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"Sony waited for Rockstar to make the first move": Founding Xbox member warns against PlayStation's all-digital future, says "I trust" Steam games won't just disappear
Industry veteran Laura Fryer, a founding member of the original Xbox, warns about the risks of an all-digital future for gaming, citing PlayStation's move away from physical discs. She shares a personal anecdote about losing hundreds of dollars in Rock Band songs due to delisting, highlighting the impermanence of digital ownership and the potential loss of the second-hand market. Fryer suggests Sony is waiting for major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 to normalize digital-only sales before fully committing.
This Isn’t The First Time PlayStation (And Others) Tried To Kill Used Games
This article discusses how Sony's move away from physical media by 2028 is a culmination of past industry trends, specifically the 'online pass' system implemented by publishers like EA, Ubisoft, and PlayStation in the late 2000s and early 2010s. This practice required single-use codes for online functionality, effectively hindering the used game market and leading to consumer backlash. Despite initial justifications related to online service costs, the practice was phased out, and Sony even championed used games for the PlayStation 4. The article suggests that current market trends, favoring digital sales, now allow platform holders to reintroduce similar restrictions.
Nintendo Switch 2 physical media is here to stay (for now) – here’s why
This article discusses the future of physical media for the Nintendo Switch 2, clarifying that not all games will be digital-only game-key cards. It highlights Nintendo's continued commitment to true physical releases for its first-party titles, contrasting this with third-party developers' increasing reliance on game-key cards due to rising memory costs. The piece also touches on broader industry trends like layoffs at Microsoft and Sony's phasing out of physical discs.
Commissioner says the EU can't stop Sony from ending physical games: "Companies are free to offer games and…
An EU commissioner stated that companies are free to decide how they offer games, implying that Sony's decision to cease production of physical game discs by 2028 is within their commercial rights. This statement comes as collectors and preservationists rally against the move, but it suggests legal intervention is unlikely. Analysts predict Sony will not reverse its decision, with future consoles like the PlayStation 6 potentially omitting disc drives entirely.
Netflix, Paramount, Sony and others are reportedly in talks to buy Letterboxd
Netflix, Paramount, and Sony are reportedly in talks to acquire Letterboxd, the social network for film enthusiasts. The platform is said to be seeking new ownership.
The next PlayStation looks more and more like a PC, and that's not a bad thing
Sony's decision to end physical disc production in January 2028 for PlayStation consoles is discussed, drawing parallels to the PC's digital-first market. While acknowledging the nostalgia for physical media and concerns about content ownership, the article suggests that a discless future could be positive if Sony ensures steady digital discounts. The author proposes limited edition physical releases as a compromise to keep physical media alive.
Xbox Is Teasing Something Big For Next Week Amid Disc-To-Digital Rumors
Xbox Insiders have been teased about a significant announcement coming next week, fueling rumors of a disc-to-digital program. This potential feature would allow players to transition their physical game libraries to digital formats. The news comes amid speculation about Xbox's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, and follows Sony's controversial decision to cease PlayStation disc manufacturing in 2028.
2 Brand-New PS5 Action Games Are Already 50% Off on PS Store
Two PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 action games, Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, are currently available at a 50% discount on the PlayStation Store. Originally released for PlayStation 3, these ports are priced at $19.99 each for PlayStation Plus members until August 6, 2026. Additionally, PlayStation Plus members can receive a 67% discount on the Season Passes and access free DLC bundles for Black Ops 2.
PlayStation Account Flaw Makes No Discs a Big Issue for Millions
Sony's PlayStation accounts face a significant issue regarding region restrictions, particularly concerning an all-digital future. Users with accounts in regions where they do not reside, or in countries not supported by PlayStation Network, are at risk of losing access to their digital libraries if Sony enforces its terms of service. This policy prevents users from changing their account region, creating a dilemma for millions who have accumulated digital games and content over years.
