Rumors about Microsoft’s next-gen console strategy may also cause Sony to change its plans.

There has been much discussion about Sony’s announcement that it will stop releasing physical copies of PlayStation games in January 2028. Gamers have called for a boycott, but Sony has stated that it is moving forward with its plans cautiously. Now, however, a rumor has surfaced suggesting that Sony might be reconsidering its digital-only distribution plans—or at least the timing of them. This is all due to competition, specifically Microsoft’s alleged Xbox strategy.

In the latest Eurogamer Spain podcast, the hosts discuss a few key points they heard on the PlayStation and Xbox exhibition floors at Gamescom. It’s important to note that these are unconfirmed rumors. The translation suggests that there is a growing sense that the December 31, 2028 deadline may be postponed by one or two years. This is due to Xbox and Project Helix, as well as Sony’s concern that Xbox could capitalize on the support of disc-free enthusiasts to gain backing from gamers and developers.

“The rumor is gaining traction because different publishers are bringing it up. Above all, it’s gaining traction because it seems that PlayStation has realized it is leaving an opening for other market players to shift their strategy. These players could take advantage of the demand for or complaints about physical formats to change their philosophy moving forward. Among them is Microsoft. The word here is that Microsoft is telling all publishers internally that their next console will be ‘100% physical,’ with the ability to convert physical games into digital ones. Microsoft is reportedly telling developers that their upcoming console, Project Helix, will be entirely physical,” the podcast says.

Microsoft recently announced that it will launch its “From Disc to Digital” initiative later this month, as reported yesterday. Therefore, we wouldn’t be surprised if this rumor turned out to be true. This is the second report in a row suggesting that Sony is facing resistance from game developers regarding its plans to eliminate discs. Yesterday, we wrote about the tension surrounding Sony at Gamescom. A major game publisher reportedly approached Sony regarding a blockbuster title. If Sony cannot promise a physical release, the publisher will skip the PlayStation release and release the title exclusively on Microsoft and Nintendo platforms.

Only time will tell if Sony will ultimately give in and release a few more major titles on physical media.

Source: MP1st