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We Need Physical Video Games
This opinion piece argues for the continued importance of physical video game media, contrasting it with the perceived downsides of an all-digital future. The author highlights personal experiences with physical games and discusses concerns about ownership, preservation, and the impact of digital-only distribution on the gaming landscape.
PlayStation "may as well eliminate the hardware" if Sony is ending physical discs, says creator of Disgaea RPG…
Sohei Niikawa, creator of the Disgaea series and former president of Nippon Ichi Software, has criticized Sony's decision to end physical game discs for PlayStation by 2028. He argues that physical editions are crucial for collectors, fans, and preserving game history, suggesting that if Sony eliminates discs, they might as well eliminate the hardware itself. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by other industry figures like Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro regarding the future of physical media.
Sony's decision to kill off PlayStation discs could destroy the $7.2bn used game market, according to analysts
Sony's decision to cease PlayStation disc manufacturing by January 2028 could decimate the global $7.2 billion used game market, according to analysts. This move, which will likely extend to the PlayStation 6, removes physical game purchases as an option, potentially impacting affordability for consumers and revenue for retailers like GameStop and CEX.
Kevin Feige stood up and cheered after watching Spider-Man: Brand New Day for the first time: "That's how good…
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and producer Amy Pascal had an enthusiastic reaction to the director's cut of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with Feige reportedly cheering. Director Destin Daniel Cretton teased that there's a specific reason for keeping Sadie Sink's character role a secret until the film's release on July 31 in the US.
Sadie Sink joined Spider-Man: Brand New Day without auditioning or reading the script because she "really wanted" to play her mystery character
Sadie Sink revealed she joined the cast of Spider-Man: Brand New Day without an audition or reading the script, drawn by the opportunity to play a mystery character in the Spider-Man universe. She was familiar with director Destin Daniel Cretton, having worked with him previously, which made the decision easy. Despite her involvement, Sink's character remains unrevealed in promotional materials, leading to fan speculation that she is playing Jean Grey.
Relive E3’s wildest years thanks to the Video Game History Foundation
The Video Game History Foundation has released a vast archive of E3 materials, offering public access to rare footage, documents, and photographs from the event's history. This collection aims to preserve the legacy of the industry's past, including contributions from former E3 director Mary Dolaher.
'Not sure if I should keep buying games and software from Microsoft': Xbox users are questioning account safety due to ongoing recovery issues, ahead of a disc-less console future
Xbox users are expressing concerns about account safety and the future of digital game ownership due to ongoing account recovery issues and hacking incidents. These problems are amplified by the reported move towards disc-less consoles by both Microsoft and Sony, leading some gamers to question the security of purchasing digital software from Microsoft.
Halo’s PlayStation Debut Could Also Be Its Farewell
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant strategic shift, moving away from broad multi-platform releases like Halo: Campaign Evolved towards a renewed focus on console exclusivity. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, involves scaling back the Xbox division and potentially canceling unannounced titles, though games already expected on other platforms will proceed. The article analyzes the implications of this shift for future Halo titles and the broader gaming landscape, considering factors like sales, player acquisition, and potential exclusive benefits for Xbox players.
PlayStation Ending Disc Production is “Extremely Anti-Consumer”, “Truly Ironic”, Say Analysts
Analysts are calling Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028 "extremely anti-consumer" and "truly ironic," predicting it will damage the industry's value and eliminate the $7.2 billion used game market. Despite Sony citing consumer trends, experts like Michael Pachter and Kazunori Ito argue it reduces consumer choice and is a "triumph of corporate convenience over consumer choice."
PlayStation Store Update Worldwide July 21, 2026
Sony's PlayStation Store has received its weekly update, adding new content, games, and add-ons for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation VR owners. The July PlayStation Plus Essential lineup includes Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Cross Code, and For the King.
Hasbro takes $56 million hit over multiple game cancellations, but it's still talking about how Baldur's Gate…
Hasbro reported a $56 million non-cash impairment due to the cancellation of several video games slated for release in 2028 and beyond. The company is refocusing its digital investment on key franchises like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, aiming to reduce overall digital spend by 25% annually by 2028.
Morning Legal Briefs
This article rounds up recent legal news, including a judge approving Anthropic's $1.5 billion settlement for an AI copyright lawsuit and a harassment lawsuit related to the game Forge of Empires being dismissed. Sony also filed legal documents.
Hideo Kojima says he'd like to die in a movie theater, which is a very normal thing to say
Hideo Kojima, known for his love of cinema, expressed that he would prefer to die in a movie theater, specifically during the trailers before a film begins. This sentiment aligns with his frequent movie reviews shared on social media, including a notable six-word review of the film Madame Web.
Nintendo has no obligation to pass tariff refunds onto customers, the company says, because Switch buyers received "what they bargained and paid for"
Nintendo has stated it has no obligation to pass tariff refunds onto consumers who purchased its products at higher prices. The company argues that buyers received exactly what they paid for and are not entitled to rebates due to subsequent legal developments regarding tariffs. This stance is part of Nintendo's defense in a class-action lawsuit seeking compensation for consumers affected by price hikes.
Physical PS5 Game Sales Are Weaker Than You Might Expect
New data indicates a significant decline in physical PlayStation 5 game sales in the US, with only two titles selling over 10,000 units in a recent week. Experts suggest that Sony's move towards digital-only distribution, driven by profit and control, is irreversible despite public petitions. This trend is exemplified by Grand Theft Auto 6, which will be a digital-exclusive release.
The stage seems set for the Steam Frame's arrival as VR headset shipments are sitting in warehouses, but Valve is apparently still working on its "gamepad mode"
Valve's upcoming VR headset, the Steam Frame, appears to be nearing its launch as shipments are reportedly arriving in warehouses. Despite rumors of a delay due to the development of a "gamepad mode," recent updates to SteamVR and the addition of a "great on Frame" tag suggest an imminent release. The article also touches on the competitive VR market and potential pricing strategies for the headset.
Industry analyst reports only 7 PlayStation games 'have sold more than 100,000 physical units year-to-date' in the US, as fans demand Sony kill its plan to end the production of discs
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella reports that only seven PlayStation games have sold over 100,000 physical units in the US year-to-date, with only two selling over 10,000 in a single week. This data emerges as fans protest Sony's planned discontinuation of physical disc production in January 2028, though analysts suggest the company will not reverse its decision due to the profitability of digital sales.
Sony Quietly Retracts PlayStation Plus Premium PS5 Game for July
Sony has corrected an earlier announcement regarding a PlayStation Plus Premium game for July, clarifying that Indigo Prophecy/Fahrenheit is not receiving a new PS5 port. Instead, the PS4 version from 2016 is being added to the catalog, which the article notes does not perform optimally on the PlayStation 5.
Sony Ends Discs in 2028. Why Nintendo Won't Follow.
Sony plans to cease production of physical discs for PlayStation in January 2028, shifting entirely to digital distribution. This move contrasts with Nintendo's continued support for physical media and retail partnerships. The article analyzes the historical and business reasons behind these divergent strategies, suggesting Sony's decision prioritizes efficiency and margin over retail relationships, while Nintendo's approach aims to maintain long-term market presence and cultural relevance by keeping its intellectual property circulating through physical touchpoints.
Stellar Blade Switch 2 age rating suggests release date news could be imminent, and we probably won't be seeing any…
Stellar Blade has received an M rating from the ESRB for its Nintendo Switch 2 version, suggesting an imminent release date announcement. The rating indicates that the game will retain its mature content, including depictions of violence and sexualization, similar to its PlayStation 5 and PC releases. This port is expected to launch in 2026.
