Game Developer Explains Why Physical Discs Are Doomed

Physical game boxes will not disappear immediately, but they will increasingly turn into packaging containing a download code because modern games no longer fit on a single disc.

CyberConnect2 CEO Hiroshi Matsuyama believes that physical game editions are “doomed to fail” because digital distribution is more convenient, more profitable for developers, and better suited to the file sizes of modern games.

Matsuyama acknowledged that he understands players’ attachment to boxed versions, but today discs cannot compete with digital releases in terms of convenience. Manufacturing physical copies also requires extra expenses, as developers must purchase discs and cartridges from platform holders like Sony and Nintendo.

The CyberConnect2 head noted that the vast majority of sales for Capcom and Square Enix already come from digital distribution. In his opinion, continuing to support the production of boxed versions for a dwindling audience of collectors is becoming increasingly difficult.

He also pointed to GTA VI, noting that modern games are becoming so large that all of their content often cannot fit on a single disc. At the same time, physical boxes will not disappear immediately, and editions featuring a code to download the game could serve as one of the alternatives.