The debate over the future of physical video games is gaining momentum following reports that Sony plans to stop releasing physical disc games for PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028. The reported move has prompted strong reactions from players, with many fans turning to Sony’s social media channels to argue that physical game releases should remain an option.
Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games and a key creative figure behind some of the company’s most successful titles, has now shared his perspective on the debate surrounding physical and digital games.
Physical and Digital Games Offer Different Advantages
Houser highlighted one of the biggest advantages of digital gaming: the ability to update games after launch. Although digital releases have faced criticism from some players, he noted that patches and updates have become an important part of modern game development.
The video game writer attended San Diego Comic-Con to discuss his current company, Absurd Ventures. During an interview with IGN, Houser and Lazlow Jones, the former “Grand Theft Auto” radio writer and presenter, were asked whether physical game releases still mattered to them.
Houser, who helped write and produce games such as “GTA 4,” “Red Dead Redemption 2, and “Max Payne 3,” said physical copies are not personally important to him. However, he believes players who prefer physical editions should continue to have access to them.
“I don’t know that I care, but if people want that, I think companies should provide it.”
Post-launch updates allow developers to fix technical problems, address bugs, and improve games after release. For Houser, this flexibility represents one of the practical benefits of the digital distribution model.
Lazlow Jones offered a more nostalgic view of physical games. He described the satisfaction of receiving a physical copy, opening the packaging, and putting the disc into a console. At the same time, he acknowledged the convenience of digital downloads.
Digital games, for instance, can be downloaded ahead of a long trip, eliminating the need to carry physical discs.
Jones pointed to portable gaming devices such as the Steam Deck as an example of how convenient digital libraries can be for players on the move.
Why Physical Media Still Holds Value
Jones also distinguished video games and other forms of entertainment. Through Absurd Ventures, he and Houser are working on the American Caper comic series, allowing them to create a tangible product after years of working primarily in digital entertainment.
For Jones, producing a physical comic provides a different creative experience. Having something tangible that readers can hold also creates a sense of accomplishment that digital entertainment does not always provide.
VGC reported that Houser similarly expressed an appreciation for physical media, although his comments appeared to focus more broadly on physical books and comics rather than video game discs specifically.
The two game formats indeed serve different purposes.
Digital distribution offers convenience, flexibility, and the ability to deliver updates, while physical products provide ownership, collectability, and a tangible connection to the media itself.
For some gamers, physical releases represent more than a way to play a title. Disc-based games can be collected, resold, displayed, and sometimes played without relying entirely on digital storefronts.
Others prefer digital games because they can be purchased and downloaded instantly without waiting for a physical shipment.
Houser’s position appears to fall somewhere between the two sides. While he does not personally consider physical releases essential, he believes companies should continue offering them for consumers who want them.
Absurd Ventures Has Two Open-World Games in Development
The conversation also provided a glimpse into what Houser is working on beyond Rockstar Games. Absurd Ventures is reportedly developing two open-world video games.
One project is described as a comedy action-adventure game, while the other is expected to take a more serious approach. Details about both titles remain limited, but the projects could eventually provide a clearer look at Houser’s creative direction outside Rockstar.
The Future of Video Games May Include Both Formats
The debate over physical versus digital games is unlikely to disappear soon. Digital distribution continues to expand because of its convenience and the ability to deliver patches and updates, while physical releases remain important to collectors and players who value tangible ownership.
Losing physical media is a huge blow for collectors, but digital media looks to be the future for some gamers.
The fact that Sony began restructuring its PlayStation disc factory in Austria means that we’re heading to a new transition we have never seen before.
As for former Santa Monica developer Alanah Pearce, Sony won’t reverse the PlayStation disc decision despite complaints.
