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, intensifying with Xbox's introduction of digital-only models. Both Sony and Microsoft have released digital versions of their current consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, but Sony has maintained the option for users to upgrade their digital consoles with a separate disc drive. This flexibility is evident even in high-end models like the $700 PlayStation 5 Pro.
The shift towards digital distribution is further propelled by services like Xbox Game Pass and Sony's PlayStation Plus Games Catalog, raising questions about the future of physical media. As sales of physical games decline, and major publishers release games that require an internet connection even when purchased on disc, the industry is moving towards a more digital-centric model. Examples include Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which necessitate an internet connection for installation.
This trend is also reflected in how additional content, once provided on a second disc, is now commonly delivered as downloadable content. Layden's insights suggest that while the industry is leaning towards digital, Sony must carefully weigh the implications of fully abandoning physical media for the PlayStation 6.
