The end of physical PS5 discs came as a surprise to many players. However, a former writer of Left 4 Dead claims that they are to blame for the situation.
What is the claim? Chet Faliszek believes that players have caused their own suffering, regarding the discontinuation of PS5 disc production. In his own YouTube video, he mentions that players have chosen to switch to digital:
You as consumers made a decision, and your decision is for digital. I keep hearing comments like, ‘Oh, they should offer memory cards. They should …’ But right now, today – the games we’re talking about are available in stores today. The used games are available in stores today, and you’re not going into the store and buying them.
The market simply reacts to the hard numbers. Digital games would account for 85% at Sony, while at GameStop they account for only 18% total revenue from new and used games. According to him, users will always choose the most convenient way – and that is to buy a digital game.
Faliszek includes himself in this and also buys digitally because it is easier. He emphasizes that it is hypocrisy to blame Sony for serving the market that players themselves have shaped.
Players need to focus on other things
What should players do instead? Instead of getting upset about the change and wasting their energy, players should define and demand their rights and claims in the digital ecosystem.
How do the affected players react? In the comments, there are indeed mixed reactions to his statements. They reflect the dichotomy that Faliszek addresses in the video.
- Some commentators agree and point out that the loud protests are merely performative. Many who complain about the topic right now would buy GTA 6 digitally on the first day.
- However, a strong counterargument is that consumers cannot make completely free choices. Corporations actively manipulate them in this direction.
- The real problem is the lack of ownership of digital games. On GOG.com and other alternatives, it is possible to download DRM-free installation files, which would equate to actual ownership. On PS5, you are at Sony’s mercy.
Physical buyers feel wrongly accused by Faliszek. They emphasize that it is not just about nostalgia, but about preserving cultural goods.
What is your opinion on the matter? Can you relate to Faliszek’s statements? Feel free to write it in the comments!
Another major issue is the disappearance of the used market. Jasmin Beverungen, a MyMMO editor, has looked at several games on different platforms and calculated how much one would really save: The prices of used PS5 games show that “purely digital” is a bad idea
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