PlayStation is ditching physical games for its next-generation, and it can’t be ruled out that Xbox won’t do the same thing.
From January 2028, PlayStation will no longer offer disc versions of its new games, with those titles only available digitally or perhaps as a ‘code in a box’.
This won’t affect the availability of physical games released before January 2028; they will continue to be produced as supply demands, albeit with an expected production drop of 10%.
Xbox’s stance has been up in the air for some time.
It recently released its Disc-To-Digital Program which allows users to secure digital copies of their physical titles by inserting discs from their collection into a console.
The program was marketed as a display of appreciation for your physical collection on Xbox’s part, but many questioned whether it was simply laying the groundwork for an all-digital future.
That may be the case as Xbox has issued a survey gathering users’ thoughts on digital vs. physical.
It’s time to let your voice be heard if you don’t want the green brand to follow in PlayStation’s footsteps.
A survey has been issued to Xbox Insiders
A survey is now available on Xbox consolesnload and sign up to be an Xbox Insider
Within the app, as reported by Twitter/X user Gaming_bo3gg, you’ll be able to find the survey which asks the following question: “Must Have – I won’t even consider purchasing a next-generation Xbox console if this isn’t included.”
“Lets you install games from a physical disc” is then listed alongside the three answers: “Not Necessary”, “Nice to Have”, and “Must Have”.
It goes without saying that those concerned about the phasing out of physical games must opt for “Must Have”.
It proves that Xbox is very much undecided on whether to include a disc drive in its next-gen console.
The company has likely seen the backlash to the move made by PlayStation.
An all-digital future is perhaps cheaper for companies like PlayStation and Xbox, but Xbox must now use this survey to weigh up whether the reduction in cost is worth the loss in user base.
Alternatively, if enough Xbox users say that a physical disc drive is a must-have, it may offer the company the upper-hand in the launch of the next-generation of consoles.
Digital games, of course, are popular but an all-digital future comes with several risks and caveats.
An all-digital future in gaming poses three very significant risks
You do not own your digitally purchased games; you are instead buying a temporary license that can be revoked at any time without need for compensation or a refund.
That potentially changes how consumers view digital purchases. Whatever you purchase on a disc is yours, no strings attached.
You also have to look at longevity. It’s possible to still get your old PlayStation 1 or Xbox out and load up some of your physical games, a quarter of a century on.
A quarter of a century on from, say, the PS6 or next-gen Xbox, it’s unlikely that the software will be supported enough to play and enjoy our digital games – especially with how many releases rely on an online connection.
We know for a fact that digital storefronts end up eventually closing. PlayStation shut its PS3 store earlier this year.
In a digital future, that locks you out from ever purchasing new games. You won’t be able to pick up digital games on the resale market, for example.
And then there’s pricing to think about. In a digital-only future, the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store could potentially monopolise the market, leading to inflated pricing.
It’s often much cheaper to pick up physical games.
Xbox’s stance remains up in the air, but this is a major decision for the company that’ll most definitely dictate the next generation.
Featured Image Credit: Martin Martz
