Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games and current head of the entertainment firm Absurd Ventures, has joined the ongoing industry discussion regarding the future of physical media on PlayStation 5. His comments come as the gaming industry grapples with Sony's confirmed decision to stop manufacturing physical PlayStation games starting in January 2028.
Houser’s Stance on Consumer Demand
Speaking in a recent interview with IGN, Houser noted that his personal preference is not the primary factor, but he emphasized a consumer-first perspective. "I don’t know that I care, but if people want that, I think companies should provide it," Houser said. He further highlighted the utility of digital platforms, noting that the ability to issue updates to fix problems has been beneficial for game quality.
Houser was joined by long-time collaborator Lazlow Jones, who reflected on the creative fulfillment found in producing physical products. Jones pointed to the recent launch of their comic book, American Caper, noting that having a physical item provides a tangible sense of accomplishment that digital files cannot replicate.
Industry Context and Declining Sales
The debate surrounding physical media follows a significant downturn in boxed game sales. According to recent data from Circana, interest in physical formats has plummeted in the United States. In 2026, only seven boxed PlayStation titles have managed to exceed 100,000 copies sold, with the highest-performing title reaching just 275,000 units. For comparison, historical records indicate that as many as 100 physical PlayStation games surpassed the 100,000-unit threshold during the same period in 2008.
Despite this trend, the industry remains divided. While companies like Ubisoft have suggested that the shift to digital-only will not significantly disrupt the market, other developers have voiced concerns that Sony’s decision fails to consider the sentiments of dedicated fans. Sony has yet to provide further details or elaboration on its plans following the initial announcement.
The Future of Physical Releases
The irony of the situation remains that Rockstar Games itself is at the forefront of the shift away from traditional media. The studio has already confirmed that its highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 will not launch with a physical disc, opting instead for a "code in a box" format for its physical edition later this year.