Physical Media
Ongoing coverage on Physical Media.
Latest coverage
God of War Laufey Will Have a Physical Disc Release, Confirms Santa Monica Studio
Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War Laufey will receive a physical disc release on PlayStation 5, suggesting a potential 2027 launch. This announcement comes amidst broader industry trends away from physical media and follows speculation about the game's release window.
EU admits it cannot stop Sony killing physical discs – "companies are free to offer games and services in the manner that they see fit"
The European Union has stated it cannot prevent Sony from discontinuing physical game discs for PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, citing commercial freedoms. Despite a petition with over 286,000 signatures, EU consumer protection commissioner Michael McGrath confirmed that companies are free to offer games and services as they see fit, provided consumer rights are protected.
God of War Laufey set for 2027 launch as disc version confirmed
Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that God of War Laufey will launch in 2027 and will be available on disc, indicating a release before January 2028. The game branches off from the 2018 God of War, following Kratos's deceased wife Faye as she awakens in the Everywhen, an afterlife realm for gods. She encounters various deities and gains a sword to help her escape captivity and rediscover her powers.
EU Says It's Powerless to Stop PlayStation From Killing Discs: 'Companies Are Free to Offer Games and Services in the Manner They See Fit'
The European Union has stated it cannot intervene to prevent companies like Sony from phasing out physical game discs in favor of digital distribution. The EU views such decisions as a company's prerogative regarding how they offer games and services.
"Sony waited for Rockstar to make the first move": Founding Xbox member warns against PlayStation's all-digital future, says "I trust" Steam games won't just disappear
Industry veteran Laura Fryer, a founding member of the original Xbox, warns about the risks of an all-digital future for gaming, citing PlayStation's move away from physical discs. She shares a personal anecdote about losing hundreds of dollars in Rock Band songs due to delisting, highlighting the impermanence of digital ownership and the potential loss of the second-hand market. Fryer suggests Sony is waiting for major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 to normalize digital-only sales before fully committing.
PlayStation and Xbox are both dead, they just don’t realise it yet - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that both PlayStation and Xbox are in terminal decline due to recent layoffs, a move away from physical media, and increasing prices. The author believes that in ten years, only PC and Nintendo consoles will remain dominant, with Xbox and PlayStation potentially becoming third-party publishers.
Evening Consolidation
The article discusses historical attempts by Sony Interactive Entertainment and other companies to curb the used games market. It also mentions a potential physical disc release for God of War Laufey, suggesting a 2027 launch.
Sony Santa Monica confirms "God of War Laufey will be available on disc" despite PlayStation's war on…
Sony Santa Monica has confirmed that God of War Laufey will be released on physical disc, a significant detail given PlayStation's ongoing shift away from physical media and the trend of digital-only releases. This news is particularly relevant for collectors and suggests the game will launch on PlayStation 5 before the anticipated digital-only PlayStation 6.
Nintendo Switch 2 physical media is here to stay (for now) – here’s why
This article discusses the future of physical media for the Nintendo Switch 2, clarifying that not all games will be digital-only game-key cards. It highlights Nintendo's continued commitment to true physical releases for its first-party titles, contrasting this with third-party developers' increasing reliance on game-key cards due to rising memory costs. The piece also touches on broader industry trends like layoffs at Microsoft and Sony's phasing out of physical discs.
The next PlayStation looks more and more like a PC, and that's not a bad thing
Sony's decision to end physical disc production in January 2028 for PlayStation consoles is discussed, drawing parallels to the PC's digital-first market. While acknowledging the nostalgia for physical media and concerns about content ownership, the article suggests that a discless future could be positive if Sony ensures steady digital discounts. The author proposes limited edition physical releases as a compromise to keep physical media alive.
"We will continue till the last day": Publisher protests Sony's digital-only future with a pledge to make as many physical PS5 games as possible
Chinese publisher Astrolabe Games has pledged to continue releasing physical PlayStation 5 games until at least the end of 2027, protesting Sony's planned discontinuation of physical media support in 2028. The company, known for titles like Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog, aims to produce physical copies as long as it remains financially viable, with a minimum order quantity of 5,000 units per release.
