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Sony business and news from across the web.
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Sony’s “Dreams”: Seeing One Small Piece of a Larger Puzzle
The article discusses the game creation tool "Dreams" released by Sony for the PlayStation 4. It highlights how the game provides an opportunity for aspiring developers to engage in game creation, framing it as a significant piece of a larger puzzle in the industry.
How to use new controllers with retro consoles
This guide explains how to use modern controllers with retro consoles using adapters and dongles. It covers Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless options, detailing compatibility with various controllers like DualSense and Xbox Wireless, and discusses latency differences and charging solutions. The article also touches on ergonomic considerations for different retro systems.
Hideo Kojima describes Sony's decision to end physical games as 'scary', warns that you 'won't own the data' — 'There's a server somewhere, and you only have the right to turn on the tap'
Hideo Kojima expressed sadness and concern over Sony's decision to discontinue physical PlayStation game discs, warning about the implications for digital ownership and the potential shift towards a subscription-based streaming future. He fears that players will lose the right to own their data, becoming reliant on companies controlling access to games and media through servers and monthly fees.
"This is all about control" - industry experts speak on Sony's move away from discs, and what this means for the PlayStation 6 and the cost of games
Sony has announced it will cease production of physical game discs in January 2028, a move industry experts believe signals a disc-less PlayStation 6 likely launching in 2028. This decision is expected to reduce console manufacturing costs and shift the market further towards digital distribution, impacting game pricing and consumer ownership. While some see it as a necessary evolution, concerns remain about preservation and the second-hand market.
Hideo Kojima is "really sad" about PlayStation ending physical disc production, warns against "frightening" streaming-only future: "You don't actually possess the data yourself"
Hideo Kojima expressed sadness and concern over Sony's decision to end new PlayStation physical disc production in 2028, warning of a "frightening" future dominated by streaming-only access. He highlighted concerns about data ownership and the potential loss of access to games and movies if servers are ever shut down or content is removed. Other developers, like Larian Studios, have also voiced disappointment with the move.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is suffering similar PSN region locking woes to Helldivers 2, with 132 countries barred according to Steam's backend
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is reportedly facing similar region-locking issues to Helldivers 2, with its Steam backend indicating it cannot be activated or purchased in 132 countries. This has led to speculation that Sony is reintroducing mandatory PSN account linking for PC games, which was previously a point of contention for Helldivers 2 players.
Death Stranding director Hideo Kojima "really sad" about Sony ending physical disc production, and says lack of media ownership has "frightening" possibilities
Hideo Kojima expressed sadness and concern over Sony's decision to end physical disc production in January 2028, highlighting the frightening possibilities of losing media ownership with the rise of cloud streaming. He drew parallels to subscription services like Netflix, warning that a shift away from physical media could lead to a future where access to games and movies is revoked due to political or other changes.
Respawn Monday #6: Diablo IV Season 14, Dead by Daylight & Sony's Disc-Less Future — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
The author shares thoughts on Diablo IV Season 14, noting its improved state since launch and the excitement of new character builds, despite some changes to unique items. They also discuss their experience with Dead by Daylight, preferring the Killer role and the challenges of learning new characters against skilled survivors, particularly on Asian servers where cheating is also noted. Finally, the article expresses concern over Sony's planned discontinuation of physical game production by 2028, highlighting the potential negative impact on regions like the Philippines with limited digital storefront access and the broader implications for game ownership and preservation.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest rising
This week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
Games Inbox: Is Nintendo Switch 2 and PC the perfect combination?
Readers discuss the potential of the Nintendo Switch 2 combined with PC gaming as a strong alternative to PlayStation and Xbox, especially in light of Sony's move towards digital-only releases. The conversation also touches on the importance of physical media for game preservation and the rising costs of PC hardware components like RAM and SSDs.
PS5 digital-only petition hits 100,000 as Sony allows some game discs after 2028
Sony is phasing out the production of new game discs for its consoles, with publishers only allowed to press discs for already-released games after January 2028. Despite a petition reaching 100,000 signatures and comments from Hideo Kojima, the company appears committed to its digital-first strategy, likely due to the majority of players already purchasing games digitally. This move impacts the availability of physical media and raises concerns about game preservation and streaming.
PlayStation is Using Generative AI for Placeholder Voices and Art
Sony is utilizing generative AI tools within its PlayStation studios to assist developers with repetitive tasks, aiming to speed up iteration and improve output quality. These AI tools are being used for creating placeholder assets like synthetic voices and art, as well as accelerating QA, 3D modeling, and facial animations. The company emphasizes that AI is intended to augment human creativity and capabilities rather than replace artists and creators.
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.
