Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot weighed in on PlayStation's move away from physical media during a recent earnings call, insisting that the decision “won't significantly disrupt the industry.” Although Ubisoft's earnings call primarily covers revenue for the company's fiscal first quarter, Guillemot was also asked to cover a number of topics relevant to the company and the industry as a whole.
In early July, PlayStation shared its plans to phase out PS5 discs. The changes won't take effect until January 2028, at which point users will only be able to purchase games digitally. PlayStation attributed the decision to changing user habits, noting that the majority of PS5 game purchases are made digitally.
Ubisoft CEO compares console transition to PC gaming
PlayStation's decision to move away from physical media has been likened to PC gaming, with Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot making a similar comparison. In response to a question about whether this move was positive or negative for the industry, Guillemot claimed that when PC games went all digital, it “helped grow the market.” Some analysts have pointed out that fully digital games can save money, and the Ubisoft CEO seems to echo that sentiment. “There will also be pressure on the cost of machines in the future, and digitalization will only make them more accessible,” Guillemot argued.
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Guillemot's opinion differs significantly from many others, as PlayStation's decision sparked strong backlash. Every post PlayStation makes on social media is usually quickly flooded with comments from disappointed PS5 owners about the impending change. Even industry veterans who are open to the idea have shared the need to change the current model to make fans feel more comfortable with the concept of digital ownership. Former Blizzard boss Mike Ybarra wants PlayStation's “digital promise” to ensure users can't have the games they buy taken away later. Ybarra also advocated for changes such as the ability to resell or lend digital purchases.
It's not yet known whether PlayStation will respond to the backlash and how it will affect the company's decisions. Sony is facing an antitrust lawsuit in Mexico that claims the PlayStation Store will become a monopoly. The complaint also raises how the disc shortage is hurting stores that specialize in selling used games and limiting consumer choice in areas without access to reliable internet connections.
As the backlash against PlayStation continues, it's likely that more figures in the video game industry will have opinions to share about the future of physical media. Some people, like Guillemot, are more optimistic about Sony's decision than others. However, if a PlayStation product is only available digitally, it's up to the consumer to decide whether or not they want to continue purchasing it. Many fans are concerned about the future of ownership, and PlayStation has yet to come up with a plan that would allow users to feel confident about its future. It will be important to keep PlayStation's most passionate fans invested. Especially as Sony begins to shift internal resources towards the PS6.
Source: VGC
