Shawn Layden Warns Sony Against Disc-less PS6

Former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Shawn Layden, has expressed skepticism about Sony launching the PlayStation 6 as an exclusively digital console without a disc drive. Speaking to Kiwi Talkz, Layden highlighted the potential pitfalls of such a move, noting that while Xbox has embraced a digital-only strategy successfully in certain markets, Sony's global reach presents different challenges.

Layden pointed out that Xbox's digital success is primarily in English-speaking countries such as the U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In contrast, Sony's market spans over 170 countries, making it the number one platform in many of these regions. He stressed that going fully disc-less could alienate a significant portion of Sony's user base, particularly those in areas with limited internet access or those who rely on physical media for offline gaming.

He used examples like users in rural Italy or those in military bases and traveling athletes who may not have reliable internet connections. Layden believes Sony is likely researching how many users it would lose by moving to a disc-less model, questioning at what point the company would be willing to accept the loss of certain market segments. He concluded that due to Sony's extensive global market, transitioning to an all-digital PlayStation 6 would be challenging.

The debate over digital-only consoles intensified during the PlayStation 4 era and escalated with the release of digital-only versions of both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. However, Sony has maintained the option for users to upgrade their digital consoles, such as the $700 PlayStation 5 Pro, with a separate disc drive. This flexibility contrasts with Xbox's full embrace of digital platforms like Game Pass, prompting speculation about the future of physical media in gaming.

The trend towards digital distribution is evident as sales of physical media continue to decline, and some games are released in states that require an internet connection even when purchased on disc. For instance, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor both necessitate an internet connection for installation. Moreover, what was once distributed across multiple discs is now often provided as downloadable content, further reducing the relevance of physical media.