Former PlayStation Boss Shawn Layden Says Sony Can't Get Away With Making PS6 Disc-less

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 emphasizes Sony's significantly larger global market share. Eliminating physical games would alienate a substantial portion of their user base.

Layden highlighted that Xbox's digital-first approach thrives primarily in English-speaking countries, unlike Sony's extensive global reach. He questioned Sony's ability to ensure reliable internet access for all players, citing examples like rural Italy or regions with limited connectivity. He also pointed to specific demographics reliant on physical games, such as travelling athletes or military personnel stationed in areas with restricted internet. Layden suggested Sony is likely conducting market research to determine the acceptable level of market share loss before committing to a disc-less model.

The debate surrounding disc-less consoles has intensified since the PlayStation 4 generation, fueled by Xbox's digital-only console releases. Both PlayStation and Xbox offer digital-only versions of their current consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X/S), yet Sony has remained hesitant to fully embrace a disc-less future. This is partly due to the PS5's ability to add a disc drive, even for the higher-priced models. However, the rise of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Games Catalog raises questions about the long-term viability of physical media.

Physical game sales are declining, and many major publishers are releasing games requiring online installation, even those distributed on disc. Examples include Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Valhalla and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, both needing internet connectivity for installation. This trend effectively renders the physical disc secondary, with additional content often delivered as downloads.

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

YesNoAnswerSee Results This shift in industry practice further complicates the decision for Sony, highlighting the evolving landscape of game distribution.