The controversy over PlayStation's decision to move away from physical game releases has sparked a heated discussion within the gaming community. As the company plans to stop producing physical copies of games for its consoles—including the PS4, PS5, and even the upcoming PS6—players and developers alike are voicing concerns. Many fans and creators prefer physical copies for reasons ranging from collectibility to nostalgia, and some are now trying to persuade game publishers to reconsider the shift. This move has become a major topic in the gaming world, with many creators publicly supporting the continued availability of physical games.
Naoki Hamaguchi, the director of FF7 Revelation, discussed PlayStation's shift toward a digital-only future during the promotional period for the latest entry in the FF7 Remake trilogy, which is set to release on April 8, 2027. In an interview with Radio Times, Hamaguchi acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and shared his personal connection to physical games. He mentioned that he often bought games in physical format as a child and still prefers physical copies for games he is especially fond of. He also noted that he sometimes asks people who have worked on a game to sign a copy, a practice that will no longer be possible by 2028 when PlayStation stops making physical versions.
Hamaguchi acknowledged that PlayStation’s decision is driven by economic factors, suggesting that physical media may still exist in some form in the future. He referenced the case of Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive, who will offer a physical version of GTA 6 without a disc, instead including a code on a piece of paper inside the box. However, FF7 Revelation will have a proper physical version, even though the entire game cannot be included on the disc. The physical edition will include the game’s introduction, after which players will be prompted to download the rest of the game.
Hamaguchi expressed understanding of players’ frustrations, noting that some fans have said they will not buy a game without a disc. He emphasized that as a director, his main focus is ensuring the game is fun and engaging, while the product format and sales methods are handled by the editorial team. Despite this, he used his position to advocate for the physical version as much as possible. FF7 Revelation will be available on multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, on April 8. Hamaguchi acknowledged the growing trend toward digital-only formats but expressed hope that the desire of fans to own tangible copies of their favorite games will remain a meaningful part of gaming culture.
PlayStation's Shift to Digital Sparks Debate Among Game Creators and Fans
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Gameblog



