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Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios CEO Shawn Layden has expressed skepticism about Sony launching the PlayStation 6 as an all-digital, disc-less console. In a conversation with Kiwi Talkz, Layden pointed out that while Xbox has successfully pursued a digital-only strategy, PlayStation's significantly larger global market share makes such a move risky. He noted that Xbox's success with digital consoles is mostly concentrated in English-speaking countries such as 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 responsibility to consider the impact of going disc-less on its diverse user base. He questioned whether users in regions like rural Italy, who might struggle with internet connectivity, would be able to enjoy games without physical media. Additionally, he highlighted other groups such as traveling athletes and military personnel who rely on physical and offline games.
He suggested that Sony is likely researching the potential market impact of moving to a disc-less model, and there might be a tipping point where it becomes acceptable to leave certain segments of the market behind. However, given Sony's vast global presence, Layden believes that fully transitioning to a disc-less PlayStation 6 would be challenging.
The debate over digital-only consoles intensified with the introduction of such models during the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One generations. Both Sony and Microsoft have released digital-only versions of their current consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. However, Sony continues to offer the option to add a disc drive to its digital consoles, including the high-end PlayStation 5 Pro.
The shift towards digital distribution is further driven by services like Xbox Game Pass and Sony's PlayStation Plus Games Catalog, leading to discussions about the eventual phasing out of physical game discs. This trend is evident as sales of physical media decline and major publishers release games that require internet connections even when purchased on disc. Examples include Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which both necessitate online installation despite being available on physical media. As a result, content that would traditionally require a second disc is increasingly being offered as downloadable content.
