Digital Distribution
Ongoing coverage on Digital Distribution.
Latest coverage
Cyberleek threatens to release entire GTA 6 game online for free
A hacker known as Cyberleek is threatening to release a playable build of Grand Theft Auto 6 online for free unless Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive issue a public apology and release a physical version of the game. The leaker has already shared new gameplay footage, including nudity, and claims to possess the entire story mode. This threat comes amid existing animosity towards Rockstar for opting for a digital-only release.
Steam Hits New Milestone of Over 43 Million Concurrent Users
Steam, the PC-exclusive digital distribution platform, has set a new record with over 43.5 million concurrent users. This milestone surpasses its previous record set earlier this year. The platform has seen consistent growth, particularly since the COVID-19 lockdowns, with Valve's hardware efforts like the Steam Deck potentially contributing to its sustained user base.
Nintendo Exec Says There Are “No Plans to Ditch Physical”
Nintendo of America's Bill van Zyll stated that the company has no plans to abandon physical game media, emphasizing their agnostic approach and the Nintendo Switch's capability for both physical and digital formats. This comes amid industry discussions about the future of physical media, with Sony ending PlayStation disc production in 2028 and former Sony executive Shawn Layden expressing concerns about game ownership.
Nintendo explains how it prices games, including impact of physical vs. digital
Nintendo's Bill van Zyll explained that game pricing considers value, playtime, complexity, and development costs. The divergence between physical and digital prices on the Nintendo Switch is attributed to the rising costs of manufacturing physical media, such as cartridges and chips, compared to digital distribution.
Leisure Suit Larry is about to take his final bow
Assemble Entertainment announced that Leisure Suit Larry: Wet Dreams Don't Dry and Wet Dreams Dry Twice will be removed from Steam on October 23rd. The publisher is offering both games at a 95% discount ahead of their delisting, with no reason provided for the removal, though expiring licenses are suspected. This follows the delisting of earlier Leisure Suit Larry titles.
RPG creator says Sony's all-digital future is good for devs as discs "can't win in terms of convenience" and games like GTA 6 are "too big" for them anyway
Hiroshi Matsuyama, CEO of CyberConnect 2, believes Sony's move towards an all-digital future for PlayStation is beneficial for game developers. He argues that digital distribution eliminates manufacturing costs, increases profitability, and is more convenient for consumers, citing the massive file sizes of games like Grand Theft Auto 6 as evidence that physical discs are becoming obsolete.
Sony’s Decision to End PlayStation Discs Raises Questions About Ownership, Says Former Exec
Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shawn Layden expressed disagreement with Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production, citing the importance of physical media buyers and the implications for game ownership. He argues that shifting to digital-only access changes the consumer's perception of ownership and could negatively impact brand reputation, especially in regions with poor internet infrastructure.
On PS5 and Xbox, Revelation’s Disc Is Only a Starting Point
Final Fantasy VII Remake's physical release will only include the game's opening on disc, with the rest requiring a substantial download for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X players. Director Naoki Hamaguchi expressed a desire for more complete physical releases but acknowledged limitations in his authority over product strategy. This approach reflects a broader industry trend away from full physical game discs, with Sony planning to cease PlayStation disc production in 2028.
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War Could Become a Standalone Title on Steam After All
Project Aces is exploring the possibility of releasing Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War as a standalone title on Steam, following discussions with platform partners. This comes after initial marketing suggested it would be a free bonus for purchasing Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, but it was later bundled. The developer is still reviewing implementation details and distribution timing, acknowledging that it may not ultimately be realized due to licensing and platform considerations.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director says he "did his best" to fight for a full disc release
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi stated he advocated for a full physical disc release, but ultimately the game will ship with a "key disc" containing only the opening, requiring a large download. Hamaguchi expressed understanding for fan frustration with the industry's shift towards digital-only distribution, acknowledging his limited authority over publishing decisions.
'I Did My Best' — Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Responds to Fans Asking for Full Disc Version
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi stated he advocated for a physical disc version of the game, acknowledging the industry's shift towards disc-less distribution. He expressed that he did his best to push for the physical release.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation lead says he pushed Square Enix for a physical version of the JRPG, but physical media will…
Final Fantasy 7 Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi stated he advocated for a physical release of the game, which will launch on a single disc but require an internet connection to download the majority of its content. Hamaguchi acknowledged fan concerns about the nature of physical media and the trend towards digital-only releases, noting that securing even this partial physical version was a difficult negotiation with Square Enix and platform holders.
Sony’s consultation on physical media: better late than never | Opinion
Sony's belated consultation with development partners regarding the discontinuation of physical media for PlayStation 5 games is criticized as a poorly handled, unilateral decision. While the consultation may lead to minor compromises, it is seen more as a PR response to backlash than a genuine reconsideration of policy, potentially alienating consumers and smaller publishers who rely on physical releases for revenue and special editions.
Steam on track to earn a record $20 billion this year thanks to games like The Witcher 3 Remastered and Wardogs, analyst…
Steam is projected to earn a record $20 billion in revenue this year, according to analyst firm Alinea Analytics. The platform saw a massive September, bringing in $1.6 billion, and is on track to surpass its previous yearly earnings. Major game releases like Wardogs and the remaster of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt have contributed significantly to this success.
Ace Combat Zero Can’t Be Separated From Ace Combat 8 on Steam Due to “Licensing Restrictions”
The developers of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve have announced that Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is only playable within Ace Combat 8 on Steam due to licensing issues. This decision makes accessing the classic title inconvenient for PC players, unlike its standalone availability on consoles. Discussions are ongoing to find a solution, but the PC version may not match other platforms.
Steam is swapping its curated discounts section for a more personal touch, and it could be "a big win" for indies
Steam is replacing its curated discount sections with a more personalized, algorithm-driven system in early 2027. This change is expected to significantly improve game discovery for players and provide greater visibility for developers, particularly for indie titles. The CEO of Hooded Horse believes this shift is a major benefit for both consumers and creators.
Report: Sony surveying developers about dropping PlayStation disc support
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly surveying developers about ending physical disc support for PlayStation consoles, with production slated to cease in January 2028. While Sony cites a consumer preference for digital media, companies specializing in physical collector's editions have expressed strong disappointment and sadness over the decision.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – September 26, 2026 – Super Mario Galaxy now on top
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of September 26, 2026, show Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 taking the top spot. Metroid Dread dropped to fourth place, while Minecraft Dungeons is poised for a strong debut. The list includes a wide range of popular titles across both full game and download-only categories.
GTA 6’s Collectors Edition is $400+ and doesn’t come with the game
Rockstar Games has announced a $400+ collector's edition for Grand Theft Auto 6 that notably does not include a copy of the game itself, sparking significant backlash from fans. The "The Goodtime State – Vice City Collection" includes various themed merchandise, but the high price point and lack of the game, especially considering the game's already high cost and digital-only format, have drawn comparisons to the Grand Theft Auto 5 collector's edition and criticism regarding the trend of digital-only game sales.
Fans’ PS6 Physical Disc Hopes Rise After PlayStation’s New Developer Survey
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly surveying developers about the future of physical game discs, potentially indicating a reconsideration of its plan to cease production by 2028. This comes after fan protests and developer concerns, with the game Marvel's Wolverine still selling well physically.
