Bloober Team defends physical game releases

The studio behind the Silent Hill remake, Bloober Team, has stated it intends to continue making physical versions of its games "as long as possible," even as the video game industry shifts toward digital formats.

CEO highlights player hardware usage

During an interview with GamesRadar, Bloober Team's CEO, Piotr Babieno, noted that most players use hardware that is five to seven years old, or even older, despite recent technological advancements that offer limited improvements in visual and audio quality.

AI’s role in gaming discussed

Babieno mentioned the influence of AI on the video game industry, stating that while AI can enhance visuals and sound, it cannot provide a tactile experience. He believes the physical aspect of games will remain relevant despite industry trends toward digital distribution.

Sony and Rockstar’s digital shift acknowledged

Babieno acknowledged the shift to digital distribution, citing examples like Sony’s decision to stop producing physical PlayStation games and Rockstar’s disc-free release of GTA 6. He noted that such moves are understandable but emphasized the emotional connection physical media creates between players and developers.

Subsidiary CEO shares passion for physical media

Tymon Smektala, CEO of Broken Mirror Games, a subsidiary of Bloober, shared Babieno’s enthusiasm for physical game collections. Smektala mentioned he has a large personal collection and values the importance of physical media.

Future of Silent Hill remakes uncertain

The Silent Hill 2 remake, released in 2024, was available in a physical format. However, Sony plans to stop producing PlayStation discs by 2028, which may affect the availability of future titles like the upcoming Silent Hill 1 remake, which currently has no release date.