Sony Disc-less PS6 Rumors Debunked by Ex-PlayStation Chief

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios CEO, Shawn Layden, believes Sony cannot afford to release a completely digital, disc-less PlayStation 6. While acknowledging Xbox's success with this strategy, Layden highlights Sony's significantly larger global market share. Eliminating physical games would alienate a substantial portion of their user base.

Layden points out that Xbox's digital-first approach thrives primarily in English-speaking countries, unlike Sony's widespread dominance across approximately 170 nations. He questions the feasibility of a disc-less model, considering the connectivity challenges faced by users in less developed regions. He uses examples like rural Italy and the specific needs of mobile populations (such as athletes or military personnel) who rely on offline gameplay. Layden suggests Sony is likely assessing the potential impact on these market segments.

The debate surrounding disc-less consoles has intensified since the PlayStation 4 generation, fueled by Xbox's release of digital-only consoles. Both Sony and Microsoft offer digital-only versions of their current consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S), but Sony has yet to commit fully to a disc-less future. This is partly due to the availability of add-on disc drives for even their high-end digital PS5 models.

However, the rise of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus's Games Catalog, coupled with declining physical media sales, raises questions about the long-term viability of disc-based games. Many publishers are releasing games that require online access even from physical discs, further blurring the lines. The practice of including what was once a second disc as downloadable content underscores this shift.

Would you buy a PlayStation 6 if it had no disc drive?

YesNoAnswerSee Results This trend, along with the continued decline of physical media sales, raises significant questions about the future of disc-based gaming.