo Kojima expressed concern about the future of game preservation following Sony's decision to end physical disc production for PlayStation. This move raises questions about long-term access to games and the potential loss of digital titles.
Marvel Tokon on PC blocked from countries without PSN – even the pope can’t play
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls will be unavailable in 132 countries on PC due to its reliance on PlayStation Network, which is not supported in those regions. This situation mirrors the earlier controversy surrounding Helldivers 2. The article also touches on Sony's recent decisions regarding physical disc production, the closure of PS3 and PS Vita stores, and the use of AI in game development.
PS Plus Premium Adds Free Trial for Hit 2026 PS5 Exclusive Game
PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can now access a free 2.5-hour trial for the PlayStation 5 exclusive action game Saros. Developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game features a neon-infused aesthetic and bullet ballet combat. Progress made during the trial carries over to the full game, which costs $69.99.
Meccha Chameleon sells 15,000,000 copies to become game equivalent of Obsession
The hide-and-seek indie game Meccha Chameleon has achieved over 15 million copies sold worldwide since its launch on Steam on June 10. Developed by two Japanese indie developers in under two months, the game's success is attributed to its low price point, viral popularity on platforms like TikTok, and its classification as a 'friendslop' title. Despite its modest revenue, Meccha Chameleon has become the best-selling game of 2026 so far across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Sony clarifies re-order support for existing PlayStation discs
Sony Interactive Entertainment has clarified its plans regarding the end of physical disc production, stating that publishers can still re-order existing PlayStation discs beyond the January 2028 end-of-production date. The company is shifting towards an all-digital future, which will also see the closure of the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita by July 2027. This move has drawn criticism from some companies concerned about game preservation and consumer choice.
