A growing number of "physical" video games require internet downloads to function, according to the testers at Does It Play. These testers have documented that 27 percent of physical releases require downloads for bug fixes or essential game content. This figure rises to 34 percent for PS5 games and 50 percent for Xbox Series X titles.

Clemens Itsel, owner of Does It Play, notes a trend of larger companies disregarding physical releases, making them dependent on online servers. The project, which started in 2019, has evolved into a searchable database of thousands of tested titles. Games like the initial console release of Cyberpunk 2077 are cited as examples of discs that would become virtually unplayable without patches.

Some physical releases contain only a small portion of the game, necessitating large downloads. Mandatory download prompts also hinder progress without an internet connection, a practice Itsel considers detrimental to game preservation. Microsoft is highlighted as a frequent offender in releasing incomplete physical games. While PlayStation discs are often more playable, a decline in fully functional physical releases is observed. Even on Nintendo Switch, Game Key Cards are replacing cartridges, which Itsel views as deceptive.

Eventually, server shutdowns will render many game discs unplayable. Itsel criticizes the shift from "purchase" to "licensing," emphasizing that server stability is not guaranteed. He acknowledges resistance to this issue but stresses the importance of independence and longevity offered by physical media, while also noting a rise in boutique publishers who cater to the physical media audience.