Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
The hard truth about Sony killing PlayStation games on disc
This article argues that the shift towards digital game sales on PlayStation, driven by consumer convenience and industry trends, is inevitable despite vocal opposition. It highlights that legal ownership of games is often a license rather than true ownership, and physical discs are becoming less reliable and representative of the final product.
Ex-PlayStation boss calls Sony's plan to kill physical disc production 'fairly dramatic' and remembers a time when 'digital sales were zero percent because we didn't have a digital market'
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden expressed surprise and disagreement with Sony's plan to discontinue physical disc production, calling it a 'fairly dramatic decision.' He recalled a time when digital sales were non-existent and believes this move could lead to the PlayStation 6 lacking a disc drive. Layden also touched on the impact of digital distribution on the used game market and the importance of internet infrastructure for digital-only models.
After Sony Kills PS5 Discs and GTA 6 is Just a Code in a Box, Xbox Is Using Halo: Campaign Evolved's Physical Disc as a Selling Point
Microsoft is highlighting the inclusion of a physical game disc for Halo: Campaign Evolved as a selling point. This contrasts with trends seen from Sony regarding PlayStation 5 disc usage and the digital nature of Grand Theft Auto 6's release.
"We are profoundly disappointed by Sony's decision" – Game companies express dismay at the end of PlayStation disc production
Sony plans to cease production of new PlayStation game discs by January 2028, shifting to an all-digital model and closing older digital storefronts. This decision has drawn criticism from various game companies and preservationists who view physical media as crucial for ownership, preservation, and consumer choice.
Sony won't U-turn on PS5 discs as its factory is already making something else
Sony is unlikely to reverse its decision to phase out physical game discs by 2028, as its primary disc factory in Austria is being repurposed. The factory will shift production from PlayStation discs to optical microlenses, with a significant investment in new equipment. While fans have protested and signed petitions, Sony's strategic move towards new manufacturing ventures suggests a permanent shift away from physical media for its consoles.
Rockstar workers hit back, PlayStation ditches physical discs, and chipmakers accused of price fixing - Patch Notes #59
Several significant developments have occurred in the gaming industry, including Rockstar Games facing accusations of pay inequity and crunch, Sony's PlayStation preparing to discontinue physical software production in January 2028, and major chipmakers being sued for alleged price-fixing. Additionally, Ubisoft has hired Christoph Hartmann to oversee its Tom Clancy franchises, while Krafton has agreed to pay bonuses to the Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds following a legal dispute and CEO resignation. Microsoft is also reportedly testing a disc-to-digital feature for its Xbox consoles.
Sony has already started repurposing its lone PlayStation disc factory, and the body of physical gaming isn't even cold
Sony has begun repurposing its last remaining PlayStation disc factory in Thalgau, Austria, to produce optical microlenses. The approximately 300 employees will be retrained for this new business area, which is a significant shift from physical game disc production. This move marks a further step away from physical media for the PlayStation brand, following the recent cessation of disc manufacturing and the end of support for PlayStation 3 and Vita stores.
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden on Sony's years-long debate over scrapping discs, and why this time it's probably "a straight spreadsheet decision"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden discusses Sony's decision to end disc production, calling it a 'spreadsheet decision' driven by the shift to digital sales. He believes this move, accelerated by the pandemic, suggests future consoles like the PlayStation 6 may omit disc drives entirely. Layden also noted that concerns over second-hand sales are no longer a significant factor for the business.
Evening Reading - July 2, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various game reviews and updates, including Rhythm Heaven Groove and Doom: The Dark Ages. It also highlights industry news such as PlayStation ending physical disc production in January 2028, Godot banning generative AI code, and Krafton paying bonuses while CEO Ted Gill resigns. The article also features internet curiosities and memes.
