Console gamers, specifically PlayStation users, brace yourself for even more bad news. Rockstar Games wouldn’t be so bold as to initiate the no-disc move for Grand Theft Auto 6. Shortly after this horrific revelation that the GTA 6 physical edition is basically a digital version with the code in a box, PlayStation announced that it is ending physical disc production in January 2028 for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles. So, it is probably not Rockstar Games’ decision; it is likely a policy influenced by the platform it is selling on. Official horror:
“As consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continue to shift away from physical discs to digital, physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028. Following this date, new games will be available on PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only. This transition has no impact on games that have already been released or will be released prior to January 2028 in disc format.
This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.
We’ll continue to prioritize our resources to drive innovation in how players can access games and provide choices as to where players prefer to purchase new games, whether that’s at retailers or PlayStation Store. We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans, and we thank you for your continued support.”
There are a few things to question here, but I’d rather not because it may make PlayStation very angry and consider issuing a DMCA takedown because, let’s be honest, we will be speculating. But instead, I will say a few things about why it would thin out gaming culture and make gamers less loyal to games, as a gamer who started with the OG PS.
Collectability. Digital is not as collectible. Some people thought it was the next big thing, but look at NFTs. It is not dead, but is it as big as people imagined? Absolutely not. Tangible objects are definitely way more collectible. And if it ain’t collectible, it does not promote brand loyalty. You see a copy of a game on the shelf, you smile, and admire it. You will hardly do that with digital collectibles. When you decide that you want to do that, you will probably get distracted by Instagram or TikTok.
For those who aren’t collectors, physical games let you recoup some money after you are done with the game, and on the other side, those looking for a deal can pick up the game for less. I know Steam does have discounts from time to time, but on PlayStation, not so much. Digital only means you are at the mercy of the platform. Like Steam, which declared in its updated terms that we are only purchasing a license to play the game, not owning the game, meaning they can revoke your license for whatever reason. That alone is a huge no-no when you are paying that much.
Of course, I can provide more arguments, but I have already said what needs to be said. If the last part does not set off the alarm about how consumers are being wrestled into submission by corporates, I don’t know what will. I have not been a PlayStation user since PS3, and I don’t think I will ever go back to PlayStation with this news.
Thankfully, we still have Xbox and Nintendo.
Images: Mikeshouts.