Digital PlayStation 6 Could Leave 60% of Gamers Without Games
The digital PlayStation 6 raises a new concern due to access issues amid ongoing discussions about the future of physical games. In countries where the PlayStation Store is not officially available, players today largely rely on disc-based games. If Sony were to reduce physical production in the future and offer only a digital console, these users’ official purchasing options could be severely limited.
PlayStation 6 Could Create Problems in Countries Without Store Access
According to assessments, approximately 62% of countries worldwide do not have official access to the PlayStation Store. This corresponds to 121 countries. Players in markets such as Georgia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Venezuela, Kenya, Pakistan, and Vietnam can currently participate in the PlayStation ecosystem through physical copies. The elimination of the disc option would make it more difficult to purchase new games through official channels and could directly impact console sales.
Users in regions where they cannot access the store can change their account country and shop through another PlayStation Store. However, this method is not presented as an official solution and may create additional problems such as payment methods, currency, regional pricing, and account security. Players are also concerned that Sony may impose stricter restrictions on out-of-region account usage in the future, potentially jeopardizing access to purchased content.
The decline in physical games could affect not only the access issue but also the secondhand market and game preservation efforts. Discs provide an alternative sales channel in countries without store access, allowing users to store their games independently of account licensing. A fully digital PlayStation 6 could make players more dependent on store servers, account rules, and publisher licensing decisions, exacerbating the debate over permanent ownership.
Sony has not yet confirmed whether the PlayStation 6 will be sold only digitally or will completely eliminate physical game support. Therefore, the assessments based on 62% and 121 countries are based on a scenario constructed between current store access and a possible digital future. If the company plans to end physical production, it may need to expand its store reach, offer regional payment support, or develop formal alternatives such as selling digital codes in retail.
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