Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios CEO Shawn Layden has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of launching the PlayStation 6 as an all-digital, disc-less console. In a conversation with Kiwi Talkz, Layden highlighted that while Xbox has managed to find success with this approach, PlayStation's extensive global market share makes such a move risky. He pointed out that Xbox's success with digital-only consoles is largely confined to English-speaking countries like the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Layden emphasized that Sony, being the leading platform in approximately 170 countries, has a significant responsibility to consider the impact of going disc-less on its diverse user base. He raised concerns about regions with limited internet connectivity, such as rural Italy, and specific groups like traveling athletes and military personnel who rely on physical media for gaming. Layden suggested that Sony is likely conducting research to determine the potential impact on these segments of their market.
The debate over digital-only consoles has been ongoing since the PlayStation 4 era and intensified with the introduction of digital-only versions of the current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. While Sony has released digital versions of its consoles, including the $700 PlayStation 5 Pro, these can still be upgraded with a separate disc drive, allowing users to play physical games. In contrast, Xbox has fully embraced digital distribution with services like Game Pass, prompting speculation about the future of physical media in gaming.
The decline in physical media sales and the trend of major publishers releasing games that require an internet connection, even when purchased on disc, further fuel the discussion. Examples include Ubisoft's Japan-set Assassin's Creed Shadows and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, both of which necessitate an internet connection for installation. As a result, what used to be included as a second disc is now often provided as downloadable content, signaling a shift away from traditional physical media.
