Physical Games Dying? Downloads Plague Disc Releases

A growing number of physical game releases require significant downloads, impacting their long-term playability. DoesItPlay's testing reveals that 27% of physical games tested need additional downloads for core content or bug fixes. This issue is particularly pronounced on newer consoles, with 34% of tested PS5 games and 50% of Xbox Series X games exhibiting this problem. This trend suggests a deliberate disregard for physical media by larger companies, potentially leading to the demise of physical games.

DoesItPlay, founded in 2019, has evolved into a database meticulously tracking the 'plug and play' functionality of physical games. Many games are released with critical bugs or incomplete data on the disc, necessitating patches. Examples like the initial console release of Cyberpunk 2077 and Atomfall showcase how unpatched discs can become unplayable or fundamentally altered. Furthermore, some physical releases are mere stubs, requiring massive downloads to access the majority of the game.

Compounding the issue, publishers are increasingly implementing mandatory download prompts, even for physical copies, halting progress without an internet connection. This practice, seen in games like Hogwarts Legacy and numerous AAA Ubisoft titles, is viewed as detrimental to game preservation. While Switch cartridges often fare better, even they are seeing a rise in Game Key Cards, which are essentially just download codes presented as physical products.

As game servers inevitably shut down in the future, these incomplete physical releases will become unplayable artifacts. The ongoing fight for physical media is thus a crucial effort to preserve cultural artifacts and ensure that video games, as a significant art form and historical record, remain accessible for future generations.