Digital Distribution
Ongoing coverage on Digital Distribution.
Latest coverage
Sony shows hint of remorse as it quizzes developers on killing PlayStation discs
Sony is reportedly surveying game developers about its decision to end PlayStation disc production after 2027, following significant backlash from players. While a U-turn is unlikely, the move suggests Sony is considering developer feedback. Figures like Hideo Kojima have expressed concern over the shift away from physical media.
Gabe Newell made Steam after going "f*** these publishers" due to the broken relationship with Half-Life publisher Sierra, Counter-Strike co-creator says
According to Counter-Strike co-creator Minh Le, Gabe Newell's decision to create Steam stemmed from a deeply negative experience with Half-Life publisher Sierra. This dissatisfaction with traditional publishers led Valve to develop its own digital distribution platform, revolutionizing PC game sales.
Where can Australians buy R18+ PC games without a credit card? Pretty much everywhere but Steam
Valve's new age verification policy for R18+ PC games on Steam in Australia requires users to provide a credit card, a method not commonly used by Australians. This has caused frustration among players and confusion for banks, as alternative verification methods have not been offered. Players are advised to purchase games from third-party sellers like Fanatical and Green Man Gaming, though not all R18+ titles are available there.
Capcom Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch sale live with Monster Hunter Stories 3, Pragmata, more at new low prices
Capcom is holding a sale on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch, featuring titles like Monster Hunter Stories 3 and Pragmata at their lowest prices to date. The sale, which includes discounts on various Resident Evil and Street Fighter titles, runs until October 9, 2026.
Sony execs behind iconic game-sharing meme recreate it, but fittingly, without a physical game
Former PlayStation executives Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes recreated their iconic PS4 game-sharing meme, this time without a physical game. The act is seen by fans as a commentary on Sony's move towards an all-digital future, with the company reportedly ceasing disc manufacturing for new PlayStation games in 2028, a decision that has drawn criticism and concern for physical retailers.
Sony’s Iconic PS4 Game-Sharing Meme Has Been Recreated To Capture Our Depressing Future
Sony recreated a 2013 E3 meme showcasing PS4 game sharing, but with a starkly different message reflecting a future without physical discs. The article contrasts Sony's past PR win against Microsoft's DRM with its current shift to an all-digital future, which has drawn criticism for its lack of refunds and the company's stance on digital ownership as a license rather than ownership.
Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West Vanish From Steam in the UK Because of a Sony “Issue”
Sony has confirmed that Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West were accidentally removed from sale on Steam in the UK. The company is working with Valve to resolve the issue, though the cause of the removal remains unclear.
As Horizon Forbidden West and Helldivers 2 vanish from Steam in the UK, Sony confirms there's an ongoing issue and…
Players in the UK have reported that Horizon Forbidden West and Helldivers 2 have been delisted from Steam. Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed awareness of the issue affecting select titles in the UK and is working with Valve to resolve it, apologizing for the inconvenience.
Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West delisted from Steam in the UK, Sony say they're "working with Valve to address the issue"
Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West have been delisted from the Steam store in the UK, preventing new purchases. Sony has stated they are aware of the issue and are working with Valve to resolve it. The games remain playable for existing owners, but this regional restriction has caused concern among players.
Resident Evil director Zach Cregger weighs in on PlayStation ending physical games: "I'm not a physical media…
Resident Evil director Zach Cregger shared his perspective on the shift from physical to digital game distribution, stating he is not a physical media enthusiast due to his tendency to lose or damage items. While acknowledging concerns about digital ownership, he finds downloading games more convenient as it ensures they are always accessible.
Sony is Ending PlayStation Discs Despite Commercial Success to “Control” The Market, says Analyst
An analyst suggests Sony is ending PlayStation disc production in January 2028 to control the market and prioritize digital revenue, despite strong commercial success from physical releases like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Ghost of Yōtei. While live-service games like Helldivers 2 show less reliance on physical sales, Sony aims to capture more revenue and potentially influence the market ahead of a rumored digital-only PlayStation 6 handheld.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Definitive Edition is a game-key card on Nintendo Switch 2
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - Definitive Edition will be sold as a game-key card on Nintendo Switch, meaning there will be no true physical release worldwide. This format has been met with dissatisfaction from collectors, as it requires players to download the game data. This follows a similar release for Pokemon Pokopia, while most other Nintendo Switch games receive traditional physical releases.
Ubisoft Steam games to no longer require the Connect launcher, in "initial step toward a smoother and more streamlined launch experience"
Ubisoft is removing the requirement for its Connect launcher to start games on Steam, beginning with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. This change aims to streamline the launch experience for players, though future account linking requirements remain unclear. The publisher plans to roll out this new tool to more Steam titles over time.
PlayStation hits the self-sabotage button again, cutting ties with Kojima Productions as Xbox takes over — and I think there's more than one reason why
Sony Interactive Entertainment has ended its collaboration with Kojima Productions on the upcoming game Physint, with Xbox stepping in to form a new partnership with Hideo Kojima's studio. Kojima stated that PlayStation attempted to cancel the project, prompting his search for a new partner. The article speculates that Sony's move away from physical game discs and Kojima's stance against an all-digital future may have contributed to the split.
Final Fantasy VII Revelation Director Explains Why the Physical Disc Version Requires a Download to Play
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi explained that the physical disc version for PlayStation 5 and Xbox requires a download to play. This requirement pertains to the game's content, even when using a physical disc.
A new Ubisoft Steam tool could lead to a launcher-free future for its games
Ubisoft is testing a new Steam tool that could allow its games to function without requiring the Ubisoft Connect launcher to be installed or run separately. This feature, starting with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, aims to streamline the PC gaming experience by integrating services directly into Steam, potentially expanding to other major Ubisoft franchises like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.
Former PlayStation boss sounds just as surprised as everyone else that Sony let Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear successor…
Sony Interactive Entertainment has canceled its collaboration with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS on Hideo Kojima's upcoming stealth game, Physint, allowing Xbox to pick up the project. Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida expressed surprise at the decision, which follows Sony's controversial announcement about phasing out physical discs. Despite the setback, Kojima confirmed Physint's development is ongoing.
Valve has reportedly made £11bn from Steam already in 2026, and biggest earning new arrival is Forza Horizon 6
Valve's Steam platform has reportedly generated $15 billion in revenue for 2026, with Forza Horizon 6 being the highest-earning new release. Crimson Desert and Resident Evil Requiem also performed strongly, contributing significantly to Valve's earnings. New intellectual properties are showing strong performance, with Crimson Desert being a notable success.
Sony clarifies PlayStation disc production is dropping by 10 percent in 2028, not to 10 percent
Sony has clarified that its PlayStation disc manufacturing output is expected to decrease by 10 percent in 2028, not decline to 10 percent of current levels, correcting earlier reports. This clarification comes as Sony plans to cease producing physical discs for new games from January 2028, though reorders will continue. Former SIE chairman Shawn Layden expressed concern over the shift from ownership to accessibility and its impact on brand value.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation’s Physical Edition Requires Mandatory Download on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
The physical edition of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will require a mandatory internet download, a departure from previous installments. While the Nintendo Switch version will use a game key card, the disc-based versions for current-gen consoles necessitate online connectivity to play, disappointing collectors.
