Ending PS5 discs will lower PlayStation Store prices, says former Square Enix executive

Lawsuits allege that the PlayStation Store constitutes a monopoly. With Sony planning to cut PS5 disc production in 2028, it will face less competition from physical stores. Even so, the former Square Enix director of business, Jacob Navok, expects consumers to benefit from falling prices.

How PlayStation differs from Xbox and Nintendo

Protesters of the shift away from physical games worry that the PS Store will gain too much influence over pricing. In 2019, the company blocked retailers from selling digital vouchers. Besides the code-in-box format, Sony’s marketplace will be the only place to purchase new PS5 games.

Despite these concerns, Navok anticipates increased competition in the marketplace leading to lower costs. GamesRadar+ reported on a social media post by the Square Enix business head. Without PS5 discs sold in stores, companies will focus on the PlayStation Store. He argues that more publishers battling for dollars are motivated to offer discounts.

Navok dismisses the idea that Sony controls the prices of third-party releases. He claims that “publishers set pricing on digital stores.” Many buyers also think that Steam contending with the Epic Games Store encourages discounts. Yet Navok says this may boost the revenue cut publishers receive, but “not necessarily the price for players.”

The post includes a graph showing the Steam price of Final Fantasy 16 falling over time. Navok envisions that added activity on the PlayStation Store will produce similar trends. Unlike physical games at retailers, it’s also easier to implement dynamic pricing across inventory.

Price isn't the only factor

Not surprisingly, many readers disagree with the former Square Enix executive. They counter that since Sony collects fees, it does have a say in the cost of digital games. The other common complaint is that the death of PS5 discs threatens to decimate the used game market. Buyers lose the ability to buy, sell, and trade purchases in the future.

One goal of current lawsuits is to force PlayStation to allow alternatives. Regardless, at the moment, it appears unlikely that the PS Store will welcome rivals.