Ex-Microsoft Exec Says PS5 And Next Xbox Not Likely To Have Physical Media

[Dohc-WP]

One former Microsoft executive believes that the next generation of consoles will be the generation that finally gets rid of physical media. Robbie Bach – Former president of Microsoft‘s Entertainment & Devices Division recently sat down with an interview with Geekwire in which he said the need for physical media was coming to an end when it comes to gaming consoles. It should be noted that Bach doesn’t have his finger on the pulse of gaming these days. It also should be pointed out that he technically just said he thinks the PS5 and successor to the Xbox Onewill “likely” not have discs.

“Does it have a physical media? Probably not, so how does that look? Is it just a game box or is it more? What’s the balance between what an Apple TV is and what an Xbox or a PlayStation 4 is? These are really interesting questions, and the teams going to have to wrestle with those. That next generation will be a whole new game.” Bach said in the interview. Questions about the next generation of consoles has started swirling this month, likely because it’s this time of year that new consoles tend to hit the market. Some are wondering whether the new consoles will be just consoles at all, or more of a platform.

It should also be pointed out that this isn’t the first time gaming execs have talked about doing away with physical media. The Xbox One was actually supposed to be a console that didn’t have any discs, but there was a rather large backlash to those rumors. Maybe the next generation is the generation where the companies finally pull the trigger.


Source: GamingBolt

 

[Hagan]

If so, then pre-orders including tangible items (figurines etc) won't be a thing anymore.

 

[broheim14]

This guy may be the problem behind the initial Xbox One publicity problems. He seems to be of the opinion that he know's what gamers want before they want it and that he know's best.
Wouldn't be surprised if the much hated features in the Xbox One at the unveiling were his idea. Perhaps that's why he's an X-Microsoft exec.

 

[Grievous]

If so, then pre-orders including tangible items (figurines etc) won't be a thing anymore.

I'm sure they could come up with something, pre-order and include your shipping address?

 

[diabolus]

Well i have a surprisingly amount of Xbox One games that i bought entirely online/digitally. I didn't think i would do it, but turns out it is actually quite convenient, no disc swopping and no nonsense with scratched/dodgy discs (my Farcry 4 disc is already giving me problems).

I guess it does kill the 2nd hand market, but so far i've bought most of my digital games on specials that rival 2nd hand disc prices anyway. Kinda like buying on Steam...

So as long as they actually pass on the savings of not printing physical media and the fact that i have to download this game with my own bandwidth, i am open to it. However if a game is costing R900 digitally and R899 on disc, it is going to generate a major backlash.

 

[DbDraad]

It would be nice if you can go to Game/Musica/BT, take your XBox-formatted memory stick with. Pay for the game and copy it from a "games Terminal" in store. IFor some games in this gen, the size almost increased 10 fold and downloads take for ages. Increase that 5 fold and it's gonna be even more data.

 

[brendanvb]

However if a game is costing R900 digitally and R899 on disc, it is going to generate a major backlash.

That's already happening. PSN prices are easily R100-R200 more than the disc versions. This is my biggest fear of the digital age, charging us the same prices because we're used to them instead of factoring in the money they'll save by not producing the discs/packaging. I for one am so not ready for all digital. Downloads are a chore and I hate paying for things you can't physically own. I fully expect my opinion could change by the time the next generation comes around though, but if they continue with the current digital pricing trend it'll really put me off.

 

[Grievous]

That's already happening. PSN prices are easily R100-R200 more than the disc versions. This is my biggest fear of the digital age, charging us the same prices because we're used to them instead of factoring in the money they'll save by not producing the discs/packaging. I for one am so not ready for all digital. Downloads are a chore and I hate paying for things you can't physically own. I fully expect my opinion could change by the time the next generation comes around though, but if they continue with the current digital pricing trend it'll really put me off.

I believe this is mostly to protect the brick and mortar stores. I think i read somewhere a while back its part of the contracts with these stores.

I use to buy from BT games, but the last time i went into the store was to buy a new controller. Everything I buy now is digital.