"Ex-PlayStation Head Warns Sony Against Disc-less PS6"

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios CEO Shawn Layden has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of launching the PlayStation 6 as an all-digital, disc-less console. In a conversation with Kiwi Talkz, Layden emphasized that while Xbox has managed to implement this strategy successfully, Sony's extensive global market share poses a significant challenge. He pointed out that Xbox's success with digital-only consoles is largely confined to English-speaking countries like the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Layden argued that Sony, being the leading platform in approximately 170 countries, has a responsibility to consider how such a shift would impact its vast user base. He raised concerns about regions with limited internet connectivity, such as rural Italy, questioning whether users there could effectively transition to a fully digital gaming experience. Additionally, he highlighted groups like traveling athletes and military personnel who rely on physical media for gaming.

He further elaborated that Sony would need to assess the potential damage to its market by moving to a disc-less model. Layden suggested that Sony is likely conducting research to determine the tipping point at which it could feasibly turn away from certain segments of its market. However, given Sony's global dominance, he believes a complete transition to a disc-less console would be challenging.

The debate over digital-only consoles intensified during the PlayStation 4 era and has continued into the current generation, with both Sony and Xbox releasing digital-only versions of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. Sony, however, has maintained the option for users to upgrade their digital consoles, such as the $700 PlayStation 5 Pro, with a separate disc drive to play physical games.

The rise of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and Sony's PlayStation Plus Games Catalog has led to speculation about the future of physical media in gaming. As sales of physical games decline and more publishers release games that require an internet connection for installation—such as Ubisoft's Japan-set Assassin's Creed Shadows and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor—the industry is gradually moving away from traditional disc-based formats. What was once included as additional discs is now often provided as downloadable content.