The beginning of the end: the physical format faces a disappearance that seems inevitable, what will Xbox do?

It is not just any format, it is the pillar that saw this industry grow and that faces its imminent extinction.

More stories in the category Featured

• GAME removes PayPal as a payment method on its website and surprises many buyers
• The best of Xbox in 2026: the six games that defined the first half of the year
• New blow: Xbox reiterates that Gears and Clockwork will always be exclusive, like it or not, and more games are coming

When we thought things couldn’t get any more unexpected, there’s always a company that will step up to provide us with worse policies than the previous one. This time, it wasn’t Microsoft with Xbox, fortunately; the role has fallen on Sony’s shoulders.

The green light has been given for the competition’s games to have their days numbered, and this has been publicly confirmed, stating that no more physical games will be produced for PlayStation, either for their current console or for future ones (starting January 2028).

This is not a cause for joy for us, the ones on this side of the community (from the green seal house); on the contrary, it’s a concern and uncertainty that is sown in our hearts upon learning that the industry will take a more unexpected turn, whose echo has been building up over the years.

The digital format of video games has gained ground and has done so in an alarming way, as inevitably, offers are just around the corner, with titles discounted by half or even almost entirely, making physical sales stumble.

Regardless of the competition, what will happen to Xbox regarding the physical format?

It’s true that this has happened to PlayStation users and players, but what can we expect from Xbox regarding this decision? For now, we don’t have any statement from Asha Sharma or Microsoft, which suggests an unsettling silence.

It’s evident that they won’t want to make any comments that could be related to what happened, as Xbox’s image has been improving since the new CEO took charge and seems quite intelligent in keeping a low profile regarding a point that has shaken the community and several sectors.

We must calm down and know that, for now, we remain the same, without changes. Although, if I’m honest, physical releases on Xbox have decreased significantly, and this could have some influence in the future, one that is uncertain and already looks difficult for a sector that seems like a minority but will be there to support physical games.

Something important to consider, and which can be a double-edged sword, is the fact that Microsoft is working on a way to preserve our physical games in some way. This could become a blessing or our worst nightmare.

As it is, it’s still too early to know the plans for the future regarding Project Helix. We shouldn’t stop pressing the big companies and making our voices heard, as we are the ones who truly collect and consume video games.

Final and personal reflection

This writer was born in the 80s, and with that, I mean that I’ve seen it all in this world, to the point where it’s very sad what’s happening. Some call it evolution or progress; however, I think the industry’s identity is being lost, and that can’t be positive.

I know it’s easier to publish a game digitally, as distribution is easier, and over time, prices tend to decrease dramatically, offering us very tempting deals. Unfortunately, this allows the physical format to disappear, for one reason or another.

Without pointing fingers at Sony for their decision, it’s essential that we reflect on how to support and express our discontent. In the end, we have the final say, and if we don’t support ourselves, we’ll leave the door open for companies to engage in bad practices.

Long live the physical format, and I hope it can last much longer.