A growing number of physical video game releases now require mandatory downloads from external servers to function, according to findings from the testing group DoesItPlay. While physical media is often viewed as a way to preserve game access, the organization reports that 27 percent of the physical titles they have tested are not fully playable directly from the disc or cartridge.
The Impact on Modern Consoles
The requirement for additional data is significantly higher on current-generation hardware. Testing indicates that 34 percent of PlayStation 5 physical releases and 50 percent of Xbox Series X physical releases depend on post-purchase downloads to resolve game-breaking bugs or to provide essential game content that was not included on the physical media at the time of manufacture.
Physical Media Outlook
This report follows Sony's recent decision to cease the production of physical PlayStation game discs by 2028. Clemens Itsel, owner and head admin at DoesItPlay, suggests that the industry is increasingly treating physical releases with less priority, noting that there is no inherent technical reason for physical games to lose their "plug and play" functionality without external intervention.
Quick Facts
- Testing Scope: DoesItPlay has tested thousands of physical game releases to verify standalone functionality.
- PS5 Requirement: 34 percent of tested PS5 titles require a download for core content or bug fixes.
- Xbox Series X Requirement: 50 percent of tested Xbox Series X titles require an internet connection to function as intended.
- Industry Milestone: Sony is scheduled to end the production of physical PlayStation discs in 2028.