Digital Games
Ongoing coverage on Digital Games.
Latest coverage
Games Inbox: Is buying second-hand video games going to end?
Readers discuss the potential end of second-hand physical game sales due to the increasing prevalence of digital distribution. Concerns are raised about the loss of ownership and the impact on retailers like CeX. The convenience of digital is acknowledged as a major factor driving this shift, with some lamenting the decline of physical media.
End of PlayStation discs will kill off CeX and used games market claim analysts
Analysts predict the end of the second-hand games market following Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to cease production of PlayStation game discs. Retailers like CeX, which rely heavily on physical media for trade-ins, are expected to be significantly impacted, potentially leading to their closure. This shift towards digital-only games is seen as a major threat to the multi-billion dollar used games industry.
Sony should get rid of consoles too if they ditch discs, says Disgaea creator
Disgaea creator Sohei Niikawa argues that consoles are redundant without physical games, suggesting Sony should eliminate hardware if they remove physical discs. He believes physical editions hold significant value as memories and keepsakes for fans. Niikawa's comments come as Sony moves away from physical media, raising questions about the future of console gaming and its appeal compared to PC.
'Not sure if I should keep buying games and software from Microsoft': Xbox users are questioning account safety due to ongoing recovery issues, ahead of a disc-less console future
Xbox users are expressing concerns about account safety and the future of digital game ownership due to ongoing account recovery issues and hacking incidents. These problems are amplified by the reported move towards disc-less consoles by both Microsoft and Sony, leading some gamers to question the security of purchasing digital software from Microsoft.
Games Inbox: Which is better out of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3?
Readers debate whether Cyberpunk 2077 or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the superior game, with many favoring The Witcher 3 for its story and characters. Discussions also touch upon the longevity of digital versus physical game sales, the unique economy of Counter-Strike skins, and concerns about Nintendo's recent game releases and pricing strategies.
US physical game sales hit new low as dev hits out at fans over digital protests
US physical game sales have reached a new low, with only seven games selling over 100,000 physical copies in the past year, according to analyst Mat Piscatella. This trend is contributing to Sony's decision to phase out physical releases for PlayStation games after 2027, despite consumer backlash. Chet Faliszek noted that consumer preference for digital purchases, which account for 85% of PlayStation 4 and 5 sales, is driving this industry shift.
Rising Costs Have Forced These Gamers To Make Tough Decisions
Rising costs for consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, alongside the shift to digital-only games and increased development expenses, are making video games a luxury item. Gamers are facing tough decisions about upgrading hardware or even affording new releases, with some professionals finding it harder to justify the costs for their work.
Two weeks after Sony announced it was killing discs, Best Buy has a rock-bottom price on a PS5 Digital Edition
Best Buy is offering the original PlayStation 5 Digital Edition console for $349.99, a significant discount compared to current prices for the Slim model. This deal comes as Sony plans to discontinue physical media support after 2028, making digital-only consoles a more prominent consideration.
Physical Games Are “Irrelevant” To GameStop’s Business, Says CEO
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that physical games are irrelevant to the company's business, with software now making up less than 12% of revenue while collectibles and hardware comprise the majority. He expressed indifference to PlayStation's potential shift away from physical discs, emphasizing the company's focus on other revenue streams like collectibles and his ambition to acquire eBay.
GameStop CEO says Sony's axing of physical games 'doesn't matter at all' in a statement sure to…
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen stated that Sony's decision to end physical game production for PlayStation titles from 2028 is 'totally irrelevant' to the company. He noted that physical and digital games only account for 18% of GameStop's revenue, with collectibles making up the majority of their business. This stance comes amidst consumer backlash over the move away from physical media and concerns about digital ownership.
Fans troll PS5 summer sale as ‘only renting’ games instead of selling them
Fans are expressing significant dissatisfaction with Sony's current PlayStation Store summer sale, criticizing the company's shift away from physical media. Many view digital purchases as temporary licenses rather than true ownership, leading to accusations that Sony is 'renting' games instead of selling them. This sentiment is being voiced across social media platforms, PlayStation's blog, and YouTube comments, with some users vowing to boycott future PlayStation purchases.
Former PlayStation Store boss says retail price is "set directly by the publisher" as digital draws ire for being more costly than the physical discs Sony is killing
A former head of the PlayStation Store, Gordon Thornton, stated that publishers, not Sony, set the recommended retail prices for games on the platform. This comes amid concerns that digital game prices are higher than physical copies and that Sony's move away from physical discs in 2028 will exacerbate this issue. Thornton's comments contrast with previous legal claims where Sony suggested it set retail prices under a wholesale model.
[Let’s Talk] How many games are you buying physically these days?
PlayStation is ending the production of physical game discs starting in January 2028, a move met with negative reactions. While digital game sales are increasing, a segment of players still values physical copies. The article prompts readers to share their own purchasing habits regarding physical versus digital games.
"I sued their asses and won!" Gamer wins legal battle to get hacked Xbox account back after they were told to rebuy all their digital games
A gamer in Brazil has won a legal battle against Microsoft after their Xbox account was hacked and subsequently suspended, leading to the loss of all their digital games. The court ordered Xbox to restore the account within 15 days and pay $400 in compensation for moral damages.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – July 11, 2026 – Tomodachi Life returns to the top
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of July 11, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream returning to the number one spot, bumping Rhythm Heaven Groove to second. Moonlight Peaks debuted at third place in its first week. The article also lists the top 30 overall games and top 30 download-only games.
Commissioner says the EU can't stop Sony from ending physical games: "Companies are free to offer games and…
An EU commissioner stated that companies are free to decide how they offer games, implying that Sony's decision to cease production of physical game discs by 2028 is within their commercial rights. This statement comes as collectors and preservationists rally against the move, but it suggests legal intervention is unlikely. Analysts predict Sony will not reverse its decision, with future consoles like the PlayStation 6 potentially omitting disc drives entirely.
PlayStation Account Flaw Makes No Discs a Big Issue for Millions
Sony's PlayStation accounts face a significant issue regarding region restrictions, particularly concerning an all-digital future. Users with accounts in regions where they do not reside, or in countries not supported by PlayStation Network, are at risk of losing access to their digital libraries if Sony enforces its terms of service. This policy prevents users from changing their account region, creating a dilemma for millions who have accumulated digital games and content over years.
Your Loyalty To Sony Or Xbox Means Nothing, Analyst Says
Analyst Mat Piscatella states that consumer loyalty to platforms like PlayStation or Xbox means nothing to corporations, as profitability is the sole driver. With the projected high cost of future consoles and the significantly higher margins on digital game sales compared to physical discs, companies like Sony are prioritizing digital distribution. This shift is seen as irreversible due to the lucrative nature of digital sales, despite concerns about game preservation.
It sure feels like PlayStation underestimated the backlash to ending physical games: its first post in a week has been…
Sony's decision to end support for physical PlayStation games and shut down the PS3 and PS Vita storefronts has generated significant backlash. The company's first social media post since the announcement, discussing a fight stick controller, was met with widespread criticism and demands for physical media, indicating a potential underestimation of player sentiment.
Games Inbox: Is the Xbox doomed to failure?
Readers express concerns about the future of Xbox, citing recent studio closures and a reliance on aging franchises like Halo and Gears of War. The discussion also touches on the shift towards digital-only games, the impact on game preservation, and the potential for companies like Sony to influence Kickstarter campaigns.
