Why are Game Publishers abandoning Physical Discs? Lords of the Fallen CEO explains
(Courtesy : CI Games)
The gaming industry is going digital!
The gaming industry is going all digital at full speed and physical discs might become a rare antique pretty soon. Sony has recently announced that PlayStation game discs will not exist starting in January 2028.
Recently, the CI Games CEO, Marek Tyminski, has explained why gaming publishers are all abandoning the disc and opting for digital versions. Let’s check out more details in this article.
Physical games generate less revenue for publishers
Marek Tyminski on X (Twitter) explained that there is no doubt that physical copies will remain popular among collectors and gamers, but they generate lower profits compared to digital sales.
Before the publisher makes any money on every boxed set, there are a number of extra expenses. Retailers get a cut, distributors get another cut, and then there are the manufacturing, packaging, shipping and logistics costs that must be paid for by the publishers.
According to Marek, a $69.99 physical game can only get the publisher around $26 per unit after all deductions.
If you compare it with the digital sale, it can generate up to $49 per copy. Even an idiot could tell that digital sales make a lot more profit than physical discs.
Also Read: Lords of the Fallen 2 officially delayed to Q1 2027 as developers prioritize quality
Rising development cost
There is no doubt that modern AAA game development has become super costly. They require larger teams, longer production cycles, advanced graphics, modern capture and live-service support, which increase the development budget.
Marek believes that the publishers are looking for every opportunity in which they can reduce the cost and earn more profit. The physical disc media looks to be the easiest one.
Decline of physical disc sales
Tyminski said that for a lot of publishers, less than 20% of sales are made through physical channels. Digital stores allow players to have preloads, instant downloads, automated upgrades and digital libraries, making it easier for them to play than to own.
Despite all of this, Marek has reassured the fans and gamers that the upcoming Lords of the Fallen 2 will receive a physical disc version at the launch of the game.
Why are publishers abandoning physical game discs?
Physical games are more expensive to produce and distribute. Manufacturing, shipping, retailer margins, and distributor fees significantly reduce publisher profits compared to digital sales.
When could physical game discs disappear?
According to CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski, many publishers could begin moving away from physical releases as early as 2027, although timelines will vary by company.
Will Lords of the Fallen 2 have a physical edition?
Yes. Despite the industry’s shift toward digital distribution, CI Games has confirmed that The Lords of the Fallen 2 will still launch on physical discs.
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Mahaksh Chauhan is a passionate gaming journalist who loves for old-school RPGs and turn-based games. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of game mechanics, Mahaksh brings an unique perspective to the world of gaming. Inspired by classics like Persona, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Skyrim, Mahaksh is dedicated in sharing the magic of games with readers. When not writing or gaming, Mahaksh can be found cheering on WWE superstars or watching his favourite Anime.