Removing physical discs from PlayStation consoles could eventually lead to cheaper game prices on the PlayStation Store, according to a former financial executive at Square Enix.
In a discussion regarding the economics of digital-only storefronts, the former executive pointed to PC gaming as a model for how a closed, digital-only ecosystem operates. Specifically, the argument suggests that looking at Steam helps explain how pricing structures function when physical retail competition and used game sales are entirely removed from the equation.
While Sony has increasingly embraced digital distribution—most notably with the digital-only PlayStation 5 Slim and the PlayStation 5 Pro—physical media remains a core component of current console hardware via optional disc drives. The remarks from the former Square Enix financial executive highlight ongoing industry discussions about the long-term viability of physical media and how pricing models might evolve if console manufacturers follow a purely digital path similar to PC platforms.