Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
PlayStation is ending physical disc production for new games in 2028 as Sony says "general preference for digital…
Sony has announced that physical disc production for new PlayStation games will cease in January 2028, with all new titles exclusively available digitally thereafter. This change reflects a broader industry shift towards digital distribution, though existing games will not be affected. Sony states its commitment to providing players with choices in how they access games.
PlayStation Discs Coming to an End, Sony Confirms
Sony Interactive Entertainment will cease production of PlayStation discs in January 2028, citing shifting consumer preferences towards digital media. Following this date, new games will only be available digitally through the PlayStation Store or at retailers. This change is expected to impact the design of the upcoming PlayStation 6 console.
Sony Confirms PlayStation Disc Production Will End In 2028
Sony has announced that it will cease production of physical discs for PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028. This decision comes as physical game sales continue to decline, with all future games being available exclusively through the PlayStation Store and digital retailers.
Sony Just Killed Discs: Physical Disc Production to End January 2028 for New Games Releasing on PlayStation Consoles
Sony has announced that physical disc production for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will cease in January 2028. This decision marks a significant shift away from physical media for future game releases on the platform.
Physical disc production ending in January 2028 for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles
Sony Interactive Entertainment will discontinue physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles starting January 2028. Following this date, new titles will only be available digitally through the PlayStation Store and at retailers. This change reflects a shift in consumer preference towards digital media.
PlayStation Games Will Go Fully Digital From January 2028 Onwards
Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that PlayStation 5 games will transition to a fully digital-only format starting January 2028. This decision, driven by changing consumer preferences and industry trends, means physical disc releases will cease, with retail copies becoming codes sold in boxes. This move aligns with the growing popularity of digital distribution and may indicate future PlayStation consoles will omit disc drives entirely.
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.
Limited Run announces Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition physical for Switch 2
Limited Run Games has partnered with Square Enix to release a physical version of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch. This edition will include all DLC, online multiplayer, and bonus content, with options to purchase the game standalone or as part of a collector's set.
GTA VI finally has a release date, but fans are worried
Grand Theft Auto VI is slated for release on November 19th, but concerns are rising among fans regarding its $129.95 AUD price tag and the lack of a physical disc version at launch. While Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has addressed rumors about delayed physical releases, sources within Rockstar suggest no discs are planned, fueling player distrust about industry trends and rising game costs.
Physical copies of GTA 6 are flying off the shelves despite the download code controversy
Despite controversy surrounding its physical edition containing a download code instead of a disc, Grand Theft Auto 6 is a top seller digitally on the PlayStation Store and physically at multiple retailers. Rockstar Games has not revealed the reason for the lack of a disc, but it may be to prevent leaks before the game's November 19 launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles.
Why I’m glad GTA 6 is killing physical media for gaming - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature argues that the end of physical media for games, exemplified by Grand Theft Auto 6's digital-only release, is a positive development. The author highlights environmental benefits, potential cost savings through digital distribution, and improved accessibility for smaller developers, while also addressing common concerns about digital ownership and game sharing.
GTA 6 has no plans for a post-launch physical release, "not at launch, and not months later", insists new report
A new report from The Hollywood Reporter, citing a source with knowledge of release plans, indicates that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not have a physical disc release at launch or in the months following. This contradicts earlier insider claims and has led to misinterpretations of Rockstar Support's responses. The game is scheduled to release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.
I’m honestly not buying GTA 6 because it’s digital-only - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses their decision not to purchase Grand Theft Auto 6 due to its digital-only format, criticizing Rockstar Games for prioritizing digital sales and microtransactions over physical media. The author argues this move is anti-consumer and a manipulation tactic to maximize profits, contrasting it with the perceived value of physical ownership and the entertainment provided by previous titles like Grand Theft Auto 5.
After GTA 6's controversial code-in-a-box decision, Marvel's Wolverine devs confirm the PS5 game comes with a…
Insomniac Games has confirmed that the physical edition of Marvel's Wolverine for PlayStation 5 will include a disc, addressing concerns raised by the controversial 'code-in-a-box' decision for Grand Theft Auto 6. The studio also indicated that Marvel's Wolverine will retail for $69.99, with a Deluxe Edition available for $79.99.
Rockstar's decision to make GTA 6 fully digital is a terrible, anti-consumer move that makes me worry about the…
The author criticizes Rockstar's decision to make Grand Theft Auto 6 a digital-only release, arguing it's an anti-consumer practice that eliminates the benefits of physical media like reselling and lending. This move, despite the game's physical edition containing only a code, raises concerns about long-term game preservation and control, especially given Rockstar's history with microtransactions in GTA Online.
Physical games will not exist in 'less than a decade' predicts analyst
An industry analyst predicts that physical video games will cease to exist within the next decade, despite a recent small increase in US sales. Factors contributing to this prediction include the decline of physical retailers, the dominance of digital sales, and the increasing number of consoles sold without physical drives, such as the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The analyst notes that even with a recent uptick, the overwhelming majority of game volume is now digital.
Will GTA 6 Cause the End of Disc Copies?
Grand Theft Auto 6 is reportedly moving away from disc copies, even for physical editions, instead providing a download code. This decision by Rockstar Games has sparked debate about the future of physical media in the gaming industry and concerns over digital ownership versus true ownership of a purchased game.
Insomniac assures fans that Marvel's Wolverine will have a disc
Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will include a physical disc in its retail version, addressing fan concerns sparked by Rockstar Games' decision to release Grand Theft Auto 6 with only a download code. This move aims to combat the second-hand market and provide consumers with more control over their purchases, contrasting with the trend of digital-only distribution.
GTA 6 marks the death of physical video games - we only have ourselves to blame
The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which will not include a physical disc in its standard edition, highlights the ongoing shift towards digital game distribution. Despite fan complaints and discussions of boycotts, the trend towards digital sales, driven by convenience and publisher profits, appears irreversible. This move by Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive is seen as a final nail in the coffin for physical game ownership, with companies like Capcom reporting over 90% of sales are now digital.
Marvel's Wolverine will come with a disc in the box, Insomniac assures players as GTA 6's download code approach sends ripples around the industry
Insomniac Games has confirmed that the physical edition of Marvel's Wolverine for PlayStation 5 will include a disc, addressing fan concerns following Rockstar's announcement that Grand Theft Auto 6 will ship with a download code instead. This move by Rockstar is speculated to be an effort to combat second-hand sales and control pricing. The article notes that other upcoming games are also facing similar questions about their physical release formats.
