Clair Obscur developers see Sony’s no-disk announcement as ‘a sad decision’, because they ’like to go outside, buy a game, and come back home with it’
Sony has announced it will cease producing physical game disks for its consoles, marking a significant shift toward digital-only distribution. The decision has generated controversy across the gaming industry, sparking frustration from various quarters—including French politicians—though reactions remain mixed across the sector.
Developers behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 have expressed public disappointment, describing Sony’s move as “a sad decision.” The development team emphasizes the value they place on physical game ownership, citing the tactile experience of purchasing a game at retail and bringing home a tangible product. For the developers, this physicality represents more than convenience; they view it as integral to video game artistry itself, with one developer noting that “it’s part of the beauty of art” that games can be “something tangible that you can touch.”
The developers’ stance reflects broader concerns within the gaming community about consumer ownership rights and the shift toward purely digital platforms. Their perspective highlights the meaningful experience of both creators and players holding physical copies, raising questions about game preservation and ownership in an increasingly digital industry.