Estimate shows: How much more Sony earns from digital games than from discs

Starting in January 2028, new games for PlayStation consoles are expected to be released exclusively digitally. Sony cites the ongoing shift in players’ purchasing behavior as the reason for this move. The company says customers are increasingly choosing digital content and that it wants to adapt to this development. However, the decision is also likely to be economically attractive.

When games are sold exclusively digitally, costs such as production, packaging, logistics and retail are eliminated. At the same time, Sony sells first-party games directly through the PlayStation Store and does not have to share revenue with retailers. Bloomberg journalist Jason Schreier recently explained in a video how significant this financial difference can be. His key points were later summarized by Hunter (@NextGenPlayer) in an X post, which is now also being discussed on Reddit.

According to Jason Schreier, Sony earns about 54% more from digital sales. If a first-party game for the PS5 is sold at retail for $70, Schreier estimates that $45.50 goes to Sony. If the publisher sells the same game digitally, it keeps practically the entire amount, minus minor transaction fees. For third-party games, the margin is reportedly 40% higher: $49 instead of $35.

Reddit users largely agree that Sony is likely also pursuing financial goals by phasing out discs. The top comment in the thread by u/PhysicsDirect6215 reads: “It’s always about the money.” As previously reported, the transition to purely digital game sales is already in full swing. Given these margins, it seems even less likely that Sony will grant the wishes of many gamers and reconsider its decision.