Shawn Layden Warns Sony Against Disc-less PS6

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios CEO Shawn Layden has expressed skepticism about the possibility of Sony launching the PlayStation 6 as an all-digital, disc-less console. In a conversation with Kiwi Talkz, Layden highlighted that while Xbox has managed to gain traction with its digital-only strategy, Sony's vast global market share makes it impractical to exclude physical and offline gaming options.

"I don't think Sony can get away with it now," Layden remarked. He pointed out that Xbox's success with digital-only consoles is largely confined to English-speaking countries such as the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In contrast, Sony's market extends to approximately 170 countries worldwide, necessitating a broader consideration of consumer needs.

Layden emphasized Sony's responsibility to its diverse user base, questioning whether users in regions like rural Italy have sufficient internet connectivity to enjoy games without physical media. He also mentioned specific groups such as traveling athletes and military personnel who rely on physical or offline games. Layden suggested that Sony is likely conducting research to determine the impact of moving to a disc-less model on these segments of their market.

"Which part of your market will be damaged by going to a disc-less market?" Layden asked, indicating that Sony would need to find a tipping point where the shift to digital-only would be acceptable. However, given Sony's extensive global reach, he believes it would be challenging for them to fully transition to a disc-less console in the next generation.

The debate over digital-only consoles has been ongoing since the PlayStation 4 era and intensified with the introduction of digital-only versions of the current PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. While Sony has released digital-only versions of its consoles, including the $700 PlayStation 5 Pro, these can still be upgraded with a separate disc drive, allowing users to play physical games. This approach contrasts with Xbox's full embrace of 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 fuel the discussion. For instance, Ubisoft's Japan-set Assassin's Creed Shadows and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor both necessitate an internet connection for installation. Additionally, what was once provided on a second disc is now often delivered as downloadable content, signaling a shift away from physical media.