Digital Distribution
Ongoing coverage on Digital Distribution.
Latest coverage
GTA 6 Preloading: Start Date And What To Know About Digital And Physical Copies
Rockstar Games has provided details on the preloading schedule for Grand Theft Auto 6, which launches on November 19. Digital preorders will allow players to preload the game starting November 12, with physical copies also available on the same date to support early installation. The file size has not yet been disclosed, but is expected to be substantial.
The next PlayStation looks more and more like a PC, and that's not a bad thing
Sony's decision to end physical disc production in January 2028 for PlayStation consoles is discussed, drawing parallels to the PC's digital-first market. While acknowledging the nostalgia for physical media and concerns about content ownership, the article suggests that a discless future could be positive if Sony ensures steady digital discounts. The author proposes limited edition physical releases as a compromise to keep physical media alive.
"We will continue till the last day": Publisher protests Sony's digital-only future with a pledge to make as many physical PS5 games as possible
Chinese publisher Astrolabe Games has pledged to continue releasing physical PlayStation 5 games until at least the end of 2027, protesting Sony's planned discontinuation of physical media support in 2028. The company, known for titles like Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog, aims to produce physical copies as long as it remains financially viable, with a minimum order quantity of 5,000 units per release.
Report Shows Games Likely to Be More Expensive Once Physical Game Discs End Production
A report indicates that game prices are likely to increase with the cessation of physical disc production, as digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store are consistently more expensive than retail. This shift would give companies like Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft greater control over game pricing, potentially eliminating the competitive pricing found in retail and the second-hand market.
PlayStation’s Digital Future Is Turning Into a PR Disaster
Sony's decision to phase out physical game production for PlayStation by January 2028 has sparked significant backlash, with over 240,000 signatures on the "Don't Kill The Disc" campaign. While Sony cites a shift towards digital ownership, critics raise concerns about game preservation, ownership rights, and the impact on retail competition. The company's silence amid widespread criticism and boycotts is exacerbating the situation, leading to a crisis of consumer trust and reputational damage.
Sony "will not reverse" plan to kill physical PlayStation games, analyst says: "They knew what the online reaction would look like, and they now wait for this storm to pass"
Sony plans to discontinue physical PlayStation game discs in 2028, a decision an analyst believes will not be reversed despite industry backlash. Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games suggests that Sony's large user base and lucrative digital sales make the move cost-effective, with potential impacts on Xbox and Nintendo's strategies.
It's not just gamers impacted by Sony's all-digital PS5 future: 4K Blu-ray collectors and film buffs will also feel the sting
Sony's move towards an all-digital future for the PlayStation 5 is raising concerns beyond just gamers. Collectors of physical media, including 4K Blu-ray enthusiasts and film buffs, will also be negatively impacted by the discontinuation of physical disc drives.
Games are almost always cheaper in shops, says new report, just as Sony announces an end to PlayStation discs and brings retailers' futures into question
Sony Interactive Entertainment will cease manufacturing physical PlayStation discs in January 2028, shifting exclusively to digital formats. A report by Tweakers comparing historical retail and PlayStation Store prices indicates that physical games are statistically cheaper over time, with digital titles often retaining their full launch price. This move is expected to increase game costs and eliminate the second-hand market, though retailers may still sell digital vouchers.
Major second-hand retailer warns loss of physical PlayStation games will mean higher prices for consumers and…
Sony plans to end the production of physical PlayStation game discs in January 2028, citing the significant demand for digital releases. This decision has sparked backlash from gamers, with a petition urging Sony to reverse course gaining over 250,000 signatures. Major UK second-hand retailer musicMagpie warns that the move could lead to higher prices and reduced choice for consumers, as physical games offer more affordable options and resale value.
RAM costs a fortune and PlayStation is going digital, but Acer is making a remote control for gaming monitors, so…
Acer has unveiled a new "Smart Dial" remote control for its upcoming Predator gaming monitors, aiming to improve user experience by offering a more convenient way to adjust settings. This announcement comes amidst concerns about rising hardware costs and PlayStation's confirmed shift to digital-only distribution from 2028.
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.
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.
After Sony announces its sunsetting PlayStation discs, Hideo Kojima shares a warning about physical media: "What is happening to video games in 2028 might also happen to movies"
Hideo Kojima expressed concern over Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to discontinue physical game disc production in 2028, warning that the shift away from physical media could impact movies and other digital content. He highlighted the risks associated with streaming services and the potential loss of access to content if servers are shut down or distribution changes.
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.
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.
There Is No Reason To Buy Another PlayStation Or Xbox
The author argues that upcoming PlayStation and Xbox consoles will be too expensive and lack compelling reasons to purchase, especially with the shift to digital-only distribution. Concerns are raised about the impact on the used games market, accessibility for players with poor internet, and the overall viability of the console market as attention shifts to mobile and other forms of entertainment.
Metal Gear Solid Snake actor David Hayter tells Sony "no disc, no buy" amid controversial decision to axe physical discs for new PlayStation games in 2028
Voice actor David Hayter, known for voicing Solid Snake, has voiced his opposition to Sony's reported decision to discontinue physical discs for new PlayStation games in 2028. Hayter stated "no disc, no buy," aligning with fans concerned about the shift towards digital-only distribution.
In 2009, late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said it'll take "20 years or so" for game purchases to…
Former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata predicted in 2009 that it would take approximately 20 years for digital game purchases to become the majority. With Sony phasing out physical PS5 games by 2028 and Rockstar Games opting for digital or code-in-box releases for Grand Theft Auto 6, his prediction appears to be nearly accurate. While Xbox has not yet announced similar plans, the trend towards digital distribution is evident across the industry.
'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.
