The release of the PS5 Pro in 2024 has raised a series of questions regarding its price and its exclusive launch in digital format, which has reignited the debate about the future disappearance of physical video games. Amidst these rumors, Shawn Layden, former CEO of SIE Worldwide Studios, has expressed that Sony should not abandon the physical format for its next console, the PS6, due to the significant presence of its player base worldwide.
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No more games fit on the shelf
In a recent interview, Layden highlighted that the PlayStation community is present in more than 170 countries, many of which do not have reliable Internet access. While companies like Microsoft have found success in digital distribution in advanced markets like the United States and the United Kingdom, Layden warns that players in regions with connectivity limitations, such as some rural areas of Italy, could be excluded if Sony opts for a completely digital format.
Layden suggested that it is likely that Sony will adopt a similar strategy to the PS5 Slim, offering versions of the PS6 both with and without a disc drive. This approach would not only cater to different types of gamers but also allow compatibility with physical PS5 and PS4 games, ensuring access for those who prefer the traditional format or lack good internet connections.
Although Sony has not revealed official details about its next console and there is still time for its release, the company is considering how to evolve its ecosystem without leaving any part of its audience behind. This debate about the balance between physical and digital formats is crucial for the future of PlayStation in a constantly changing market.
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