PlayStation is preparing for a future without physical games on its platform and Nintendo is arguably devaluing physical media with the controversial Switch 2 Game-Key cards. But, Capcom isn't too worried about physical game sales shrinking (or being forced to shrink, depending on who you ask) since it sells most of its games online anyway.
Game sales have slowly been skewing digital for years now, but recent months have painted a dire outlook for physical media. Sony's planning to stop manufacturing new PlayStation discs starting in 2028, high-profile blockbusters including GTA 6 aren't bothering with discs at all, and Nintendo's Game-Key cards now operate similarly to download codes (ones you can sell and share, sure, but not ones that let you properly own the game as you would with an in-hand cartridge).
Asked about what impact the shrinkage of physical game sales might have on the company, Capcom sort of just shrugged its shoulders in its most recent investor Q&A. "Approximately 90% of our unit sales are digital. We do not anticipate a significant impact at this time." It's worth noting the Resident Evil and Monster Hunter maker counts Game-Key card sales as digital.
While Capcom's not fearful of the widespread changes in how we buy or manufacture games, PlayStation's decision to end support for discs isn't sitting well with everyone. The move has been called an "attack on our diminishing rights" by a leading digital rights org, another publisher said physical games helped the company reach audiences it otherwise wouldn't be able to, and there were negative reactions to the news across the industry.
As Capcom makes clear, a lack of proper discs and cartridges might not negatively affect companies that make most of their business on digital storefronts. For Sony, it's likely beneficial, financially. But anyone who cares about true ownership or relies on second-hand prices that make the hobby accessible might have more complicated feelings about a disc-less future.
PlayStation killing discs is bad for everyone, whether you care about physical games or not
