The Silent Hill remake studio wants to release physical games "for as long as possible"
- Bloober Team wants to continue releasing physical games
- The studio's CEO emphasizes the importance of collecting
- The future of physical formats is at risk due to digitalization
Bloober Team studio on the future of physical games
Developer Bloober Team, known for the remake of Silent Hill, expressed a desire to continue releasing physical versions of their games. The company's CEO, Piotr Babieno, noted in an interview that physical media and collector's editions hold special significance for players. He believes that the emotional connection between the player and the game, based on collecting, is important for creating a deeper experience.
Babieno emphasized that despite technological advancements, many players still use outdated equipment. "Most players are gaming on consoles that are five or seven years old, if not older," he noted. This indicates that interest in games does not fade, even if the technical specifications of devices do not meet modern standards.
In a context where digital distribution is becoming increasingly popular, Babieno understands why some developers prefer to release games only in digital format. He noted that digital distribution is simpler and cheaper, making it more profitable for companies. However, he also believes that physical versions of games retain their value and importance for many players.
Physical games and their significance for players
The interview also discussed the new game by Bloober Team for Nintendo Switch 2 titled Onyx: The Dark Group. Babieno stated that the team aims to bring horror elements back into gameplay, using not only visual and sound effects but also tactile sensations. This emphasizes the studio's commitment to innovation and creating a unique gaming experience.
Timon Smektala, the executive director of Broken Mirror Games, also expressed his opinion on the importance of game collecting. He noted that for him and Babieno, collecting is an integral part of their lives and careers. "It's what we know and expect from games," he said, emphasizing that physical versions of games create a special connection between players and developers.
The remake of Silent Hill 2 was released in 2024 for PC and PlayStation 5 and supported physical discs. However, the future of physical editions may become more complicated, especially considering that Sony plans to discontinue support for discs for PlayStation in 2028. This creates uncertainty for developers who want to continue releasing physical versions of their games.
Technological changes and player preferences
Babieno expressed hope that the studio would be able to continue releasing physical versions of games for as long as possible. He believes that the emotional connection that comes from collecting is important for building a community around games. "If we can produce physical versions, we will do so," he added, emphasizing the company's commitment to tradition.
Despite the growing popularity of digital games, many players still value physical versions. This is because physical media creates a unique atmosphere and the opportunity to interact with the game on a deeper level. Babieno believes that physical elements in games will always have their place, even in the context of digitalization.
Considering the changes in the gaming industry and player preferences, Bloober Team continues to seek a balance between physical and digital versions of their games. Babieno noted that it is important to take into account the opinions and desires of players to remain relevant in the market.
The Future of Physical Editions in the Context of Digitalization
The future of physical games remains uncertain, especially given the changes in technology and player preferences. However, Bloober Team continues to believe in the value of physical media and its impact on gaming culture.
In conclusion, it can be said that Bloober Team strives to maintain physical versions of its games despite the challenges faced by the industry. The company's CEO emphasizes the importance of the emotional connection between players and games, which makes physical editions significant for many.
Thus, Bloober Team continues to move towards creating a unique gaming experience, combining the traditions of collecting with modern technologies. The question of the future of physical games remains open, but the studio is ready to fight for their preservation.
Source: IGN
