Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
Marvel's Wolverine "fully playable" on disc when it releases, Insomniac clarifies, perhaps making it one of the last few PlayStation games that will be
Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will be fully playable on disc upon its PlayStation 5 release on September 15th, clarifying it will not require a full download. This announcement comes amidst Sony's controversial decision to cease producing game discs by January 2028, a move that has sparked backlash over concerns about second-hand sales and digital store monopolies.
"It's time to sue Sony": Stop Killing Games joins lawsuit over PlayStation's digital "monopoly" amid death of physical games
Stop Killing Games and DoesItPlay? are supporting a lawsuit in the Netherlands against Sony's alleged digital game sales monopoly on PlayStation. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Stichting Massaschade & Consument, argues that Sony's control over digital sales and the impending end of physical game sales in 2028 will lead to inflated prices and limit consumer choice. This legal action highlights growing concerns about digital consumer rights in the gaming industry.
GTA 6 On A Disc Doesn’t Make Sense But Could Happen, Take-Two CEO Says
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that while physical discs for Grand Theft Auto 6 don't make sense for consumers, the company hasn't entirely ruled out the possibility. He noted that over 90% of Take-Two's sales are digital and expects this trend to continue, though a niche market for physical games may persist. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The pros and cons of the switch to digital games
The gaming industry is increasingly shifting towards digital game distribution, with more companies ceasing the production of physical discs and cartridges. This transition raises questions about the potential drawbacks of an all-digital future for consumers.
Who Gets Left Behind In Sony’s All-Digital Future?
Sony's planned discontinuation of PlayStation 5 physical disc production in 2028 raises concerns about accessibility for various groups, including those with limited internet access, public libraries, and gamers in developing countries. While some anticipate challenges related to download sizes and ownership, others note that digital-only gaming is already a reality for many, and factors like the used game market and piracy complicate the transition. The shift could impact gaming communities and the concept of game ownership, even if it streamlines tournament organization.
Inventor creates "IRL home screen" for physical discs that brings the convenience of a digital library to an…
A maker has created an "IRL Homescreen" that brings the convenience of a digital game library to a physical disc collection. The invention uses a projector and a rail system to display game art and highlight boxes, controlled via a Wiimote or controller, offering a unique way to browse physical games.
Take-Two boss dismisses hand-wringing over the end of disc-based games: 'Our business is well over 90% digitally…
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick believes physical game discs are becoming obsolete, stating that over 90% of the company's business is already digital. He argues that for large titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, which will be digital-only, discs no longer make sense for consumers due to convenience and the prevalence of online registration. While acknowledging the appeal of physical media for some, Zelnick suggests Take-Two will release physical editions only sporadically.
Take-Two CEO on GTA 6 Going Disc-Free: Physical Games Are the New Vinyl
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained the decision to release Grand Theft Auto 6 without a physical disc, comparing the shift to the vinyl record industry. He stated that over 90% of their business is already digital, making discs inconvenient for consumers. This comes as Sony plans to phase out physical disc production for PlayStation titles starting in 2028, a move met with significant backlash from players concerned about ownership and preservation.
With GTA 6 digital only, Take-Two boss says discs "don't really make sense" – "if you're already connected, who cares if you download digitally?"
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that physical discs for games like Grand Theft Auto 6 are becoming less relevant as over 90% of sales are digital. He argued that with mandatory online registration for most games, the distinction between physical and digital becomes less important for consumers. While physical editions may still exist occasionally, Zelnick believes the industry is moving towards digital distribution.
Take-Two Boss Defends No Disc Version of GTA 6, Equates Physical Releases to Vinyl Records
Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, defended the decision not to release Grand Theft Auto 6 on physical discs, stating that discs are no longer practical for consumers for major game releases. He compared the current digital distribution model to the resurgence of vinyl records for music enthusiasts.
Sony appears to be putting labels on PS5 console boxes to warn people it's ending disc production
Sony is reportedly labeling PlayStation 5 console boxes to inform consumers that the company will cease support for physical disc-based games starting January 2028. New game releases will be digital-only, though existing discs will remain playable. This decision has faced backlash from some consumers concerned about pricing and digital ownership.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Says “Discs Don’t Make Sense to the Consumer”
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that physical discs 'don't make sense to the consumer' due to the convenience of digital media, noting that 90 percent of the company's sales are digital. Sony Interactive Entertainment is ending PlayStation disc production in January 2028, aligning with consumer trends favoring digital downloads. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot also commented that the shift away from physical discs is 'no big deal' for his company.
Sony Prints a 2028 Disc Deadline Straight Onto New PS5 Boxes
Sony is now printing a notice on new PlayStation 5 boxes stating that from January 2028, all newly released games will be digital-only. While discs for games released before this date will remain playable, this marks a significant shift away from physical media for the company. This decision has faced backlash from fans, but Sony appears committed to a digital-first future for its console ecosystem.
The Latest PS5 Boxes Come With A Pretty Bleak Warning
Sony is reportedly adding warning stickers to PlayStation 5 consoles indicating that new game releases will be digital-only starting January 2028. While discs for games released before this date can still be played, this shift has generated significant backlash from consumers. Sony CFO Lin Tao acknowledged the strong views but stated the company will proceed cautiously, citing the widening gap between digital and physical game sales, with 82% of sales being digital in the last quarter.
Capcom says 'approximately 90%' of its sales are digital — and isn't worried about the death of…
Capcom has stated that approximately 90% of its unit sales are digital, and the company does not anticipate a significant impact from the decline of physical media. This comes as Sony plans to end the production of game discs by January 2028, a move that has drawn criticism for limiting consumer choice.
Nintendo reports a full 38.5% of its sales are still physical in the wake of Sony abandoning discs
Nintendo reported that 38.5% of its sales in the last quarter were physical, despite the industry trend towards digital. This figure includes Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions and DLC, but excludes hardware bundles. Sony plans to cease physical disc production in 2028, a move that has been met with player backlash, though some publishers like Capcom are not overly concerned.
"I hope PS6 will be a disaster": Sony reminds everyone it's taking discs away in warnings reportedly…
Sony is reportedly placing warning labels on new PlayStation 5 consoles indicating that all new game releases will be digital-only starting January 2028. Existing discs will remain playable on the console, but consumers are expressing dissatisfaction with the move away from physical media.
If you thought PlayStation might back down over physical media, we have bad news for you
Sony is reportedly phasing out physical media for new PlayStation game releases starting January 2028, with games only available digitally. Despite potential consumer backlash and a planned boycott, the company appears committed to this digital-only future. This shift mirrors trends seen in other media and on PC, impacting the second-hand market and consumer choice.
Sony Makes Stealth Change to PlayStation 5 Box That’ll Upset Players
Sony has updated the retail box for the PlayStation 5 to include a notice stating that physical game discs will cease production starting January 2028. New PlayStation game releases will then be exclusively digital. Existing discs will remain compatible with the console.
Capcom shrugs off PlayStation's all-digital future, suggests shrinking physical market will not have a "significant impact" on its operations
Capcom stated that approximately 90 percent of its unit sales are digital and does not anticipate a significant impact from the shrinking physical game market as PlayStation moves towards an all-digital future. The company's positive outlook is supported by strong sales of titles like Resident Evil Requiem and the upcoming release of Onimusha: Way of the Sword.
