tech
With the end of physical media in sight, gamers have had enough
An increasing tension between players and publishers about ownership of titles could lead to a divestment from the system the big companies are trying to enforce
TL;DR
- Sony plans to cease physical game disc production by January 2028, moving exclusively to digital releases.
- This decision has intensified player-publisher tensions regarding game ownership, with a notable protest encouraging PlayStation 5 owners to log off.
- Players are also protesting other industry practices, such as Microsoft's ties to the Israeli military and the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a Saudi-led consortium.
- Alternative gaming methods are being explored, including using older consoles, building functional gaming PCs, and engaging with independent game platforms like Steam and Itch.io.
- Retro gaming is highlighted as an accessible option through mini-computers like Raspberry Pi and dedicated retro consoles.
- The article suggests treating video games with the same ethical considerations as food, emphasizing player agency and the potential to challenge the current system.
- Recent game releases and industry news, including the GTA VI leaks and Hideo Kojima's vow to continue making games, are also mentioned.