"We will continue till the last day": Publisher protests Sony's digital-only future with a pledge to make as many physical PS5 games as possible
Chinese publisher Astrolabe Games has pledged to continue releasing physical PlayStation 5 games until at least the end of 2027, protesting Sony's planned discontinuation of physical media support in 2028. The company, known for titles like Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog, aims to produce physical copies as long as it remains financially viable, with a minimum order quantity of 5,000 units per release.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
Can a top-down, focused software strategy save Xbox? | Opinion
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs and studio closures, impacting 20% of its workforce and five internal studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine. This strategic shift, led by Asha Sharma, aims to address financial issues and improve first-party development, though the article questions the effectiveness of these measures and criticizes the company's past spending and treatment of developers.
Last time PlayStation threatened to close PS3 and Vita digital stores, the players revolted: "As gamers and collectors this is a hard pill to swallow"
The potential closure of digital storefronts for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita has sparked concern among gamers and collectors. Experts note that this could significantly increase the value and scarcity of physical copies for many digital-only or hard-to-find titles. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate between digital convenience and the long-term accessibility and ownership provided by physical media.
'If not PS6, then PS7' — Analyst says PlayStation ending physical discs was bound to happen as 'the console ecosystem is nearly entirely digital at this point'
Analyst Daniel Ahmad believes Sony's decision to end physical PlayStation disc production in 2028 was inevitable due to the significant shift towards digital sales, which now account for around 80% on PlayStation and over 90% on Xbox. This move aligns with Sony's strategy to create a high-margin, closed digital ecosystem, controlling all software sales and eliminating the used game market.
Games Inbox: Which is worse out of Xbox and PlayStation?
Readers debate whether Microsoft's Xbox or Sony's PlayStation is worse, criticizing both for customer-unfriendly practices like microtransactions and the move away from physical media. Concerns are raised about EA's continued push for in-game purchases and the potential impact of digital-only games on preservation and long-term access.
PlayStation’s Digital Future Is Turning Into a PR Disaster
Sony's decision to phase out physical game production for PlayStation by January 2028 has sparked significant backlash, with over 240,000 signatures on the "Don't Kill The Disc" campaign. While Sony cites a shift towards digital ownership, critics raise concerns about game preservation, ownership rights, and the impact on retail competition. The company's silence amid widespread criticism and boycotts is exacerbating the situation, leading to a crisis of consumer trust and reputational damage.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Marvel’s Wolverine, God of War Laufey Panels Announced for Comic-Con
Sony will host panels at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 for three upcoming games: Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Marvel's Wolverine, and God of War Laufey. The panels will reveal new details, behind-the-scenes looks, and potentially new trailers for the PlayStation 5 exclusive titles. Marvel's Wolverine is set to release on September 15th, while Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will launch on August 6th for PC and PlayStation 5.
PlayStation ending physical games is "like Apple removing the CD Drive from its laptops," says analyst: "Not a single person is complaining about it today"
Analyst Daniel Ahmad compares Sony's move away from physical PlayStation games to Apple's removal of CD drives from laptops, arguing the shift to digital is inevitable. He cites high digital sales percentages and publisher preferences for higher margins, while also discussing the future cost of consoles and the importance of consumer rights in a digital-first market.
MMO Business Roundup: Marathon’s lawsuit, the Sony petition, TGS 2026, and Minecraft’s fate
This MMO business roundup covers several key events, including the settlement of a lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett against Sony and Bungie. It also highlights an online petition by PNP Games urging Sony to continue supporting physical media, which has garnered a significant number of signatures. Additionally, Nexon announced its presence at Tokyo Game Show, and an article from Gamespot questions Microsoft's strategy for Minecraft's future, suggesting a focus on competing with Roblox could be detrimental.
Destiny 2 players get a final farewell gift from Bungie
Bungie has released the final patch for Destiny 2, marking the end of its active development. The studio is offering players a free in-game emblem called Gloriabundus as a farewell gift. While major updates have ceased, Bungie has stated that critical issues and server maintenance will still be addressed.
