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PlayStation Stopping Disc Production in 2028 is a “Fairly Dramatic Decision,” Says Former Executive
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden expressed surprise at Sony's decision to cease manufacturing physical game discs by January 2028, calling it a "fairly dramatic decision" driven by spreadsheet analysis of digital versus physical sales. Layden noted that while the move prioritizes revenue from the majority of players, it may alienate a global fanbase with inconsistent internet access, a factor PlayStation has historically considered.
Hideo Kojima Warns of 'Frightening' Digital Future After PlayStation Reveals Plan to End Physical Disc Production
Hideo Kojima, creator of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has expressed concern about a 'frightening' digital future. This warning comes shortly after Sony announced plans to cease the production of physical PlayStation discs.
Sony says it will still make physical discs after 2028, as long as the game came out before then
Sony has stated that it will continue to produce physical game discs for titles released before 2028. However, any games launching after this date will be digital-only, marking a shift towards a fully digital future for the company's game releases.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is blocked in 132 countries due to Sony's controversial PSN linking requirement – but its Steam page is still visible
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is unavailable in 132 countries due to Sony's mandatory PlayStation Network linking requirement, similar to Helldivers 2. Despite the block, the game's Steam page remains accessible and purchasable in some of these regions, causing confusion among players. The fighting game, developed by Arc System Works, is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and PC.
Sony assures developers they can still order some games on disc after 2027 – but there's a catch
Sony has informed developers that while PlayStation disc production will end in January 2028, they can still re-order physical discs for games released before that date. This move, which suggests the PlayStation 6 may lack a disc drive, has prompted Microsoft to highlight that its upcoming game, Halo: Campaign Evolved, will include a physical disc. The article also touches on concerns surrounding the potential lack of a physical disc for Grand Theft Auto 6.
Halo: Campaign Evolved really, really wants you to know you can get a physical disc even if you buy it on PS5
Microsoft is highlighting that Halo: Campaign Evolved will include a physical game disc, even for PlayStation 5 purchases, contrasting with Sony's announced discontinuation of disc production by 2028. This move addresses concerns about game ownership and the potential lack of physical editions for future titles like Grand Theft Auto 6.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls reportedly blocked in 132 countries on PC due to PSN requirement
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is reportedly being blocked in 132 countries on PC due to a mandatory PlayStation Network account requirement, mirroring a controversial decision made for Helldivers 2 in 2024. This policy effectively prevents sales in regions where the PlayStation Network is unavailable, despite the potential for cross-play functionality with the PlayStation 5 version. Sony has not officially confirmed the requirement, but a footnote on the Steam page suggests it will be mandatory for online play.
Why do Xbox and PlayStation hate video games and their customers? - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses concern over the current state of the video games industry, citing recent negative news from Sony and anticipated issues from Microsoft. The author criticizes both companies for perceived anti-consumer practices, such as going all-digital and shutting down older online stores, while questioning the passion of executives compared to Nintendo. The piece laments the shift from competition to a perceived lack of incentive to please fans, suggesting games have become solely a means to extract money.
Saturday Consolidation
The current generation of consoles, including the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, is characterized by a focus on cost-cutting measures. Sony is reportedly allowing developers to continue producing physical discs, but only for older titles, suggesting a shift in strategy for future releases.
Sony still has to ration attachable disc drives sales to "1 per order" due to "high demand" despite plans to end production of physical discs for PlayStation games
Sony is continuing to ration sales of attachable disc drives to one per order due to high demand, despite plans to end physical disc production for PlayStation games in January 2028. This move aligns with changing consumer trends towards digital distribution, and it is speculated that the upcoming PlayStation 6 will not feature a disc drive. Microsoft is also reportedly exploring similar strategies for its future consoles.
Now is the winter of your discontent, console blaggards: the RPS team reflect on PlayStation going digital-only
Sony's decision to cease physical game sales on PlayStation in 2028 has sparked discussion about the implications for game preservation and digital distribution. While PC gamers have long adapted to digital-only, concerns are rising about the long-term accessibility of purchased digital titles and the control companies have over them.
Something for the Weekend – 04/07/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony phasing out physical disc production by 2028 and closing PlayStation Store access for PS3 and Vita again. Xbox is reportedly testing a disc-to-digital feature. Several games received release date changes or confirmations, including Onimusha: Warlords and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Reviews were published for Rhythm Paradise Groove and WILL: Follow The Light, alongside previews for Fatekeeper, Witchspire, Dziady, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Splatoon Raiders.
The Last of Us Part 3 Could Offer “A Whole Other Story,” Says Troy Baker
Voice actor Troy Baker believes there is potential for a "whole other story" in The Last of Us franchise, expressing his willingness to participate in a potential The Last of Us Part 3. He cited the rich lore between Joel and Tommy as a strong foundation for new narratives, and trusts Naughty Dog to decide the direction of future installments.
What on earth is happening to the video games industry? - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses frustration with the current state of the video game industry, citing issues like mass layoffs, Sony's focus on live service games, and Microsoft's acquisition strategy. Concerns are raised about the move towards digital-only sales and the potential high cost of future consoles like the PlayStation 6. Despite these criticisms, the reader acknowledges the strength of the indie scene and the resurgence of companies like Capcom.
Sony Isn’t Killing Discs Because Nobody Buys Them — It’s Killing Them Because People Still Do
Sony plans to discontinue physical PlayStation discs by January 2028, a move that has generated significant online backlash. Despite the increasing trend of digital game sales, a notable portion of consumers still prefer physical copies, leading to speculation about Sony's strategic reasoning behind this decision.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Microsoft-owned GitHub offers coders chance to put their work on a disc in response to Sony’s decision to kill physical media
Microsoft-owned GitHub is offering developers a way to put their code onto physical discs. This initiative is presented as a response to Sony's decision to discontinue physical media for its gaming platforms. The move by GitHub aims to provide an alternative for preserving digital work.
Sony reportedly already has another use for its disc factory after announcing end of physical PlayStation games
Sony is reportedly ending the production of new physical discs for PlayStation consoles in 2028. The company's disc factory in Thalgau, Austria, which currently produces around 300,000 PlayStation discs daily, will shift focus to manufacturing microlenses. This change, with a €30 million investment in the technology, is planned to begin mass production as early as next year, though the future of game preservation remains a concern.
Nintendo Switch 2 has accidentally become the most appealing console right now
Amidst rising console prices and studio closures from Sony and Microsoft, the Nintendo Switch 2 has emerged as the most appealing gaming device due to its competitive pricing and value. Despite not being as powerful as its rivals, the Switch 2 offers a more futureproof investment with strong first-party support and a growing library of third-party titles, making it a stable and accessible option for consumers.
PlayStation's disc-less future could "heavily influence" Xbox and Nintendo's approach to physical games, former Sony boss says, calling the decision "dramatic"
Former PlayStation Worldwide Studios head Shawn Layden stated that Sony's decision to discontinue physical disc production for new PlayStation games starting in 2026 will heavily influence Xbox and Nintendo's future strategies. This move, described as dramatic, has sparked industry-wide concerns about game preservation and consumer rights, despite a recent increase in physical game sales in the US.
