Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
How PlayStation should have handled the news about going all-digital - Reader’s Feature
A reader suggests Sony Interactive Entertainment should have handled its transition to an all-digital PlayStation 5 by 2028 more carefully. The author proposes solutions like offering free digital transfers for physical discs, reducing digital game prices, and creating a dedicated studio for game preservation to appease critics and support physical media.
Dan Houser shrugs at physical media — then admits he loves it
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser expressed conflicting views on physical media, stating he doesn't personally care but believes companies should provide it if consumers want it. He acknowledged the utility of digital updates for game quality while also admitting a personal fondness for physical products, particularly in the context of his new venture, Absurd Ventures.
Rockstar Co-Founder Says 'if People Want' Physical Game Releases Then 'Companies Should Provide It'
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser stated that companies should provide physical game releases if players desire them. This sentiment touches upon the ongoing shift towards digital distribution in the gaming industry.
Sega like physical games too, says their president, but with the shift to digital they're keeping the humble PC in mind
Sega president Shuji Utsumi stated that while the company still has a fondness for physical games, they recognize the increasing importance of digital distribution, particularly for the PC market. He noted that many players globally do not have easy access to consoles and that strengthening digital offerings is key to reaching a wider audience. Sega is considering how to balance physical and digital elements as they shift their strategy.
God of War Laufey finally gets a release date - here's when you'll be able to play it
God of War Laufey has officially received a release date of February 16, 2027, for the PlayStation 5. The announcement was made at San Diego Comic-Con, with director Cory Barlog hinting at an expanded world and new characters. The game will be a PlayStation 5 exclusive and will not receive a PC port, aligning with Sony's recent decision to phase out physical media by January 2028.
God of War Laufey Confirms it Will Release With a Disc
God of War Laufey has confirmed it will release with a physical disc, a move that deviates from Sony's recent trend of digital-only releases for first-party titles. The game, which follows Atreus' mother Laufey, is set to launch in 2027 exclusively for PlayStation 5. Santa Monica Studio has assured fans that stories focusing on Kratos will still be told.
Resident Evil Movie Trailer On PlayStation’s YouTube Page Is Full Of People Asking Sony To Change Course On Discs
A trailer for the upcoming Resident Evil movie, posted on PlayStation's YouTube channel, has become a focal point for fan complaints regarding Sony's decision to discontinue physical game discs in 2028. Many comments express a desire for physical copies of the film and games, highlighting fan dissatisfaction with the shift towards digital-only distribution, a trend also seen with Grand Theft Auto 6.
Sega Won’t Ditch Physical Media, But Says Digital Expansion Is Vital
Sega president Shuji Utsumi stated that while digital expansion is vital for global reach, the company remains committed to producing physical media. He acknowledged the industry's shift towards digital distribution for 'full games' on consoles and PCs, but emphasized valuing the culture of physical releases and aiming to balance both formats. This stance contrasts with Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot's view that the end of PlayStation disc production won't significantly disturb the industry.
Quoteworthy
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot stated that the move away from physical game releases has benefited PC gaming. He also commented that the discontinuation of discs by Sony Interactive Entertainment will not significantly disrupt the industry.
Morning Consolidation
Sega president Haruki Satomi expressed the company's continued value for physical media, contrasting with PlayStation's apparent move towards an all-digital future. The article also briefly mentions an outage of the PlayStation Network shortly after the release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
Ubisoft CEO suggests there are pros and cons to Sony's plan to end the production of discs, 'but I think it…
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot believes Sony's plan to end physical game disc production by January 2028 will not significantly disrupt the industry. He suggests that a digital-only approach could lead to more accessible hardware prices, similar to trends seen in PC gaming. While acknowledging both advantages and disadvantages, Guillemot anticipates minimal overall impact on the gaming landscape.
Sega president says 'we still value the culture of physical media' but 'believe that a digital shift is…
Sega president Shuji Utsumi stated that while the company values physical media, a digital shift is crucial for the future of console and PC gaming. He emphasized the need to strengthen digitalization to cultivate the market, especially with the increasing proportion of PC players globally. Utsumi also acknowledged Sony's plans to end new game disc production in 2028, noting that Sega, despite its history as a hardware provider, is adapting to the evolving landscape.
Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot doesn't believe PlayStation ditching physical discs will "disturb" the industry much
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot believes Sony's move away from physical discs for PlayStation consoles will not significantly disrupt the gaming industry. He noted that digital-only platforms have helped grow the PC market and could lead to more accessible console pricing. While acknowledging potential downsides, Guillemot suggested the shift aligns with current digital sales trends, though other industry figures like Hideo Kojima have expressed concern.
Ubisoft Boss Has A Hot Take On Sony Killing Game Discs
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot believes Sony's decision to end PlayStation 5 disc production in January 2028 could benefit the industry by potentially lowering hardware costs, similar to the PC market's digital shift. While Sony cites declining physical sales and consumer preference for digital, the move is expected to increase profits due to reduced manufacturing and distribution expenses, despite potential consumer backlash.
'They may never have considered what physical editions mean to the people who value them' — Disgaea creator disagrees with Sony's decision to end the production of game discs
Former Nippon Ichi Software CEO Sohei Niikawa, creator of the Disgaea series, has criticized Sony's decision to end PlayStation game disc production by January 2028. Niikawa believes Sony executives do not understand the value physical editions hold for fans and suggests that if physical games are eliminated, hardware should be too. Analysts indicate Sony is unlikely to reverse the decision due to the profitability of digital sales.
"We still value the culture of physical media" As PlayStation prepares for an all-digital future, Sega president comes out in support of discs
Sega president Shuji Utsumi expressed support for physical media, contrasting with Sony's planned discontinuation of disc manufacturing by 2028. While acknowledging the importance of digital distribution, especially for PC gaming, Utsumi stated that Sega values the culture of physical media and aims to balance both digital and physical aspects in its strategy.
If PlayStation kills physical media, it should "get rid of the hardware" too, says the creator of popular RPG series Disgaea
Sohei Niikawa, the creator of the Disgaea series, expressed strong disapproval of Sony's decision to move away from physical media production. He argued that if Sony is eliminating physical games, they should also consider eliminating hardware, suggesting a television would suffice. Niikawa shared these views during an interview at Anime Expo 2026, where he was promoting his new strategy RPG, Demons' Night Fever, set for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Ubisoft CEO Thinks Sony Ending PlayStation Disc Production is “No Big Deal”
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot stated that Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028 is "no big deal," drawing parallels to the PC market's digital dominance. While acknowledging potential cost benefits for consoles, critics argue this move limits consumer choice and negatively impacts the used games market, which is projected to grow significantly.
Sega Wants to Balance Physical and Digital in Parallel Following End of PlayStation Discs
Sega has stated it has no plans to cease production of physical game discs, aiming to balance physical and digital releases. This comes in response to Sony's announcement that it will end PlayStation disc production in January 2028. Industry analysts like Daniel Ahmad and Dr. Serkan Toto commented on Sony's decision, comparing it to Apple's shift away from disc drives and predicting Sony will not reverse its stance.
Ubisoft chief says Sony's decision to kill game discs isn't going to be a big deal
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot believes Sony's decision to cease producing game discs in 2028 will not significantly harm the industry. He suggests that a digital-only future could lead to more accessible console pricing, drawing parallels to the growth of PC gaming driven by digital storefronts like Steam.
