Valve

PlayStation to End Physical Game Discs in 2028

PlayStation announced via a blog post that new games will no longer be released on physical discs starting January 2028, implying future consoles (e.g., PlayStation 6) may ship without disc drives. Games will be distributed digitally through the PlayStation Store and possibly as redeemable retail codes. Sony frames the move as following consumer demand for digital media, but the article warns of consequences for gamers: loss of resale/used-game markets, stronger DRM/licensing risks (including prior removals of content from the store), reduced ability to compare prices across storefronts, and likely higher costs for consumers. The change benefits Sony monetarily because store revenues for first-party titles remain with the company and third-party resale/competitive discounting options are limited in console ecosystems.

Sony to End Physical Game Discs in 2028

Sony announced that PlayStation will stop producing physical game discs for all new PlayStation releases starting January 2028; new titles will be sold only via the PlayStation Store or as digital redemption codes in retail. Sony framed the move as a response to consumer trends and rising digital sales. The change removes consumer price-comparison alternatives available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG) because console ecosystems restrict purchases to platform-owned storefronts. The article highlights consumer risks: digital purchases on consoles are licenses (non‑transferable), DRM and server shutdowns can render games unusable, delistings (PlayStation recently removed ~500 store items) set precedents, and retail resale markets would be effectively closed. Physical-disc production ending also raises the likelihood future consoles (e.g., a hypothetical PlayStation 6) may omit disc drives, further impacting used-game markets and long-term game access.

Epic CEO Opposes Steam's AI Content Labeling

Valve requires developers to disclose use of AI tools on Steam and displays a prominent label on products that used AI in their creation. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney told PC Gamer he believes this label stigmatizes creators — especially small teams and solo developers — making it harder for them to find an audience on Steam. Sweeney argues developers should be supported in using AI tools (citing productivity gains and emerging 'prompt-to-game' approaches) and warned that visible AI labels create a target for critics who try to 'kill' releases. The article notes Valve’s disclosure policy has existed since 2024 and that some developers have concealed AI use or removed games after backlash.