Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
Sony killing physical PlayStation games is "the latest attack on our diminishing rights," leading digital rights group says: "The end goal is to turn the customer into a renter"
The Electronic Frontier Foundation has criticized Sony's decision to end physical game sales on PlayStation in 2028, calling it an "attack on our diminishing rights" and a move towards customers becoming renters. EFF director Rory Mir highlighted the trend seen in other media industries, warning that the ultimate goal is to shift consumers to subscription-based access, limiting true ownership.
Redditor fashions a 'game cartridge' system for their Steam library out of cheap SATA SSDs
A Reddit user has created a physical media project using cheap SATA SSDs to function as game cartridges for their Steam library. Each SSD is housed with the game's cover art, and a script automatically navigates Steam to the game's library page or launches it directly when the cartridge is slotted into a dock. This project highlights the appeal of physical media amidst rising memory prices and ongoing discussions about digital ownership.
Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Physical Version Will Require Download, Account Login – Rumor
A rumor suggests that the physical version of Halo: Campaign Evolved will require a substantial download and an account login to play, even on PlayStation 5. This indicates that the included disc may contain less than half of the game's total files, with a significant update and online connectivity necessary for initial access. This situation draws parallels to criticism faced by Rockstar Games for Grand Theft Auto 6's lack of a physical disc.
The Crunchyroll Store change is even worse than it sounded: a $10 subscription lets you "browse" but you…
Crunchyroll is implementing changes to its online store, requiring a $10 monthly subscription for Fan tier members to simply browse items, while only Mega and Ultimate tier subscribers can purchase. This shift, effective August 14, has raised concerns about the future availability of physical media like manga and Blu-rays, especially following the absorption of Right Stuf and Sony's broader push away from physical game discs.
Steam fan finds 'cheap SSDs' to make retro 'game cartridges' system — the only problem is 2026…
A Steam user has devised a method to store PC games on SSDs, creating physical 'game cartridges' with custom artwork and auto-navigation scripts. This concept emerges amidst controversy over Sony's planned discontinuation of physical PlayStation game discs in 2028, highlighting ongoing debates about digital ownership and the future of physical media in gaming.
God of War Laufey will have a physical disc on release
Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will include a physical disc, potentially marking the last physical release for the series due to Sony's planned phase-out of disc production by January 2028. This announcement follows similar confirmations for Grand Theft Auto VI and Marvel's Wolverine, and comes after Sony revealed its intention to cease disc manufacturing entirely, citing a shift towards digital sales. Other studios like Halo Studios are also ensuring disc options for their upcoming titles, though some may still require day-one downloads.
Game History and Preservation
GOG is exploring ways for users to create their own physical game releases. This initiative aims to engage the community in preserving and distributing games in a tangible format.
Games Inbox: Will you be buying a PS5 to play GTA 6?
Readers discuss whether Grand Theft Auto 6 will be a system seller for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, given the current downturn in console sales and perceived lack of compelling exclusive titles. The conversation also touches on the decline of physical media, the importance of game preservation, and the future of digital distribution.
Sony's attack on physical goods spreads to Crunchyroll as it adds a $14 subscription requirement just to access its…
Crunchyroll, owned by Sony's Funimation, is implementing a significant change to its online store, requiring Mega or Ultimate tier subscriptions to make purchases starting in August. This move, which follows the absorption of Right Stuf, means only subscribers paying $13.99 or $17.99 per month will be able to access the store, impacting the availability of physical anime and manga merchandise.
'God of War Laufey will be available on disc' — Sony Santa Monica may have hinted at the game's release window with physical announcement
Sony Santa Monica has confirmed that God of War Laufey will be released on physical disc, suggesting a launch before January 2028. This announcement comes after Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed plans to discontinue physical game disc production starting in 2028. The confirmation implies the game will likely release before the end of 2027.
'Removing discs doesn’t represent progress – it simply removes choice' — The Entertainment Retailers Association denounces Sony's decision to kill physical discs
The Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) has criticized Sony's decision to end the production of physical PlayStation discs, calling it a move that prioritizes corporate convenience over consumer choice. The ERA highlights that physical discs offer true ownership, shareability, and preservation, freedoms often lacking in digital licenses. Despite Sony's silence, a petition with over 310,000 signatures urges the company to reverse its decision.
