Playstation physical disc production ending Jan 2028

[Reprise]

Although Microsoft haven't said anything yet, there are rumours and reports going around that "Project Helix" will not have a disc drive and that they are actively working on a solution that will allow people to 'digitize' their Xbox One and Series X discs. From the sounds of it, inserting a disc will add a digital copy to your account. As soon as you sell that disc or loan it to someone and they insert it, it'll transfer the digital licence over to the new user.

[marurun]

Recall that Microsoft pondered going digital-only last console cycle and the backlash, and Sony's own response, caused them to backtrack. Now Sony is taking the lead and I cannot see Microsoft failing to follow, unless they think it will offer them some kind of market advantage.

[RobertAugustdeMeijer]

Most of my favorite games fit easily on a disc or cartridge. Ironically, they are rarely released in physical form.

I love buying stuff in game stores, part of the reason I've been playing so many meh games. Can we get an Itch console please?

[marurun]

This is gonna fuck with LRG and similar companies that like releasing indies and collections on physical for folks willing to pay up.

[opa]

This is gonna fuck with LRG and similar companies that like releasing indies and collections on physical for folks willing to pay up.

Heck, you can extend that to all retailers.

[marurun]

This is gonna fuck with LRG and similar companies that like releasing indies and collections on physical for folks willing to pay up.

Heck, you can extend that to all retailers.

If Sony allows codes in a box to be sold then regular retailers still have something to put on shelves. It does shaft companies that trade in used games, however.

[Ack]

Yeah, but that would require they manufacture boxes. And the stores that focus on games primarily are also the ones that drive a lot of the used game market, so I doubt there would be any love lost if they were out. Instead, Sony can continue to sell peripherals and the like through big box stores alongside their other electronics and not worry about it.

[opa]

Yeah, there's no real reason to print art and empty boxes anymore. If a big box store still carries systems and accessories, I can see them expanding the gift card walls they currently use for subscriptions, store credit, and game codes.

[Reprise]

This is gonna fuck with LRG and similar companies that like releasing indies and collections on physical for folks willing to pay up.

Heck, you can extend that to all retailers.

If Sony allows codes in a box to be sold then regular retailers still have something to put on shelves. It does shaft companies that trade in used games, however.

I can't for the life of me imagining them selling well though. This a UK centred view here, I can't speak for America, but they might do ok in supermarkets where you might get impulse buyers, or mummy and daddy or granny picking up little Johnny a present for his birthday, but I doubt specific video games retailers (online or the high street) will sell any. Why would anyone bother going out of their way to buy an empty case with a code in the box instead of just downloading directly from the Playstation store?

[Note]

We all knew this day was coming soon, but it still really stinks to see it announced.

I'm still somewhat interested in picking up a PS5, but no discs at all for the next system means I'm probably out.

Feel bad for the mom and pop game stores that won't be able to sell used games for the current systems, and for the kids that won't have the excitement of going to a store with their family or friends to pick up a new game.