Digital Distribution
Ongoing coverage on Digital Distribution.
Latest coverage
Sony killing PlayStation discs will make PS Store prices cheaper, former Square Enix financial exec says, and you only need to look at Steam to understand why
A former Square Enix executive suggests that Sony's move to a digital-only PlayStation Store by 2028 could lead to cheaper game prices. Jacob Navok argues that publisher competition, similar to Steam's model, will drive down prices as physical production and distribution costs are eliminated. However, this shift also raises concerns about digital ownership rights and the loss of physical media options for consumers.
Stop Killing Games joins Dutch consumer rights lawsuit as its founder talks about its mission in an interview
The Stop Killing Games movement has joined a Dutch consumer rights lawsuit against Sony, arguing that the company's discontinuation of physical game releases is anti-consumer. The lawsuit, filed by Stichting Massaschade & Consument, seeks alternatives to the PlayStation Store, fair pricing, and refunds for alleged overcharges. In an interview, Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott emphasized the importance of game preservation and publishers' responsibility for end-of-life plans.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite vanishes from Nintendo Switch without refunds or offline options, leaving players to curse the digital future – "Never buy cloud versions of anything"
Aliens: Fireteam Elite has been removed from the Nintendo Switch eShop and its servers have been shut down, rendering the game unplayable for those who purchased it. Developer Cold Iron Studios announced the shutdown, but players are unable to obtain refunds, sparking criticism about digital distribution and cloud gaming practices. The game remains available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
GTA 6 might not cost $100, but most of the people pre-ordering it are buying it at that price, Take-Two reveals
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 are exceeding expectations, with a significant number of players opting for the more expensive Ultimate edition. Zelnick believes this indicates that avid consumers, who value in-game content, are the primary pre-order demographic. The company has also increased its earnings forecast for fiscal year 2027 in anticipation of the game's November 19th release.
GTA 6 On A Disc Doesn’t Make Sense But Could Happen, Take-Two CEO Says
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that while physical discs for Grand Theft Auto 6 don't make sense for consumers, the company hasn't entirely ruled out the possibility. He noted that over 90% of Take-Two's sales are digital and expects this trend to continue, though a niche market for physical games may persist. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Games Inbox: Is Final Fantasy 7 still the most popular JRPG?
Readers discuss the perceived lack of hype for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, questioning if the original game's age hinders its popularity as a JRPG. Other topics include reader interest in Take-Two's post-Grand Theft Auto 6 plans, the potential for a live-action Zelda movie, and the future of digital distribution versus physical media.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – August 9, 2026 – Lies of P, Final Fantasy 14, and Big Walk all debut
The latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of August 9, 2026, show new debuts from Lies of P, Final Fantasy 14, and Big Walk. Other notable entries include Madden NFL 27, Duskfade, and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Deluxe Edition. The charts also list download-only titles, with Lies of P and Big Walk leading that category.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – August 8, 2026 – Tomodachi Life on top, Kynseed debuts
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of August 8, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream maintaining its top position. New release Kynseed debuted at #11 overall and second on the download-only list. The charts also feature popular titles like Minecraft, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and various Mario and Pokemon games.
Who Gets Left Behind In Sony’s All-Digital Future?
Sony's planned discontinuation of PlayStation 5 physical disc production in 2028 raises concerns about accessibility for various groups, including those with limited internet access, public libraries, and gamers in developing countries. While some anticipate challenges related to download sizes and ownership, others note that digital-only gaming is already a reality for many, and factors like the used game market and piracy complicate the transition. The shift could impact gaming communities and the concept of game ownership, even if it streamlines tournament organization.
GTA 6 boss says discs 'don't really make sense' as he predicts streaming future
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that physical discs for Grand Theft Auto 6 do not make sense due to the industry's shift towards digital distribution, which now accounts for over 90% of their business. He predicts that game streaming is on the horizon and will significantly expand the potential player base within three years, even as physical editions may persist in niche forms like vinyl records.
