Digital-only future
Ongoing coverage on Digital-only future.
Latest coverage
PS6 PlayStation Store Purchases Might Be Easier Than Ever Before
Sony Interactive Entertainment is developing new technology that could simplify PlayStation Store purchases, potentially for the PlayStation 6. A patent describes NFC-enabled controllers that would allow users to tap gift or credit cards for instant microtransaction or game purchases, moving towards a more digital-only future.
I have huge respect for fans protesting the PS5 no disc policy on social media - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses strong disapproval of Sony's move towards an all-digital future for the PlayStation 5, criticizing the lack of physical disc support and potential price increases. The author praises fans for their persistent and creative protests on social media, which have effectively made Sony's social channels unusable.
Former PlayStation Studios President Praises Xbox’s Solution To A Digital-Only Future
Former PlayStation Studios President Shuhei Yoshida praised Microsoft's new disc-to-digital program as a "great move by team Xbox." This initiative allows Xbox users to obtain a digital license for their physical games, ensuring playability in a future potentially without disc drives, a contrast to Sony's current approach for PlayStation.
How Sony can soften the blow of a digital-only future - Reader's Feature
A reader suggests ways Sony Interactive Entertainment could mitigate the negative impact of a digital-only future for the PlayStation 5 and future consoles. The suggestions include cheaper game prices, more consistent pricing for older titles, a rewarding loyalty program, better refund policies similar to Steam, and a monthly payment option for new console hardware.
PlayStation goes all-digital, lessons learned for Square Enix, and what happens when fantasy projects collide with the…
Sony PlayStation will discontinue physical game disc production for new games starting January 2028, coinciding with the closure of the PlayStation Store on PS3 and Vita. Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077 has surpassed 40 million players, and CD Projekt Red is consolidating its brand. IO Interactive's fantasy RPG Project Fantasy faces uncertainty as Xbox funding has been pulled.
2024 PS5, PS4 RPG Already Delisted From PS Store, No Warning
The 2024 RPG Star Trek: Legends has been removed from the PlayStation Store without prior warning, adding to concerns about a digital-only future for games. Developed by Emerald City Games and published by QubicGames, the title was released just 1.5 years ago. This marks the fourth Star Trek game delisted in less than a year, leaving only Star Trek Online available on the platform.
