Highlights
- Dan Houser stated that publishers should keep selling physical disc games as long as players want them to respect consumer choice.
- Absurd Ventures founders highlighted the balance between the convenience of digital storefronts and the fulfillment of tangible items like printed books.
- Despite Sony PlayStation data showing digital downloads making up 85% of sales, physical media still maintains a dedicated collector base.
Former Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser has weighed in on the gaming industry's heated physical versus digital media debate, stating that publishers should keep releasing games on disc as long as players want them. His comments arrive at a critical moment for collectors, just three and a half weeks after Sony controversially announced that physical disc games will be discontinued for PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028. That decision continues to spark fierce debate among players, flooding Sony’s social media channels with countless pro-disc comments from fans demanding the preservation of boxed games.
This week, Houser attended San Diego Comic-Con to talk about his new studio, Absurd Ventures. Houser co-founded Rockstar Games before leaving in early 2020 after writing and producing industry-defining hits like Grand Theft Auto 3 through 5, Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2, Bully, and Max Payne 3.
Speaking during an IGN interview panel alongside longtime collaborator and former GTA radio writer Lazlow Jones, Houser was asked about his stance on physical media. While admitting he isn't personally attached to game discs, he firmly believes companies have a responsibility to respect consumer choice: “I don’t know that I care, but if people want that, I think companies should provide it.”
Despite defending consumer choice, Houser acknowledged the practical advantages of modern digital storefronts. He noted that despite frequent player criticism surrounding all-digital ecosystems, the ability for developers to seamlessly push post-launch updates and patch technical bugs online has been invaluable for improving overall game quality over time.
Rockstar Games
Finding Fulfillment in Printed Books & Tangible Items
Jones offered a similarly relatable, human perspective that captured both sides of the coin. “We all have that sort of feeling when you get that copy, and you put the disc in the console,” Jones said, while also highlighting the sheer convenience of sitting at an airport and downloading quick games onto a Steam Deck before a 12-hour flight. The duo also explained how stepping outside video games has renewed their appreciation for tangible items, as per VGC Gaming.
Discussing their studio's American Caper comic book series, Jones shared that after working in digital game development for years, creating a physical comic book is deeply fulfilling because you can hold it and say, "look, we made a thing."
Houser agreed, expressing his fondness for printed books. He added, “I love physical media. I think everyone does.” Before concluding the discussion, Houser revealed that Absurd Ventures is currently developing two open-world video games, describing one as a comedy action-adventure and the other as definitely less of a comedy.
Houser’s consumer-friendly perspective lands at a sensitive time, as financial reality shows why console manufacturers are pivoting toward digital-only ecosystems. According to Sony PlayStation financial reports, digital downloads accounted for a staggering 85% of all full-game sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, leaving physical copies with just 15% of total software sales.
Across that entire fiscal year, Sony’s average digital adoption rate reached 78%, demonstrating a steady upward climb as players increasingly rely on instant digital downloads and subscription libraries.
The market remains top-heavy with only seven PlayStation 5 games in the United States having cleared 100,000 physical copies sold year-to-date in 2026. Meanwhile, digital sales now account for up to 85% of PlayStation Store activity. For players who value true ownership and offline preservation, Houser’s words serve as a reassuring reminder that physical media still commands a dedicated audience.