Sony faces an anti-trust complaint in Mexico over ending PlayStation physical media
Sony is facing an anti-trust complaint in Mexico over its decision to end PlayStation disc manufacturing by January 2028. Federal Representative Iraís Reyes and Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio are filing the complaint, arguing the move is anti-competitive and anti-consumer. They believe it will force consumers to buy games exclusively through Sony's digital store, harming retailers and eliminating price competition.
"The conversation needs to shift to consumer rights": Amid PlayStation's physical shutdown, analyst clarifies viral remarks about nobody missing disc drives
Analyst Daniel Ahmad clarified his remarks comparing the end of physical PlayStation games to the removal of disc drives from PCs, emphasizing that the conversation should shift to consumer rights regarding digital ownership. He highlighted the superior consumer protections on PC platforms like Steam, such as gifting, family sharing, and refund policies, and suggested these should be legally mandated for all digital storefronts.
"Consumers would stop truly owning their video games": Death of PlayStation discs prompts lawmakers and consumer rights groups to push back
Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to cease production of new PlayStation game discs in 2028 has sparked significant backlash from consumers and consumer rights groups. Organizations in the Netherlands and lawmakers in Mexico are pushing back, arguing that the end of physical media will grant Sony complete control over game pricing and access, effectively turning game purchases into licenses rather than true ownership. This move raises concerns about fair pricing, the second-hand market, and digital ownership rights.
God Of War Laufey Will Be On A Disc, And That Tells Us When It Could Launch By
Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War Laufey will be released on disc, leading to speculation about its launch date before Sony phases out physical media in January 2028. Reporter Jason Schreier previously indicated a February or March 2027 release target for the game, which focuses on Faye's story. The article also touches on Sony's business decision to abandon physical discs and mentions Marvel's Wolverine will also be on disc for PlayStation 5.
PlayStation is ditching a $402 million market and destroying consumer "freedoms" by abandoning physical games,…
The Entertainment Retailer's Association (ERA) criticizes PlayStation's plan to phase out physical game discs by 2028, citing significant market value and consumer "freedoms" associated with physical media. ERA CEO Kim Bayley highlights that 25% of under-25s still use discs, and the UK disc-based games market was valued at over £300 million in 2025. The association argues that removing discs limits choice, harms retailers, and negatively impacts game preservation and the industry's long-term health.
EU can't stop Sony going digital-only as God Of War Laufey confirmed for 2027
An EU commissioner stated that the European Union cannot prevent Sony from phasing out physical game discs by 2028, provided consumer rights are protected. Despite industry backlash and petitions, Sony is proceeding with its digital-only strategy, with the PlayStation 6 likely built around this shift. However, Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will receive a physical release in 2027, making it one of the last first-party disc-based PlayStation 5 games.
God of War Laufey släpps på skiva – och bör därmed komma innan 2028
Sony Santa Monica has confirmed that God of War: Laufey will be released on disc, indicating a launch before 2028. This follows Sony's announcement that no new PlayStation games will be released on physical media after 2027. The game will feature Kratos's wife, Faye, as the playable character.
PlayStation Ending Discs is Like Apple Shipping PCs Without Disc Drives in 2008, Says Analyst
Analyst Daniel Ahmad compares Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production to Apple's removal of disc drives from PCs in 2008, suggesting the move is a future-facing inevitability driven by the dominance of digital sales. He notes that digital sales now account for around 80% on PlayStation and over 90% on Xbox, with physical media representing only about 5% of Sony's software revenue. Ahmad believes this shift allows Sony to increase margins, strengthen its ecosystem by preventing game resales, and focus on higher-spending core gamers.
The PlayStation physical games debacle is taking over everything Sony does — it’s the biggest tech PR disaster since Sonos’ app update, so will Sony learn the lessons that turned Sonos around?
Sony's move towards digital-only game sales is causing significant backlash from PlayStation owners concerned about cost, resale value, and true ownership, drawing parallels to Sonos' past app update disaster. The article suggests Sony could learn from Sonos' approach to rebuilding customer trust through humility and improved execution, but questions whether the company will prioritize this over its business interests, given its large customer base.
