Digital Distribution
Ongoing coverage on Digital Distribution.
Latest coverage
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is getting a physical version, but it will require an internet connection to download
The physical edition of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will require an internet connection to download over 100GB of game data, unlike previous entries in the series. This applies to all platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 2, with the latter's version being particularly large at 130GB. The game is set to release on April 8, 2027.
Inside the Nintendo Museum: The DNA of a Toy Maker
The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto highlights the company's enduring 'toy maker' philosophy, contrasting it with Sony's 'data stream' approach. The article emphasizes Nintendo's focus on physical media, tactile experiences, and a broad retail ecosystem, exemplified by the Virtual Boy and its approach to game preservation, while criticizing Sony's reliance on digital distribution and high-spec hardware.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Is Out Today, and Steam Codes Are Already on Sale
The Blood of Dawnwalker has been released today for PC players and is already available at a discount of up to 12% from retailers like Fanatical and Newegg. This indicates early availability through digital distribution channels.
CD Projekt Red won't be abandoning physical releases
CD Projekt Red, developer of The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2077, intends to continue offering physical releases, according to joint-CEO Michal Nowakowski. While acknowledging the industry shift towards digital and platform holder decisions, CDPR aims to create physical boxes that are valuable to consumers, potentially using download codes instead of discs.
Sony Warns PlayStation Customers Against Harassing Support Staff Amid Disc Backlash
Sony Interactive Entertainment has implemented a new anti-harassment policy for its customer service staff in Japan, prompted by backlash against the company's decision to phase out physical game discs. The policy outlines restrictions on unreasonable demands, abusive language, and threats, with Sony prepared to involve law enforcement if necessary. This move comes amidst ongoing criticism regarding Sony's digital storefront practices and a class-action lawsuit settlement.
CeX confirms existence of first retro store in Birmingham
UK retailer CeX is planning to open its first dedicated retro gaming store in Birmingham, potentially codenamed 'ReX' or 'CeX Retro'. The existence of the store, listed on the company's website, has been confirmed as a trial for future expansion, aiming to capitalize on the retro market amidst increasing digital game sales.
The Witcher 4 Will Have a Physical Box, But CDPR Has “No Influence” in the Ongoing Disc Debate
CD Projekt RED plans to release The Witcher 4 with a physical box, despite Sony's discontinuation of new disc titles from January 2028. Studio co-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated they have no influence on first-party policies but are committed to tangible collectibles. Xbox is also exploring ways to support physical media, with CEO Asha Sharma emphasizing player choice.
13 years after famous Microsoft dunk, ex-PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida says Xbox disc-to-digital feature is "a…
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida has praised Microsoft's new Xbox disc-to-digital initiative, calling it a "great move." This comes as Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to cease physical game production for PlayStation consoles in 2028, and Grand Theft Auto 6 confirmed its physical release will be a code in a box. Yoshida's comments and past actions have drawn attention due to the perceived irony given Sony's shift away from physical media.
Ubisoft apologizes for accidentally selling Heroes of Might and Magic 3 without the actual game files
Ubisoft has apologized for a recent error on Steam where the game Heroes of Might and Magic 3 was sold without its actual game files. This mistake occurred despite anticipation for an upcoming remake of the classic title.
Physical games are never coming back as even disc drives are dying out
The article discusses the declining relevance of physical game media, citing Microsoft's disc-to-digital scheme and the collapsing supply chain for disc drives. It suggests that future consoles like the PlayStation 6 will likely be digital-only, forcing players to adapt to digital distribution despite some resistance.
Rockstar Games 'heartbroken' by Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks
Rockstar Games has expressed being "heartbroken" by the recent leaks of Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay footage. The company stated that the leaks are not how they intended players to see the game and apologized for the delay in official reveals. The leaks have continued despite Rockstar Games' legal efforts to identify the source.
Danganronpa 2×2 is now a game-key card on Nintendo Switch 2, game no longer on the cartridge
Spike Chunsoft has announced that Danganronpa 2 will be sold on a game-key card instead of a full cartridge for the Nintendo Switch 2. This change affects all regions, and pre-orders from the Spike Chunsoft Official Store US will be canceled and refunded. The game is scheduled to launch in early 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch.
Ubisoft Finally Put Heroes of Might and Magic 3 on Steam, But Forgot to Include the Game
Ubisoft mistakenly released an incorrect, tiny file instead of the full game when launching Heroes of Might and Magic III on Steam. The issue was quickly resolved after the initial hiccup.
Heroes of Might & Magic 3 gets off to a bumpy start on Steam after Ubisoft forgot to include the game itself in the…
Ubisoft's recent launch of Heroes of Might and Magic 3 on Steam was marred by an issue where the game files were missing from the download, resulting in a very small file size and negative player reviews. The company has since acknowledged and resolved the problem, releasing an update that includes the necessary game files.
Latest GTA 6 Leak References Irony Of The Game Being A Digital-Exclusive
A recent Grand Theft Auto 6 leak has highlighted the irony of the game being a digital-exclusive, as a leaked clip shows a character visiting a store selling physical game discs. The article discusses the ongoing debate around digital vs. physical game ownership and concerns about game preservation in a digital-only future. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Rediscovering my PS Vita has left me despairing for PlayStation's all-digital future
Rediscovering the PlayStation Vita has led to despair over Sony's all-digital future, particularly with the upcoming closure of the Vita's digital store. This move, coupled with the anticipated all-digital nature of the PlayStation 6 and the cessation of physical disc releases by 2028, raises concerns about game preservation and the ability to share or resell games in the future.
Analyst reckons the Epic Games Store can't "recover" in duel with Steam, Epic GM says "the data…
An analyst from Newzoo believes the Epic Games Store cannot compete with Steam due to Steam's established dominance and Epic's strategy of giving away free games. However, Epic Games' VP and GM, Martin Keely, stated that data shows significant growth in player hours and spending on third-party games on the Epic Games Store in 2025, with further acceleration expected.
Valve fyller 30 år – företaget som förändrade PC-spelandet
Valve, founded 30 years ago by Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, has significantly impacted PC gaming through titles like Half-Life and its sequels, and the revolutionary digital distribution platform Steam. The company has also ventured into hardware with the Steam Deck and VR, continuing to innovate in how and where PC games are played.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Switch 2 physical version is seemingly a code-in-box
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will reportedly be a code-in-box, meaning the physical release will only contain a download voucher. Retailer Video Game Plus has stated they will not stock the game due to this, citing concerns for the future of physical media. Activision has not yet officially confirmed the format for the Switch 2 version.
Epic Games Store overhaul might be "too little, too late", says Newzoo analyst
Newzoo analyst Emmanuel Rosier believes that an overhaul of the Epic Games Store may be too late to challenge Steam's dominance in the PC digital distribution market. While Epic's free game giveaways attract users, they do not foster lasting engagement, and players tend to stick with Steam. Rosier is more optimistic about Epic's prospects with Fortnite, noting its successful integration of crossover cosmetics.
