Physical video game discs on PlayStation and Xbox platforms face a growing threat of obsolescence as publishers increasingly rely on online servers to supply essential game files, according to data compiled by the preservation database DoesItPlay. Ars Technica reported that Clemens Itsel, head of the DoesItPlay project, found that 27% of more than 3,500 tested physical games require a download to function, with platform-specific rates reaching 34% on PlayStation 5 and 50% on Xbox Series X.
How Physical Discs Become Obsolete Without Server Support
The reliance on patches and downloadable content leaves physical media vulnerable to server shutdowns. According to Clemens Itsel of DoesItPlay, games shipped in early, broken states depend entirely on subsequent updates to become playable. Itsel cited Cyberpunk 2077 as a primary example, noting that the physical disc contains an early, highly flawed version of the software. If associated servers eventually go offline, players will be left with only the unpatched, buggy version of the game.
Platform Policies and Online Registration Hurdles
Beyond patches, modern game publishing frequently utilizes physical media merely as an installation key rather than a complete storage medium. According to DoesItPlay, titles like Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle require internet access for full installation because the disc holds only a fraction of the necessary data. Itsel stated that nearly all modern AAA games from Ubisoft, along with titles like Hogwarts Legacy and 007 First Light, follow this online-dependent model.
While Sony has announced plans to phase out physical game releases by 2028, Itsel noted that Microsoft is currently more restrictive, frequently requiring day-one downloads, user account creation, or constant online check-ins for physical releases like Halo: Campaign Evolved. Nintendo has also adopted card-based alternatives such as Game Key Cards, which often lack offline data entirely.
Did you know? According to DoesItPlay data, Xbox Series X physical releases require downloads for 50% of tested titles, compared to 34% on the PlayStation 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all physical video game discs require an internet connection?
No, but according to DoesItPlay, over a quarter of tested physical games require some form of patch or additional download to work properly, with higher rates on current-generation consoles.
Why do physical games need patches if they are on a disc?
Publishers often print discs before software development is fully finished, relying on day-one patches to fix critical bugs and add missing content.
Will physical games stop working entirely when servers shut down?
Discs containing the complete, unpatched game data will generally remain playable offline, but discs that rely on initial downloads or mandatory online authentication may become unusable once servers go offline.
Related reading