Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot weighed in on PlayStation's move away from physical media during a recent earnings call, saying the decision “won't be too disruptive to the industry.” The Ubisoft earnings call mostly addressed sales for the company's fiscal first quarter, although Guillemot was also asked to address various topics related to the company, as well as the industry as a whole.
In early July, PlayStation shared plans to phase out PS5 discs. This change won't happen until January 2028, where users will only be able to purchase games digitally. PlayStation attributed the decision to the changing habits of its users, considering that most purchases for PS5 games are made digitally.
Ubisoft CEO compares console shift to PC gaming
PlayStation's decision to move away from physical media has been compared to PC gaming, and Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has made the same comparison. Addressing the question of whether the move could prove positive or negative for the industry, Guillemot argued that “it helped grow the market” when PC gaming went all digital. Some analysts have noted that all-digital gaming could drive down costs, and the Ubisoft CEO seems to echo that sentiment. Guillemot claimed that “there is also some future pressure on the cost of the machine, and just being able to go digital will help to have a more accessible machine.”
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Guillemot's opinion is very different from many others, as PlayStation's decision has caused a strong reaction. Every post PlayStation makes on social media is filled with comments about the soon-to-come change, usually from frustrated PS5 owners. Even industry veterans open to the idea shared the need for changes to the current model to make fans feel more comfortable with the concept of digital ownership. Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra wants a “digital pledge” from PlayStation, to ensure that games purchased by users cannot be removed at a later date. Ybarra also argued for changes such as the ability to resell or lend digital purchases.
It remains to be seen how PlayStation will respond to the feedback and what impact it might have on the company's decision. Sony is facing an antitrust complaint in Mexico, where lawmakers argue that the PlayStation Store will become a monopoly as a result. The complaint also brings up how the lack of discs will hurt stores that specialize in selling used games, while limiting options for consumers in areas without access to a stable Internet connection.
As the backlash against PlayStation continues, it's likely that many people in the video game industry will have opinions to share about the future of physical media. Some people are more optimistic than others about Sony's decision, as Guillemot seems to be. However, it will be up to consumers to decide if they want to continue buying PlayStation products after they become available digitally only. Many fans are concerned about the future of ownership, and PlayStation has yet to offer plans that will help users feel confident about the future. Investing in PlayStation's most passionate fans is going to be important, especially as Sony begins to shift its internal resources towards the PS6.
Source: VGC
