PlayStation
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for PlayStation.
Latest coverage
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.
Meccha Chameleon sells 15,000,000 copies to become game equivalent of Obsession
The hide-and-seek indie game Meccha Chameleon has achieved over 15 million copies sold worldwide since its launch on Steam on June 10. Developed by two Japanese indie developers in under two months, the game's success is attributed to its low price point, viral popularity on platforms like TikTok, and its classification as a 'friendslop' title. Despite its modest revenue, Meccha Chameleon has become the best-selling game of 2026 so far across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.
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.
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.
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.
PlayStation to Allow Publishers to Re-Order Discs for Existing Titles After January 2028 – Rumor
A rumor suggests that PlayStation will allow publishers to re-order physical disc copies of existing games after January 2028, despite plans to cease new disc production. While some publishers are shifting to digital, this alleged policy change offers a potential lifeline for older titles. However, questions remain about the long-term availability and Sony's commitment to physical media preservation, especially as Xbox continues to support disc releases.
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.
Xbox Announces 3,200 Layoffs for Fiscal Year 2027, Four Studios to be Released
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees, with 1,600 layoffs occurring immediately. Four studios—Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs—are being released. Sharma cited lower-than-comparable margins and industry hardware challenges as reasons for the restructuring, aiming to reset Xbox's business focus.
The Cub Review | TheXboxHub
The Cub is a challenging 2D platformer set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has fled to Mars, leaving behind a child raised by wolves. Players must navigate treacherous environments and evade pursuers from Mars, with the story unfolding through cutscenes, environmental storytelling, and a unique radio station. Despite occasional frustrating platforming and a short length, the game is praised for its gorgeous presentation, excellent audio, and memorable narrative.
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.
Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 49
This article highlights several underappreciated games, including the solo-developed survival horror Tache Noire, the free roguelite KIBORG: Arena which shaped its full release, a Game Boy Advance port of Crazy Taxi, and the Gothic-inspired adventure The Island of Doctor Morose. It discusses their unique gameplay mechanics, potential bugs, and reasons for their obscurity.
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.
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.
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.
DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round Review | TheXboxHub
Dead or Alive 6: Last Round is presented as the definitive version of the 2019 fighting game, including previously released DLC fighters and a new photo mode. However, the article notes a lack of substantial new content, leading to negative reception on Steam for players who already purchased DLC. Despite these criticisms, the core fighting mechanics, presentation, and online modes remain strong, making it an easy recommendation for fans of the original.
Fallout 76 developers discuss next-gen update and Super Mutant as a playable race
Fallout 76 developers discussed the game's upcoming next-gen update and the possibility of Super Mutants becoming a playable race. Production Director Bill Lacoste mentioned the technical challenges of updating libraries for PlayStation and Xbox platforms. While player Ghoul was considered, the team is exploring if a Super Mutant race could fill a gameplay niche.