Former PlayStation Boss Shawn Layden Says Sony Can't Get Away With Making PS6 Disc-less

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios CEO, Shawn Layden, believes Sony cannot afford to release a completely digital, disc-less PlayStation 6. While acknowledging Xbox's success with this strategy, Layden emphasizes Sony's significantly larger global market share. Eliminating physical games would alienate a substantial portion of their user base.

Layden highlighted that Xbox's digital-first approach thrives primarily in English-speaking countries (U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa). Conversely, Sony's dominance extends across approximately 170 countries, many with varying levels of internet access. He questioned the feasibility of a disc-less model for users in regions with unreliable internet connectivity, citing examples like rural Italy.

He further pointed to niche markets reliant on physical media, such as traveling athletes or military personnel stationed in areas with limited online access. While acknowledging Sony's likely market research into this potential shift, Layden stressed the immense risk of alienating a considerable customer segment. He questioned what percentage of the market Sony is willing to sacrifice before declaring a disc-less model viable.

The debate surrounding disc-less consoles has intensified since the PlayStation 4 generation, fueled by Xbox's digital-only console releases. Both PlayStation and Xbox offer digital-only console versions (PS5 Digital Edition, Xbox Series S), yet Sony has refrained from fully committing to a disc-less future. This is partly due to the availability of add-on disc drives for even their digital-only consoles, including the PS5 Digital Edition.

However, the rise of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, coupled with declining physical media sales, raises questions about the longevity of disc-based games. Many major publishers are releasing games requiring online connections even for disc-based versions, further blurring the lines. Examples include Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Valhalla (requiring an internet connection for installation) and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (similar requirement). This trend effectively transforms what were once second discs (install and play) into downloadable content.

Would you buy the PlayStation 6 if it had no disc drive?

YesNoAnswerSee Results The continued availability of add-on disc drives for Sony's digital consoles underscores the ongoing debate. While the industry trends towards digital distribution, Sony's vast global reach necessitates a cautious approach to a completely disc-less future.