Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot weighed in on PlayStation’s shift away from physical media during a recent earnings call, arguing that the decision “will not disturb the industry too much.” The Ubisoft earnings call mostly addressed sales in the first quarter of the company’s fiscal year, though Guillemot was also asked to address several different topics related to the company, as well as the industry as a whole.
At the beginning of July, PlayStation shared plans to phase out PS5 discs. The change won’t take place until January 2028, at which point users will only be able to purchase games digitally. PlayStation attributed the decision to the changing habits of its users, noting that the majority of purchases made for PS5 games happen digitally.
Ubisoft CEO Compares Console Shift to PC Gaming
PlayStation’s decision to move away from physical media has been likened to PC gaming, and Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has made a similar comparison. Addressing a question about whether the move could prove to be positive or negative for the industry, Guillemot argued that “it helped to grow the market” when PC gaming went all-digital. Some analysts have noted that all-digital gaming could reduce costs, and the Ubisoft CEO seemed to echo that sentiment. Guillemot claimed that “there’s also some pressure for the future on the cost of machines, and being able to be only digital will help to have a more accessible machine.”
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Guillemot’s opinion is significantly different from many others, as PlayStation’s decision has resulted in strong backlash. Every post PlayStation makes on social media is quickly inundated with comments about the impending change, usually from frustrated PS5 owners. Even industry veterans open to the idea have 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 promise” from PlayStation, to ensure that games bought by users can’t be taken away at a later date. Ybarra also argued for changes such as the ability to resell or lend out digital purchases.
It remains to be seen whether PlayStation will respond to the backlash 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 would become a monopoly as a result. The complaint also brings up how a lack of discs would hurt stores that specialize in selling used games, while limiting the options of consumers in areas without access to a stable internet connection.
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 are more optimistic than others about the decision by Sony, like Guillemot seems to be. However, it will be up to consumers to decide whether they want to continue to buy PlayStation products once they’re only available digitally. A lot of fans are concerned about the future of ownership, and PlayStation has yet to offer plans that can help users feel confident about the future. Keeping PlayStation’s most passionate fans invested is going to be important, especially as Sony begins shifting its internal resources towards the PS6.
Source: VGC
