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Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot doesn’t believe PlayStation ditching physical discs will “disturb” the industry much
Ubisoft chief executive Yves Guillemot said Sony’s planned move away from physical PlayStation discs is unlikely to disrupt the games industry significantly. He argued that the shift could help make consoles more affordable, reflecting the largely digital direction already taken by PC gaming and an increasing share of console sales.
Guillemot made the comments during a Ubisoft financial call, where the company also said Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced had sold more than 3.5 million copies. Sony reports that digital sales account for most of its game purchases, while Capcom said 93% of its sales were digital in the past year; however, physical games still sell in the millions and critics including Hideo Kojima have expressed concern about losing discs.
In short
- Ubisoft expects Sony’s disc-free plans to have limited industry impact.
- Digital game sales already dominate much of the market.
- Physical media remains popular despite the broader digital shift.
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The case for
The shift to digital reflects what is already occurring in the market, with Capcom reporting 93% digital sales and Sony noting digital dominates its revenue. Removing physical discs could reduce manufacturing and distribution costs, potentially lowering console prices for consumers. The success of PC gaming, which operates almost entirely through digital storefronts, demonstrates that consumers readily embrace this model when it offers convenience and value.
The case against
Millions of consumers continue purchasing physical games annually, revealing substantial demand that cannot be ignored. Physical ownership ensures permanence and access independent of corporate digital platforms, whereas digital purchases depend on online services that may eventually shut down or revoke access. A move away from discs assumes all consumers have reliable internet access and eliminates consumer choice by removing the physical alternative, concentrating power in corporate digital ecosystems.
Explained simply
Sony is planning to phase out physical game discs for PlayStation consoles, marking a significant shift in how the company distributes its games. At present, whilst many players buy games online, physical discs remain popular, with millions still sold each year. This represents one of the gaming industry's most visible moves towards a digital-only future.
The shift mirrors the transition in PC gaming, which moved away from physical media years ago, and follows industry data showing that most PlayStation game purchases are already made online. Advocates argue the change could reduce manufacturing costs and make consoles cheaper to produce. Major publishers have reported increasingly strong online sales figures, with some now seeing digital channels account for the vast majority of their revenues.
However, opposition to the change exists. Physical games continue to sell in large numbers, and some industry figures, including game designer Hideo Kojima, have raised concerns about losing physical media. Critics worry about issues including ownership rights, long-term game preservation, and accessibility for those with limited internet connections or who prefer owning copies.
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