Key information
Sony previously announced plans to cease manufacturing PS5 game discs, framing the move as a natural evolution to align with digital consumption trends. This decision faced significant criticism from players, developers, and various companies in Spain, as the manufacturer claims digital preferences outweigh physical media.
Recent market data contradicts the notion that physical media is obsolete. According to Ampere and GSD, 35% of launch copies for the PS5 exclusive Marvel's Wolverine were physical, with that figure rising to 51% across Europe. In France, physical sales were particularly strong, contrasting with the United Kingdom where digital sales accounted for two-thirds of the total.
Other titles also demonstrate persistent demand for physical copies. Silent Hill: Townfall saw over 45% of its September PS5 sales in disc format, while The Blood of the Dawnwalker and Onimusha reached 36% and 30% respectively. Analyst Joost van Dreunen suggests these figures highlight a continued consumer desire to collect physical games.
These findings complicate Sony's stated goal to phase out physical formats by January 2028. Despite the company's push toward digital-only distribution, current sales metrics suggest that physical media remains a relevant and significant component of the consumer market.