Last time PlayStation threatened to close PS3 and Vita digital stores, the players revolted: "As gamers and collectors this is a hard pill to swallow"
The potential closure of digital storefronts for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita has sparked concern among gamers and collectors. Experts note that this could significantly increase the value and scarcity of physical copies for many digital-only or hard-to-find titles. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate between digital convenience and the long-term accessibility and ownership provided by physical media.
Report Shows Games Likely to Be More Expensive Once Physical Game Discs End Production
A report indicates that game prices are likely to increase with the cessation of physical disc production, as digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store are consistently more expensive than retail. This shift would give companies like Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft greater control over game pricing, potentially eliminating the competitive pricing found in retail and the second-hand market.
'If not PS6, then PS7' — Analyst says PlayStation ending physical discs was bound to happen as 'the console ecosystem is nearly entirely digital at this point'
Analyst Daniel Ahmad believes Sony's decision to end physical PlayStation disc production in 2028 was inevitable due to the significant shift towards digital sales, which now account for around 80% on PlayStation and over 90% on Xbox. This move aligns with Sony's strategy to create a high-margin, closed digital ecosystem, controlling all software sales and eliminating the used game market.
PlayStation’s Digital Future Is Turning Into a PR Disaster
Sony's decision to phase out physical game production for PlayStation by January 2028 has sparked significant backlash, with over 240,000 signatures on the "Don't Kill The Disc" campaign. While Sony cites a shift towards digital ownership, critics raise concerns about game preservation, ownership rights, and the impact on retail competition. The company's silence amid widespread criticism and boycotts is exacerbating the situation, leading to a crisis of consumer trust and reputational damage.
PlayStation ending physical games is "like Apple removing the CD Drive from its laptops," says analyst: "Not a single person is complaining about it today"
Analyst Daniel Ahmad compares Sony's move away from physical PlayStation games to Apple's removal of CD drives from laptops, arguing the shift to digital is inevitable. He cites high digital sales percentages and publisher preferences for higher margins, while also discussing the future cost of consoles and the importance of consumer rights in a digital-first market.
MMO Business Roundup: Marathon’s lawsuit, the Sony petition, TGS 2026, and Minecraft’s fate
This MMO business roundup covers several key events, including the settlement of a lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett against Sony and Bungie. It also highlights an online petition by PNP Games urging Sony to continue supporting physical media, which has garnered a significant number of signatures. Additionally, Nexon announced its presence at Tokyo Game Show, and an article from Gamespot questions Microsoft's strategy for Minecraft's future, suggesting a focus on competing with Roblox could be detrimental.
Sony "will not reverse" plan to kill physical PlayStation games, analyst says: "They knew what the online reaction would look like, and they now wait for this storm to pass"
Sony plans to discontinue physical PlayStation game discs in 2028, a decision an analyst believes will not be reversed despite industry backlash. Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games suggests that Sony's large user base and lucrative digital sales make the move cost-effective, with potential impacts on Xbox and Nintendo's strategies.
It's not just gamers impacted by Sony's all-digital PS5 future: 4K Blu-ray collectors and film buffs will also feel the sting
Sony's move towards an all-digital future for the PlayStation 5 is raising concerns beyond just gamers. Collectors of physical media, including 4K Blu-ray enthusiasts and film buffs, will also be negatively impacted by the discontinuation of physical disc drives.
Games are almost always cheaper in shops, says new report, just as Sony announces an end to PlayStation discs and brings retailers' futures into question
Sony Interactive Entertainment will cease manufacturing physical PlayStation discs in January 2028, shifting exclusively to digital formats. A report by Tweakers comparing historical retail and PlayStation Store prices indicates that physical games are statistically cheaper over time, with digital titles often retaining their full launch price. This move is expected to increase game costs and eliminate the second-hand market, though retailers may still sell digital vouchers.
