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"A hammer blow for games retail" - Experts weigh in on PlayStation's discless future, and the impact it will have on traditional game stores
Sony will cease large-scale production of new physical game discs in January 2028, a move industry experts are calling a "hammer blow" to the already struggling physical game retail market. This decision significantly impacts brick-and-mortar stores and the pre-owned games market, as physical copies lose their resale value and collectability. Experts suggest retailers will need to innovate with digital sales in-store to survive.
Former Marathon director settles lawsuit against Sony and Bungie, following his firing over alleged inappropriate messages to female staff
Former Marathon director Christopher Barrett has settled his lawsuit against Sony and Bungie, which was filed after his termination for alleged inappropriate messages to female staff. Barrett claimed wrongful termination and defamation, while the companies revealed some of the alleged messages. The settlement was announced via posts on X and LinkedIn, with both parties expressing satisfaction and acknowledging Barrett's contributions to Bungie's games.
Sony Settles With Fired Marathon Game Director Who Sued PlayStation and Bungie for More Than $200 Million, Adds Name to Credits
Sony has settled with former developer Christopher Barrett, who was accused of sexual misconduct and sued PlayStation and Bungie for over $200 million. As part of the settlement, Barrett will be credited in the recently released extraction shooter Marathon.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
Backlash Against PlayStation Ending Physical Discs Won’t Result in Plans Changing, Say Analysts
Analysts believe Sony will not reverse its decision to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028, despite industry backlash. Experts like Serkan Toto and Daniel Ahmad suggest that while Sony may acknowledge the criticism, the financial benefits of digital sales make a reversal unlikely. The move is seen as a natural progression driven by consumer trends and Sony's need to improve profit margins.
Sony’s No More Discs Debacle Was Inevitable, But The Worst Is Yet To Come
Sony has announced the end of PlayStation disc production by 2028, implying the PlayStation 6 will be digital-only. This move, driven by market trends favoring digital sales, raises concerns about game preservation and long-term accessibility, especially with the upcoming closure of the PlayStation Store for PS Vita and PS3. The article draws parallels to Nintendo's digital storefront closures, highlighting the risks of relying solely on publishers for game access and questioning future consumer rights.
Your Loyalty To Sony Or Xbox Means Nothing, Analyst Says
Analyst Mat Piscatella states that consumer loyalty to platforms like PlayStation or Xbox means nothing to corporations, as profitability is the sole driver. With the projected high cost of future consoles and the significantly higher margins on digital game sales compared to physical discs, companies like Sony are prioritizing digital distribution. This shift is seen as irreversible due to the lucrative nature of digital sales, despite concerns about game preservation.
Over 220,000 People Petition Sony Not To Kill Physical PlayStation Game Discs
Over 220,000 people have signed a petition started by Canadian retailer PNP Games urging Sony not to end the production of physical PlayStation game discs in January 2028. The petition argues that physical media is crucial for supporting an entire industry, preserving consumer choice, and maintaining the concept of game ownership, contrasting it with an all-digital future.
The Viture Beast XR Glasses Made Me Question Whether I Need A TV For Gaming
The Viture Beast XR glasses offer an impressive portable gaming solution with dual 1920x1200p Sony Micro-OLED displays and a 120Hz refresh rate, projecting a 174-inch virtual screen. While requiring an additional dock for consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, they provide a crisp, vibrant image and comfortable wear, though some chromatic aberration and warmth are present.
Well, at least one good thing's come out of Destiny 2's demise: lob tomatoes at ex-Bungie CEO Pete Parsons' car collection in this fan-made boss battler
A fan-created browser game, 'Pete Carsons: The Vault of Cars,' allows players to lob tomatoes at ex-Bungie CEO Pete Parsons and his car collection. Released on July 7th, the satirical game serves as a way for fans to express frustration following Destiny 2's development end and Bungie's layoffs, as well as Parsons' past spending on cars during staff reductions.
You're invited to Destiny's cursed unofficial final raid: Pete Carsons' Vault of Cars
A fan-created parody raid, 'The Vault of Cars,' has emerged as a satirical send-off for former Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, who retired amidst Destiny 2's decline. This browser-based game mimics mechanics from the original 'Vault of Glass' raid and pokes fun at Parsons' car collection and business decisions.
Games Leaving PS Plus in August 2026 May Include Hit Day-1 Title
Sony is expected to announce the list of games leaving PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in August 2026. Based on past patterns, titles added a year ago are likely to depart, with 'Sword of the Sea' being a predicted casualty. First-party titles like 'Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered' may also leave, though their contracts can differ.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma pins layoffs on Phil Spencer's regime spreading the company "too thin", while claiming a "a healthy Xbox" could weather the RAM storm
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma attributes recent layoffs and studio closures to a strategy of spreading resources too thin under Phil Spencer's leadership. Sharma suggested that a healthier Xbox would have been better equipped to handle the current hardware crisis, implying that the company's current struggles are a direct result of past strategic decisions.
No, you can't build your own Steam Machine, but you can cry trying
This article clarifies that users cannot build their own Steam Machine due to custom components and size constraints, contrasting it with traditional DIY PCs and modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. It highlights Valve's unique engineering approach for the compact Steam Machine, which uses semi-custom AMD chips for performance comparable to current-gen consoles.
Control Issues
A new free software tool has been released that allows Sony headphones to function as a head tracker for over 200 PC games. This innovation aims to enhance immersion and control options for players on PC.
AI Yi-Yi!
OpenAI's Chief Futurist is departing the company, while Sony leadership has emphasized the strategic importance of AI tools. This indicates a significant focus on artificial intelligence across major technology players in the gaming industry.
Games Inbox: Will Sony do a U-turn on PS5 discs?
Readers discuss Sony's potential shift to digital-only for the PlayStation 5, with speculation that Rockstar Games' desire for full profits from Grand Theft Auto 6 might be a factor. The article also touches on layoffs at id Software and the business strategies of Microsoft and Xbox, questioning their long-term viability.
Sony Tries To Change The Subject After Killing PlayStation Discs
Sony announced plans to end support for physical game discs on PlayStation platforms by early 2028, a move that has drawn significant backlash from gamers. The company's subsequent attempt to shift focus to a new wireless fight stick was met with continued anger and disappointment. Analysts suggest the decision aims to increase Sony's control over pricing and distribution, eliminating the used game market and pushing consumers towards digital purchases.
PlayStation Store Update Worldwide July 7, 2026
Sony's PlayStation Store has received its weekly update for July 7, 2026, bringing new content, add-ons, and games for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, and PlayStation Plus subscribers. The North American update includes Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Cross Code, and For the King as part of the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup, alongside numerous other titles.
Steam is more than 50% larger than PlayStation according to expert's estimate, which puts Valve's store around…
An expert estimate suggests Steam has surpassed 200 million monthly active users, making it over 50% larger than the entire PlayStation platform. This analysis, based on data from GameDiscoverCo and Sony's own reports, indicates significant growth for Valve's PC storefront.