Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
Xbox Allowing Players to Hold Digital & Physical Ownerships
Microsoft has launched its 'Disc to Digital' feature for Xbox users, allowing physical game discs to unlock digital licenses. This feature, available for most Xbox One and Xbox Series X titles, links a digital entitlement to the disc, enabling disc-free launching, Xbox Play Anywhere, and Xbox Cloud Gaming benefits without relinquishing the physical copy. The digital entitlement remains tied to the disc, preserving the ability to sell or lend games.
Xbox’s Disc-to-Digital Program is Now Rolling Out to All Users
Xbox has officially rolled out its Disc-to-Digital program to all users, allowing them to convert eligible physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games into digital licenses. However, not all games are eligible, with participation depending on publishers like Ubisoft and Square Enix, who have opted out of some titles. The program associates the digital license with the original disc, meaning users could lose access if they no longer possess it.
Report: Sony surveying developers about dropping PlayStation disc support
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly surveying developers about ending physical disc support for PlayStation consoles, with production slated to cease in January 2028. While Sony cites a consumer preference for digital media, companies specializing in physical collector's editions have expressed strong disappointment and sadness over the decision.
MMO Business Roundup: King’s union contract, PlayStation’s disc survey, and Microsoft’s CEO
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed satisfaction with Xbox's current intellectual property and leadership's streamlining efforts, while King's Swedish developers reached a collective bargaining agreement ensuring more worker influence and information. Meanwhile, Sony is reportedly surveying developers about the future of physical game discs, with insiders suggesting it's a significant inquiry into phasing out physical media.
PlayStation is "hearing the feedback from customers" on discs, says JRPG boss whose business is built on…
Nippon Ichi Software president Kenzo Saruhashi suggests Sony is listening to customer feedback regarding the planned discontinuation of physical PlayStation discs in 2028. While Sony has not announced any changes, Saruhashi expressed hope that discussions might alter the future direction, emphasizing the importance of physical editions to his company's business model.
Fans’ PS6 Physical Disc Hopes Rise After PlayStation’s New Developer Survey
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly surveying developers about the future of physical game discs, potentially indicating a reconsideration of its plan to cease production by 2028. This comes after fan protests and developer concerns, with the game Marvel's Wolverine still selling well physically.
Sony shows hint of remorse as it quizzes developers on killing PlayStation discs
Sony is reportedly surveying game developers about its decision to end PlayStation disc production after 2027, following significant backlash from players. While a U-turn is unlikely, the move suggests Sony is considering developer feedback. Figures like Hideo Kojima have expressed concern over the shift away from physical media.
Sony reportedly surveying developers about PlayStation disc-ending decision - is it having second thoughts?
Sony is reportedly surveying developers about their decision to end PlayStation disc production, asking for feedback on the move away from physical media. This comes amid industry and social media backlash to the plan, which is set to begin phasing out discs by early 2028.
Out-of-print Metroid Dread physical copies are selling north of $100 as collectors scramble to catch up before the…
Physical copies of Metroid Dread are selling for over $100 on eBay, with some reaching as high as $170, as collectors scramble to acquire the game before the upcoming Metroid Ravenous. This surge in demand highlights the continued allure of physical media for Nintendo fans, even as PlayStation moves away from it.
After less than a week in theatres, physical film fans can pre-order the Resident Evil Blu-ray
Physical media fans can now pre-order the Resident Evil Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K UHD versions, with prices starting at $36.99. While the film is still in theaters, the upcoming home video release includes a digital copy and a limited edition steelbook is available at some retailers. An official release date and confirmed extras have not yet been announced.
ZX Spectrum and Manic Miner legend Matthew Smith to get video game box set
A Kickstarter campaign is celebrating the life and works of 1980s UK game developer Matthew Smith with a physical media box set. The collection will include all four of his games: Styx, Manic Miner, Jet Set Willy, and Andre's Night Off, released on cassette tapes for the ZX Spectrum. The campaign has already surpassed its funding goal.
"It's sad and devastating" – Black Myth: Wukong's physical publisher is mourning the loss of PlayStation discs
PM Studios CEO Michael Yum expressed sadness and devastation over Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028, which significantly impacts physical publishers. Despite the shift to digital, PM Studios sees potential in the AA market and collectible physical releases, citing the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong and Bluey's Quest For The Gold Pen.
Games Inbox: Will GTA 6 have a co-op mode?
Readers discuss potential co-op modes for Grand Theft Auto 6, the merits of physical game ownership for PlayStation 5, and the success of video game adaptations in film. Other topics include Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake features, Tim Sweeney's forest purchases, and budget-friendly Nintendo Switch puzzle games.
Sony execs behind iconic game-sharing meme recreate it, but fittingly, without a physical game
Former PlayStation executives Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes recreated their iconic PS4 game-sharing meme, this time without a physical game. The act is seen by fans as a commentary on Sony's move towards an all-digital future, with the company reportedly ceasing disc manufacturing for new PlayStation games in 2028, a decision that has drawn criticism and concern for physical retailers.
Despite controversial reviews and online mockery, Marvel's Wolverine looks to have sold 1.9m on PS5 - and over 1 in 5 sales are physical
Marvel's Wolverine has sold approximately 1.9 million copies on PlayStation 5 in its first three days, generating over $130 million. Despite controversial reviews and online mockery, 22.9% of these sales were physical editions, a slightly lower ratio compared to other major PlayStation Studios titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Astro Bot.
As Sony kills physical games, former PlayStation execs recreate now-infamous PS4 game-sharing tutorial, but whoops,…
Former PlayStation executives Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes recreated a famous PS4 game-sharing tutorial as Sony prepares to end support for physical games in January 2028. The recreation, shared on social media, has drawn criticism from many online who view it as a symbol of Sony's shift away from physical media and a departure from its past practices.
This is your reminder that Over the Garden Wall is back on Blu-ray, and a must-have fall edition to your physical media…
A new Blu-ray edition of the animated series Over the Garden Wall was released on April 7, making the autumnal show more accessible for fans. This release includes special features like the "Tome of the Unknown" short and commentary tracks, and is available for purchase on Amazon. New Funko Pops for the series are also available for pre-order.
The game may be a code in a box, but GTA 6's soundtrack is now available on vinyl for physical media fans
The soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto VI, titled 'Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album,' is now available on vinyl for physical media enthusiasts. The 34-track, 2 LP set features exclusive pink and purple splatter effects at Best Buy, with a liquid-filled version already sold out from Rockstar's official store. A CD version is also available.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is “Probably” Around 200 GB, Says Director
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed the game will likely be around 200 GB, significantly larger than its predecessor. He stated the large installation size is necessary to overcome hardware limitations and emphasized the team's desire to still offer a physical product despite the trend towards digital distribution.
You can't get a physical copy of GTA 6, but you can get the soundtrack on CD or a $125 deluxe vinyl collection
Rockstar Games has announced a physical soundtrack release for Grand Theft Auto 6, titled 'Grand Theft Auto 6: The Album,' featuring 34 original tracks from various artists. While the game itself will not have a physical disc release, the soundtrack will be available on CD and vinyl, including a limited-edition $125 vinyl collection. The article notes the irony of a physical soundtrack release while physical game releases are declining.
