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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for PlayStation.
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'Physical media is what makes consoles the best place to play' — PlayStation fans pushing back against Sony's plan to end physical discs have managed to amass over 170,000 signatures in a bid to reverse the decision
PlayStation fans are protesting Sony's decision to end the production of physical game discs starting January 2028, with a petition amassing over 170,000 signatures. The petition argues that physical media offers true ownership, unlike digital licenses, and expresses concern over job losses in retail. This move follows the confirmation that Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch with a digital download code instead of a disc.
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.
I massively improved my hide and seek game with these Meccha Chameleon tips
This guide provides tips for Meccha Chameleon, a viral hide-and-seek game. It covers strategies for both hiding and hunting, including practicing in private servers, using the 'hide in plain sight' mechanic with the 3D Eyedropper tool, and downloading custom maps. The article also touches on potential platform releases for Mac, consoles, and mobile.
John Romero commiserates with ousted id devs as around half the studio reported axed, says he hopes someone is preserving its work like he did before he left
Following widespread layoffs at Xbox, id Software has reportedly lost around half of its studio staff, significantly impacting the QA department. Co-founder John Romero expressed his sympathy for those affected and hopes the studio's legacy and work are being preserved, sharing his own efforts in archiving id's early history.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy devs used an open-source emulator to look at the original platformer and measure "all the metrics" of gem placements, enemy paths, and more for their remake
Toys for Bob developers used a modified open-source emulator to meticulously recreate Spyro: Reignited Trilogy, measuring exact gem placements and enemy paths. This approach ensured the remake's faithfulness to the original games while incorporating quality-of-life improvements like updated controls.
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.
Unusual Findings’ “Vinny’s Diary” Update Launches July 10 on All Platforms — Review Codes Available
The "Vinny's Diary" update for the 2D pixel-art action-adventure game Unusual Findings will launch on July 10 across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This free update includes new content, improved controls, expanded hint options, and performance enhancements. Review codes are available for media and content creators.
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.
Xbox Game Pass subscription numbers are reportedly well below where Microsoft wants them to be
Xbox Game Pass subscriber numbers have reportedly fallen to 30 million, significantly below Microsoft's target of 77 million by 2026. This decline follows a substantial price increase for Game Pass Ultimate and a change in strategy regarding day-one releases for Call of Duty titles. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited Game Pass growth troubles as a reason for recent job cuts within the Xbox division.
Last week we announced Plumbing Simulator, and we wanted to share a few additional gameplay details!
Plumbing Simulator will feature detailed pipe inspection, dismantling, and rebuilding using professional tools with various materials like copper, steel, and plastic. Players can plan pipe networks, handle repairs and renovations, and even take on optional bathroom customization contracts. The game is planned for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and PlayStation.
The Gaming Industry Is Eating Itself Alive
Xbox is undergoing a massive restructuring, including 3,200 layoffs, impacting numerous studios and divisions like Activision, Bethesda, and Blizzard. While some studios regain independence and first-party projects remain safe for now, the article criticizes Xbox's overall strategy, citing Game Pass's performance and declining hardware revenue. The piece also touches on PlayStation's similar issues with digital ownership and preservation, painting a bleak picture for the future of gaming costs and ownership.
Early access survival sandbox Bellwright finally got co-op functionality online for console players
Donkey Crew has released online co-op functionality for their early access survival sandbox game Bellwright on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The studio cited rigorous certification processes by Sony and Microsoft as the reason for the delay compared to the PC version. Crossplay is the next planned feature, with a release date to be announced after certification.
Sony tells publishers they can still reorder physical game discs for games pubbed before 2028
Sony has informed publishers that they can still reorder physical PlayStation game discs released before January 2028, even after the stated end of disc printing. This comes after significant backlash from publishers and preservation groups regarding the initial announcement. Meanwhile, Sony's disc manufacturing plant in Austria is being repurposed for optical microlens production.
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.
Morning Consolidation
PlayStation accounts that remain inactive for three years are subject to deletion, according to a report from Notebookcheck. This policy affects users who have not logged into their accounts for an extended period.
How Gaming Became Much More Mobile Focused - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
The gaming industry has shifted significantly towards mobile platforms, with mobile devices becoming the primary gaming screen for many. This trend is driven by convenience and the increasing revenue generated by mobile games, which are projected to account for over half of the global games market by 2025. Even traditional genres like puzzle and adventure games are adapting to mobile-first design principles, while titles like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile highlight the challenges of porting console experiences without proper mobile optimization.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026: Watch Day 2 here
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is underway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, raising money for Doctors Without Borders. The event features speedrunners tackling various games, with a detailed schedule provided for Day 2, including titles like Dragon Quest 11, Super Mario Odyssey, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart across multiple platforms.
If physical games are dying, we need better laws for our digital rights
Sony's decision to end disc production for PlayStation games and the impending removal of Studio Canal films from PlayStation Video highlight the precariousness of digital ownership. The article argues for stronger consumer rights and new laws to protect digital purchases, contrasting them with the freedoms offered by physical media. It notes ongoing efforts in the EU and France to address these issues, while also pointing to PC storefronts like GOG.com as alternatives offering true ownership.
GTA 6 shipping without discs "feels unfair to studios still backing physical," Lords of the Fallen 2 boss says, and Sony's certainly not helping
CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski expressed concern over Rockstar Games' decision to ship Grand Theft Auto 6 without physical discs and Sony's planned discontinuation of PlayStation disc production in 2028. Tyminski argues these moves are unfair to studios still supporting physical releases, citing lower revenue and higher costs compared to digital sales. He confirmed Lords of the Fallen 2 will still receive a physical disc release, but acknowledged the increasing difficulty in justifying the format.
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.
