Ubisoft defends the end of discs in the PlayStation lineup

Attempting to push forced digitalization as a benefit for the consumer while seeking to protect one's own profit margin is the typical convenient rhetoric of top executives. During the financial results conference of Ubisoft, CEO Yves Guillemot commented on the alleged decision by Sony to cease physical media in the PlayStation line starting January 2028. When asked by investors about the impacts of this shift and the potential disappearance of used games, the executive chose to downplay the concerns, arguing that the transition helped expand the ecosystem on PC and that the move should not destabilize the sector.

The line of reasoning presented intentionally overlooks the structural differences between an open ecosystem and reliance on a digital monopoly.

On computers, direct competition between Steam, GOG, and other virtual stores ensures competitive prices and archival preservation. On consoles, however, the user becomes captive to the pricing set by the PlayStation Store, without the relief of a used games market or the freedom to choose where to buy.

Without the cost of the disc reader in the assembly line, Guillemot claims that manufacturers will be able to reduce the final hardware cost for the buyer.

Although analyst Daniel Ahmad points out that the PS5 models focused on digital media have been recording higher sales rates, the installed base reflects a very different reality: approximately 70% of the consoles sold so far have a physical disc reader.

The promise that the reduction in distribution and logistics costs will result in lower prices for the player lacks any practical guarantees. Isolated cases, like Nintendo, which sells certain digital releases on the Switch 2 at a discount compared to cartridge support, appear as rare exceptions. In practice, the elimination of discs ensures an immediate increase in profitability for distributors, leaving the question of whether any of that savings will be passed on to those who truly support the industry.