CI Games CEO Calls GTA 6 Going Digital-Only Unfair to Smaller Studios
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski argues that GTA 6 going digital-only creates an unfair standard for smaller developers struggling with the high costs of physical media, even as his own studio plans to release physical copies of Lords of the Fallen 2.
The gaming industry is facing a massive shift toward digital distribution, and the fallout is starting to hit developers from all sides. Following Rockstar's decision to skip physical discs entirely for Grand Theft Auto 6, CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski took to social media to voice his frustrations. He pointed out that while massive blockbusters can easily absorb the transition, going digital-only creates an uneven playing field for smaller studios and publishers trying to navigate a difficult market.
Tyminski noted that physical media comes with heavy financial burdens for mid-sized and smaller developers, including lower revenue per unit, long lead times, and steep manufacturing costs. Despite these hurdles, CI Games still plans to release physical copies of Lords of the Fallen 2 to satisfy player demand. The core issue lies in the disparity between publishing giants who dictate industry trends and independent teams who must shoulder the risk of traditional retail.
This debate arrives alongside broader industry changes, including reports of platform holders winding down physical manufacturing and moving toward fully digital ecosystems. While digital storefronts offer convenience and lower overhead for developers in the long run, the sudden push leaves both collectors and traditional retailers in a difficult spot. As the industry accelerates toward an all-digital future, studios of all sizes are forced to rethink how they deliver games to their communities.
Tags: GTA 6, Lords of the Fallen 2, Industry News, Physical Media, CI Games
Original article: Game Rant