Going disc-less appears beneficial for AAA game titles, as a new report estimates game publishers will save more than $10 per game copy sold through digital licensing instead of physical discs. According to the Game File report, publishers are paying Sony and Microsoft between 15% and 20% of the game's MSRP to manufacture physical discs. For a game like Grand Theft Auto VI, priced at $79.99 MSRP, this cost could range from $12 to $16.

This cost advantage is driving industry shifts. Microsoft's recent internal roadmap leak indicates that its Disc to Digital initiative is imminent, allowing players to convert physical discs into digital licenses. Sony is reportedly working to end production of physical game discs as early as 2028.

Game publishers facing layoffs would benefit from a sudden 15-20% revenue increase. However, consumers are losing their choice of purchase medium, making the transition to a completely digital format a double-edged sword.