Digital Ownership
Ongoing coverage on Digital Ownership.
Latest coverage
Issues and Activism
The decline of CD keys highlights the precarious nature of game ownership in the digital age, with analysts suggesting this trend brings us closer to the death of physical game sales. This shift raises concerns about long-term access and preservation of digital titles.
Evening Consolidation
Microsoft is reportedly testing a new Xbox feature aimed at preserving digital game collections as physical media declines. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for July have been announced, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, For the King II, and CrossCode.
PlayStation’s Plan to Kill Physical Games is as Confusing as It Is Insulting
Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to phase out physical game discs for PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, exclusively offering digital versions. This decision, citing consumer trends and digital sales dominance, has sparked significant backlash due to concerns over digital ownership, game preservation, and potential monopolization of the market by the PlayStation Store. The move also follows the controversial shutdown of the PlayStation 3 and Vita storefronts, raising further questions about the future of accessing purchased digital content and the potential implications for future consoles like the PlayStation 6.
Death Stranding Director is Afraid of the World Going Fully Digital After PlayStation’s Announcement
Hideo Kojima has expressed concerns about Sony's move towards digital-only game releases on PlayStation, fearing that individuals will lose ownership of their digital data. He cited the delisting of P.T. as an example of how digital content can become inaccessible. Kojima's new horror game, OD, is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
PlayStation Disc Death Sends The Internet Into Its Physical Media Defense Arc
Sony has announced it will end production of all PlayStation game discs in 2028, a move that has sparked backlash from physical media advocates. This decision, alongside the closure of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts, highlights the industry's shift towards digital ownership, impacting physical retailers and raising concerns about long-term game access.
Sony confirms the shutdown of the PS3 and PS Vita storefront starting this August in select markets
Sony has announced the shutdown of the digital storefronts for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita consoles, with closures beginning in August 2026 in select markets and globally by July 2027. The company cited the need to support modern commerce systems as the reason for the decision, acknowledging the historical significance of these platforms.
In a huge blow to game ownership, PlayStation confirms end of physical games — mere days after GTA 6's…
Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that PlayStation will cease releasing new games on physical discs starting January 2028, citing a shift in consumer preference towards digital media. This decision, which impacts the concept of physical game ownership, comes shortly after Rockstar Games' move to digital-only releases for Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders and follows PlayStation's recent removal of purchased digital movies from user libraries.
Project Helix Could Launch Without a Disc Drive – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, may launch without a disc drive. This follows speculation that the PlayStation 6 will also omit physical media support. While not officially confirmed, the move could be a cost-saving measure for both companies, impacting digital ownership and physical collectors.
Sony Is Removing 550+ Movies & TV Shows From Your PlayStation Video Library
Sony is removing over 550 StudioCanal movies and TV shows from its PlayStation video library due to expired licenses. This action affects content that users had previously purchased, raising concerns about digital ownership and access rights.
Gala Games Introduces Mercantorium, a Marketplace for Player
Gala Games has launched Mercantorium, a new marketplace on GalaChain designed for trading in-game items and NFTs. This platform facilitates secure, peer-to-peer transactions directly on the blockchain, supporting the company's commitment to true digital ownership within its gaming ecosystem. Mercantorium aims to streamline the trading experience and foster a player-driven economy.
UK Stop Killing Games group launches with new NGO Gamers’ Voice
The new UK advocacy group Gamers' Voice has launched as part of the global Stop Killing Games movement to represent gamers' interests in policy discussions. The organization aims to address concerns around digital ownership, industry practices, and government regulations that could impact online games, ensuring player perspectives are included in debates.
"We want to ensure gamers are part of those conversations": Stop Killing Games launch player advocacy group to lobby the UK government
The Stop Killing Games campaign has launched a new UK advocacy group called Gamers' Voice to lobby the UK government on issues such as game preservation, live-service shutdowns, and online safety. The organization aims to ensure that gamers' perspectives are included in policy discussions affecting digital ownership and access to games. Gamers' Voice has already begun engaging with parliamentarians and aims to represent player interests in the UK.
Gaming Creators Face YouTube AI Chaos While Publishers Attack Game Preservation | HappyGamer
Gaming creators are facing significant disruption due to YouTube's AI moderation system falsely flagging content, impacting livelihoods. Simultaneously, game companies are intensifying actions against game preservation efforts, raising concerns about digital ownership and the long-term accessibility of gaming history. Both issues highlight the fragility of the digital gaming ecosystem and the need for better systems and protections.
PS5 DRM system isn't online only as Sony finally explains how it works
Sony has clarified its new Digital Rights Management (DRM) system for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, stating that it does not require constant online checks for purchased digital games. A one-time online verification is needed to confirm the game's license, after which games can be accessed offline. This explanation aims to alleviate concerns about digital ownership and accessibility that arose from initial misinterpretations.
Sony’s 30-Day License Controversy Shows the Real Problem With Digital Gaming | Invision Game Community
A reported PlayStation 5 license issue requiring a 30-day online check-in has sparked controversy regarding Sony's digital ownership policies and DRM practices. This situation highlights player concerns about losing access to purchased games if consoles remain offline for extended periods, raising questions about the true nature of digital ownership in an increasingly digital-only gaming landscape.
PS5 DRM controversy as fans fear Sony is moving towards online-only gaming
Fans are concerned about a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) system on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 that reportedly requires digital games to check in online every 30 days to maintain their license. While Sony Interactive Entertainment has provided conflicting information, some reports suggest this change could impact the playability of digital purchases if consoles are not connected to the internet regularly. This has reignited debates about digital ownership and the potential for online-only gaming.
Sony's New DRM Quietly Changes How PS5 Digital Games Work | HappyGamer
Sony has implemented a new Digital Rights Management system for recent PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 digital game purchases, requiring an online check-in every 30 days to ensure games can be launched. This change has raised concerns within the gaming community regarding digital ownership, game preservation, and the potential impact on offline play, especially for families with inconsistent internet access.
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.
Physical vs Digital Games: Souls Fans Spark Collection Debate
A debate has resurfaced among gamers, particularly Souls series fans, regarding the merits of physical versus digital game ownership. While digital offers convenience and instant access, physical collectors value the tangible aspect of owning games as artifacts. The article suggests a hybrid approach, where highly valued games are kept physical while others are acquired digitally, acknowledging that the core of the debate lies in control over one's game library.
Stop Killing Games Movement Hits European Parliament – And This Time, It’s Serious | Invision Game Community
The Stop Killing Games movement has brought the issue of digital ownership and game preservation to the European Parliament. The movement, led by Ross Scott, argues that when publishers shut down servers for games that require them to function, players effectively lose access to products they have purchased. A key example cited is Ubisoft's decision to make The Crew unplayable after server shutdown, highlighting a lack of clear regulation and a potential legal grey area that benefits publishers.
