Shawn Layden Warns Sony Against Disc-less PS6

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 discussion with Kiwi Talkz, Layden highlighted that while Xbox has embraced a digital-only strategy with success in certain markets, Sony's vast global market share makes such a move risky. He pointed out that Xbox primarily thrives in English-speaking countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, whereas Sony leads in approximately 170 countries worldwide.

Layden emphasized Sony's responsibility to consider the impact on its diverse user base, particularly in regions where internet connectivity might be unreliable. He raised concerns about users in rural areas, such as Italy, and specific demographics like traveling athletes and military personnel, who depend on physical and offline games. Layden believes Sony is likely researching the potential effects of moving to a disc-less model and assessing the percentage of the market it might be willing to forego.

The debate over digital-only consoles has intensified since the PlayStation 4 era, fueled by Xbox's introduction of digital-only versions. Although both Sony and Xbox have released digital-only versions of the current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S, Sony has maintained the option for users to upgrade their digital consoles with a separate disc drive, as seen with the $700 PlayStation 5 Pro. This approach contrasts with Xbox's full commitment to digital services like Game Pass, prompting speculation about the future of physical media in gaming.

The decline in physical media sales and the trend of major publishers releasing games that require an internet connection, even when purchased on disc, further complicate the situation. Examples include Ubisoft's Japan-set Assassin's Creed Shadows and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which both necessitate online installation. As physical discs become less prioritized, additional content that would once require a second disc is now typically offered as downloadable content.