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Gamerant
As Sony Pushes Toward a Digital Future, Upcoming Soulslike's PS5 Physical Edition Sells Out
As Sony steers toward a digital-only future slated for 2028, the immediate sellout of Mortal Shell 2's PS5 physical edition indicates high consumer demand for physical games. This trend highlights the divide between publisher strategies and consumer preferences. Additionally, a significant study indicates PS5 discs are cheaper than digital games, reinforcing the appeal of physical editions. Sony is facing criticism and a possible antitrust complaint over its strategy, pointing to potential market disruptions.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 17 Jul 2026, 02:00 UTC2 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Mortal Shell 2's physical edition sold out at major retailers.
- Surge in demand stems from consumer protests against a digital-only future.
- Competitive market for remaining copies amid scalping concerns.
- Antitrust complaints emerging against Sony's digital strategy.
- Study shows significant cost differences between physical and digital games.
Interesting facts
- Mortal Shell 2 is a standalone sequel, which may attract new players.
- The announcement of Sony's digital transition has generated significant backlash.
- Digital exclusivity is slated for 2028, raising concerns about game preservation.