Zach Cregger's view on physical media and its impact on gaming
Intelligence Summary
- Discover Resident Evil director Zach Cregger's thoughts on the future of physical media in gaming and what it means for players.
In short
- Zach Cregger, the director of the new Resident Evil film, has shared his dislike of physical media, especially after losing his own physical games.
- Sony has announced it will end support for physical game discs in January 2028, raising questions about the future of gaming.
- Microsoft is introducing a disc-to-digital program, accelerating the shift toward digital media.
GAME-scanner analysis
Zach Cregger, known for his work on the Resident Evil film, has spoken out about the decline of physical media in the gaming world. He said that he used to be a fan of physical media, but that he often loses or damages his games. That personal story reflects a broader industry trend, where digital distribution is becoming the norm. Sony's announcement that it will end support for physical discs in 2028 appears to be a strategic move to strengthen control over its digital ecosystem while also cutting costs. However, the decision could also frustrate players who prefer physical collections.
Microsoft's recent announcement of a disc-to-digital program for Xbox offers an alternative for players who want to convert their physical games into digital versions. This could make the transition to digital media easier, but it also raises questions about the value of physical collections and the future of game ownership.
What does this mean for players?
The shift toward digital media could have major consequences for gamers who prefer physical copies. With the possibility that companies can remove downloaded games even after purchase, there is a growing sense of uncertainty around digital ownership. Players have to think about how they want to manage their collections and what risks come with digital purchases. The future of gaming is looking increasingly digital, but the question remains how that will affect the player experience.
Timeline
2026-09-11: Cregger shares his thoughts on physical media in an interview.
2026-09-14: Sony announces that support for physical game discs will end in January 2028.
2026-09-18: Cregger's new Resident Evil film is released.