Games Inbox: Giving up consoles because of PS5 going digital-only
Readers discuss Sony's potential shift to an all-digital PlayStation 5, with concerns about game ownership, pricing, and accessibility for those with poor internet. Some readers are considering switching to PC or Nintendo, while others see digital as a convenient and inevitable evolution, provided consumer rights are protected.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Studio Confirms Physical Release Will Include Disc in the Box
Halo Studios has confirmed that the physical release of Halo: Campaign Evolved will include a disc, addressing fan concerns following Rockstar Games' decision to omit discs from Grand Theft Auto 6. The game will also feature a robust Machinima mode, replacing a traditional photo mode, and will be optimized for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and handheld systems like the Steam Deck.
Sony Has Begun Repurposing its PlayStation Disc Production Facilities in Thalgau
Sony has begun repurposing its PlayStation disc production facilities in Thalgau, Austria, following the announcement that physical game releases will cease in January 2028. The plant will shift its focus from producing 600,000 discs daily to microlenses, retraining its 300 employees. This move is seen as a cost-saving measure and a potential indicator that the PlayStation 6, expected around 2028, may not include a disc drive.
Sony sang a very different tune about physical copies 13 years ago, and gamers have the receipts to prove it
This article highlights a significant shift in Sony's stance on physical media over the past 13 years, contrasting past statements with current practices. It suggests that the company's current approach to physical game copies differs greatly from its position a decade ago.
Orbitals for Nintendo Switch 2 features full game on cartridge
The co-op adventure game Orbitals will feature its full content on the cartridge for the Nintendo Switch 2, a relief for physical game collectors. The game is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 3rd.
Why Is Sony Killing Discs? It’s “All About Profitability And Control,” Expert Says
Sony will discontinue support for PlayStation game discs in January 2028, citing the increasing share of digital game sales. Analyst Rhys Elliott suggests this move prioritizes profitability and control for Sony by eliminating the second-hand market and encouraging full-price digital purchases. While potentially detrimental to consumers and retailers, the shift could benefit developers by allowing for later submission of final game builds.
Sony Ends Physical Game Production in 2028 – The Beginning of a Digital-Only Future | Invision Game Community
Sony has confirmed that physical disc production for new PlayStation games will cease by January 2028, marking a significant shift towards a digital-only future. This decision raises concerns about ownership, pricing control, and market competition, as it concentrates sales power within the PlayStation Store and eliminates the second-hand market. While digital distribution offers convenience, critics worry about reduced consumer choice and the long-term preservation of games compared to physical media.
'I will quit buying games' — Sony is killing physical discs in 2028 and now unhappy fans are concerned about what it means for game ownership
Sony plans to cease production of physical game discs by January 2028, a decision that has sparked significant backlash from PlayStation fans concerned about game ownership. Many users expressed that this move effectively turns game purchases into mere licenses and are considering boycotting future PlayStation consoles, including the anticipated PlayStation 6, which is speculated to launch without a disc drive.
Game preservation expert says stop killing games if you don't want piracy, because companies like PlayStation and Rockstar "refuse to offer a meaningful alternative"
Game preservation expert Frank Cifaldi argues that companies like Sony and Rockstar Games are contributing to piracy by refusing to offer alternatives to digital-only or soon-to-be-discontinued physical game formats. Cifaldi, director of the Video Game History Foundation, stated that piracy is currently the only effective form of game preservation due to industry practices.
Nintendo probably won't ditch physical games just because PlayStation is, analyst predicts: "Nintendo is going…
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella predicts Nintendo will not follow Sony's lead in phasing out new physical game releases by 2028. Piscatella stated that Nintendo operates independently and is unlikely to alter its strategy based on competitors' decisions. Despite the industry shift towards digital, Nintendo maintains a strong physical market share, particularly with the Nintendo Switch.
Evercade creators Blaze dunk on PlayStation for ending physical using their own PS4-era mockery
Blaze, the creator of the Evercade retro console, has satirized Sony's decision to end physical PlayStation 5 discs in 2028. Using a mock tutorial similar to a 2014 PlayStation 4 video, Blaze highlights the importance of physical media for game sharing and preservation. The article argues that ditching discs limits game ownership and accessibility, contrasting it with Blaze's own cartridge-based ecosystem.
