Physical games could start disappearing from stores before 2028

The CEO of CI Games issues a serious warning: disc-based games could start disappearing as early as 2027.

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The debate about the future of physical format continues to grow and now adds a new voice of weight within the industry. Marek Tyminski, founder and CEO of CI Games, believes that the disappearance of games on disc could begin sooner than many imagine, setting 2027 as a possible turning point.

His statements come just days after Sony confirmed its intention to stop producing physical games for PlayStation from 2028 and amid controversy over the physical edition of GTA 6, which will include a download code instead of the traditional disc.

CI Games believes the shift to digital format will accelerate

Through a social media post, Tyminski explained that the release of GTA 6 without a disc could have a domino effect on the rest of the industry. According to the executive, this decision, combined with Sony’s announced strategy, could lead to many physical releases starting to disappear as early as 2027, even before PlayStation’s scheduled date.

The head of CI Games argues that physical editions currently account for less than 20% of sales, generate lower profits per unit, and require additional manufacturing, distribution, and logistics costs at a particularly difficult time for many studios. However, he assures that Lords of the Fallen 2 is still planned for physical release, although he acknowledges that maintaining this strategy is becoming increasingly difficult from a commercial standpoint.

Tyminski also expressed concern about the impact this change could have on specialty stores, whose traditional activity has been closely tied to the sale of physical video games. If the trend continues to accelerate, many chains will have to reinvent their business model to compensate for the loss of one of their main products.

Although this is the opinion of an executive and not an official confirmation from the industry, his words once again bring to the table a debate that seems far from over. The future of physical format has never been as questioned as in recent months.