Digital Distribution
Ongoing coverage on Digital Distribution.
Latest coverage
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Hits $28 on Amazon, Free on Game Pass
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is currently available for $28 on Amazon for PlayStation 5, representing a 53% discount from its launch price. The game is also accessible for free through Game Pass Ultimate. This pricing strategy highlights the ongoing tension between physical game sales and subscription service models.
Iron Lung Digital Release: Markiplier Gives An Update As Fans Wait
Markiplier, also known as Mark Fischbach, has provided an update on the digital release of his video game movie, Iron Lung. He explained that the delay is due to efforts to establish a distribution deal that benefits others, with plans to sell the film directly through YouTube and self-distribute Blu-ray and DVD copies. Fischbach also confirmed he is passionate about filmmaking but wants to avoid being solely known as 'the games guy'.
Steam Collector Becomes Digital Archaeologist, Preserving Games Lost to Time
A Steam user's collection of delisted games highlights the fragility of digital libraries and the growing importance of game preservation. This act of collecting serves as a reminder of how easily digital content can disappear from storefronts due to expired licenses or corporate decisions. The article discusses the challenges of digital ownership, the role of collectors as unintentional archivists, and the broader implications for gaming culture and history.
Unique 2023 PS5 Adventure Game Quietly Delisted From PS Store
The 2023 adventure game Cookie Cutter has been delisted from the PlayStation Store, preventing new purchases but allowing existing owners to still play. Developer Subcult Joint reportedly had disputes with publisher Rogue Games over steep price reductions, leading to the game's removal from the platform.
GENBA DIGITAL ENTERS EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH SUPERMASSIVE GAMES
Genba Digital has entered into a 12-month exclusive partnership with Supermassive Games to power the digital distribution of their upcoming survival horror title, Directive 8020. The agreement, which began in 2025, will see Genba's technology and advertising services support the game's release on May 12, 2026. Both companies expressed excitement about maximizing the game's audience reach through global digital retail channels.
Saros Demands Nearly 100GB Storage Space on PS5 – Preload Starts April 21
The upcoming game Saros will require nearly 100GB of storage space on PlayStation 5 consoles, with the install size confirmed at 83.440 GB. Preloading for the Deluxe Edition begins April 21, followed by the Standard Edition on April 23. This significant storage demand highlights a growing trend in AAA game file sizes and presents a challenge for players managing their console's limited SSD space.
Modern Warfare 2 Leads Steam Nostalgia Trip as Gamers Share First Purchases
A Reddit thread discussing first Steam purchases revealed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) was a dominant answer, highlighting its role in the platform's growth and the shift to digital distribution. The discussion also touched upon the lasting impact of early digital gaming experiences and the role of nostalgia in gaming culture.
Game Leak Highlights Ongoing Emulation Security Battles
Recent game leaks running on emulators highlight the ongoing security battles within the gaming industry. These incidents demonstrate the increasing sophistication of emulation tools and the challenges publishers face in protecting their intellectual property through DRM and encryption. The article discusses the technical arms race between pirates and publishers, the impact of leaks on marketing and sales, and the industry's exploration of cloud gaming as a potential solution to piracy concerns.
Op Ed
This opinion piece argues that the Epic Games Store will never achieve the same level of quality or user satisfaction as Steam. The author discusses various aspects of digital storefronts and user experience to support this claim.
Valve could be prepping to roll out 30-day Steam price tracking in the US, making it harder for publishers to mess with…
Valve Software appears to be developing a 30-day price tracking system for Steam games in the US, which would base discount percentages on the lowest price within that period. This feature, if rolled out, aims to make Steam sales more transparent for consumers by preventing publishers from artificially inflating discounts. While the functionality has been spotted in Steam's database, it is not yet confirmed for a live release.
Star Trek: Resurgence Will Likely Be Delisted Very Soon
Publisher Brunerhouse has announced that Star Trek: Resurgence will be delisted from digital storefronts due to a license expiration. While the exact date is unconfirmed, the game is still available for purchase on the Nintendo Switch eShop and PC via Steam. Existing owners will retain access to the game.
Steam’s 2005 Website Sparks Gaming Nostalgia Wave on Social Media
A Reddit post featuring Steam's 2005 website has sparked widespread nostalgia and discussion about the evolution of digital distribution and the gaming industry. The article contrasts the simple, functional design of early Steam with its current complex, engagement-driven interface, reflecting on how the industry has shifted from serving players to maximizing value extraction. While acknowledging modern Steam's improvements, it laments the loss of a perceived simpler era in gaming.
Imagine that, players who went to the Epic Game Store just for free games didn’t stick around
Former Epic Games employees revealed that while free game promotions on the Epic Games Store attracted new users, these players did not remain active on the platform long-term. This strategy has not helped Epic Games compete with Steam, which continues to see record user numbers and profitability.
Star Trek Fans, Buy This PS5, PS4 Game Now Before It's Delisted
Star Trek: Resurgence is being delisted from Steam and is expected to be removed from other platforms soon due to an expiring distribution license. Publisher Bruner House announced the game's removal from Steam, with existing owners retaining access. The narrative adventure game, developed by ex-Telltale staff at Dramatic Labs, is still available for purchase on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.
Star Trek Fans, Buy This PS5, PS4 Game Before It's Delisted Now
Star Trek: Resurgence is being delisted from Steam and is expected to be removed from other platforms soon due to its distribution license ending. The narrative adventure game, developed by ex-Telltale staff at Dramatic Labs, was released in 2023. Players interested in purchasing the game for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or PC are advised to do so immediately before it becomes unavailable.
Red Dead Redemption Appears to Be Getting a PS5 Physical Edition
A retailer listing suggests that a physical disc version of Red Dead Redemption for PlayStation 5 will be released in May 2026. This edition is expected to include the base game and the Undead Nightmare expansion, similar to the digital version available on the PlayStation Store and through PS Plus Extra. Rockstar Games has not yet officially confirmed the physical release.
Red Dead Redemption PS5 Physical Edition Leaks, Out on 7th May
A physical disc version of Red Dead Redemption for the PlayStation 5 has been leaked, with reports suggesting a release date of May 7, 2026, and a price of €34.99. This edition is expected to include the Undead Nightmare expansion, similar to the digital version already available on the PlayStation Store and included with PS Plus Extra.
Disney’s Silent Steam Purge: 15 Games Vanish Including Star Wars Titles
Disney has quietly removed 15 games, including several classic Star Wars titles, from the Steam platform without prior announcement. While players who already own these games can still access them, the delistings highlight concerns about game preservation and corporate control over digital content. This action is part of a broader trend of entertainment companies treating digital games as disposable rather than cultural artifacts.
Quoteworthy
Employees of the Epic Games Store have stated that many users primarily engaged with the platform to claim free game giveaways. Once these promotions concluded, a significant portion of these users reportedly returned to using Steam. This suggests that free game offerings were a primary driver for user acquisition and engagement on the Epic Games Store.
15 More Disney Games Have Been Delisted on Steam
Fifteen Disney-published games have been removed from Steam without explanation, making them unavailable for new purchases. While the exact reasons are unclear, this delisting affects titles ranging from older Star Wars games to more recent ones like Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier. This move comes as Disney increases its investment in Epic Games and Fortnite, potentially signaling a shift in its digital distribution strategy.