Take-Two boss dismisses hand-wringing over the end of disc-based games: 'Our business is well over 90% digitally…
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick believes physical game discs are becoming obsolete, stating that over 90% of the company's business is already digital. He argues that for large titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, which will be digital-only, discs no longer make sense for consumers due to convenience and the prevalence of online registration. While acknowledging the appeal of physical media for some, Zelnick suggests Take-Two will release physical editions only sporadically.
Wondering why GTA 6 is a code in a box? Take-Two CEO says it’s because gaming is now ‘well over 90%…
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick explained the decision to release Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions with a digital code instead of a disc, citing that the company's business is over 90% digital. He also defended the pricing of the Standard and Ultimate Editions, noting exceptional pre-order sales. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S.
Take-Two CEO on GTA 6 Going Disc-Free: Physical Games Are the New Vinyl
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained the decision to release Grand Theft Auto 6 without a physical disc, comparing the shift to the vinyl record industry. He stated that over 90% of their business is already digital, making discs inconvenient for consumers. This comes as Sony plans to phase out physical disc production for PlayStation titles starting in 2028, a move met with significant backlash from players concerned about ownership and preservation.
We'll all be streaming our games in about "three years", says Take-Two boss, raising some post-release questions about GTA 6
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick predicts that the gaming industry will fully embrace cloud streaming within three years, potentially multiplying the effective install base for games. He also expressed skepticism towards generative AI's impact on the industry. The article speculates on how this shift to streaming might affect the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, particularly its PC version, and contrasts Zelnick's views with Sony's recent move away from physical media.
With GTA 6 digital only, Take-Two boss says discs "don't really make sense" – "if you're already connected, who cares if you download digitally?"
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that physical discs for games like Grand Theft Auto 6 are becoming less relevant as over 90% of sales are digital. He argued that with mandatory online registration for most games, the distinction between physical and digital becomes less important for consumers. While physical editions may still exist occasionally, Zelnick believes the industry is moving towards digital distribution.
As GTA 6 publisher Take-Two revises its 2027 net bookings up to $8.2bn, Strauss Zelnick confirms its sales are "well over 90% digital"
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that over 90% of the publisher's sales are digital, a trend reinforced by Grand Theft Auto 6's physical release being a code in a box. The company has revised its Fiscal 2027 net bookings outlook upwards to $8.2 billion, largely due to strong pre-order performance and excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6's November 19th launch.
Take-Two Boss Defends No Disc Version of GTA 6, Equates Physical Releases to Vinyl Records
Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, defended the decision not to release Grand Theft Auto 6 on physical discs, stating that discs are no longer practical for consumers for major game releases. He compared the current digital distribution model to the resurgence of vinyl records for music enthusiasts.
Sony appears to be putting labels on PS5 console boxes to warn people it's ending disc production
Sony is reportedly labeling PlayStation 5 console boxes to inform consumers that the company will cease support for physical disc-based games starting January 2028. New game releases will be digital-only, though existing discs will remain playable. This decision has faced backlash from some consumers concerned about pricing and digital ownership.
Games Inbox: What will be in the GTA 6 extended look on Netflix?
Readers discuss expectations for the Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look on Netflix, speculating about gameplay footage and potential online components. The discussion also touches on Sony's all-digital PlayStation 5 strategy, Capcom's reboot choices like Onimusha and Dino Crisis, and the overall health and direction of the video game industry, drawing parallels to past industry crashes.
Sony’s All-Digital Future For PlayStation Faces Legal Hurdles Across The Globe
Sony's move towards an all-digital future for PlayStation is facing global legal challenges, with lawsuits arguing that the elimination of the second-hand market and reliance on the PlayStation Store constitutes an antitrust issue. Consumers are concerned about ownership rights and fair pricing, especially with indications that physical disc production may cease after January 2028.
