Push for Digital-Only Games Has Been Ongoing Since 2007, Says Former Activision Employee

Game Publishers Have Long Aimed to Eliminate Physical Discs

Former Infinity Ward strategist Robert Bowling revealed that discussions about moving away from physical game discs began as early as 2007 during the making of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. He indicated that Activision executives believed a shift to digital-only formats could enhance profit margins and mitigate the influence of the resale market, particularly companies like GameStop.

Bowling stated, "At one point, it was floated by an executive at Activision that if we went entirely digital and stopped printing on discs, they could avoid the resale conversation entirely, and they'd control the market for their games." This sentiment reflects a broader trend among publishers seeking to maximize profits by reducing production costs and eliminating second-hand sales.

The push to eliminate physical discs has intensified, especially with Sony's recent announcement to cease disc production by 2028. This decision has sparked significant backlash from consumers, leading to over 387,000 signatures on a petition opposing the move. In defense of Sony, PlayStation founder Ken Kutaragi suggested that the uproar reflects a "mentality issue" among gamers.

Bowling expressed concerns that prioritizing profit over the joy of collecting games undermines the culture of gaming. He emphasized the divide in the industry between those who view games as mere products versus those who appreciate them as art and collectibles. He remarked, "It speaks to the divide that has formed in our industry between those who see games as just a software product and those who see them as something more like art, entertainment, as collectibles, and a lifestyle."

With the industry's consumer habits shifting towards digital purchases, Bowling noted that the conversation around cutting physical discs has evolved. He criticized Sony's stance that digital purchases do not equate to ownership, suggesting that this approach neglects the emotional and cultural significance of gaming. Activision has not commented on Bowling's statements regarding the company's long-standing strategy.