A new Does It Play study analyzed 3,511 physical game editions in offline mode to assess how often downloads are required after purchase, revealing a troubling shift toward download dependencies across platforms.

Across tested games, 27% of physical releases require downloads to fix bugs or access core content not on the disc, and the share of offline playable discs varies by platform—from about two-thirds on PS5 to roughly half on Xbox Series X/S.

The research classifies discs into four levels of download dependency, from fully on-disc with no updates to mandatory downloads for core content or fixes, highlighting how several releases fall into the latter categories.

The findings contrast with PC gaming, where discs are far less central, underscoring a broader industry shift away from physical media toward digital and online components.

Industry observers, including Ars Technica and GamesRadar, have noted a trend of publishers increasing reliance on online services and licenses, which can undermine physical ownership.

KitGuru emphasizes that mandatory downloads erode the value of physical media and ties it to a broader move in this console generation away from complete offline ownership.

In KitGuru’s view, the prevalence of required downloads reduces the appeal of physical discs for consumers who expect a standalone, playable product.

The article warns of long-term preservation challenges, as downloads and online components create risk if files go missing, servers shut down, or players lose internet access.

It highlights that downloads raise data-use concerns, expose players to server outages, and complicate future access and preservation of games.

Preservation experts fear broader availability issues as essential game files become download-dependent and may fade with online services.

Does It Play uses four categories to rate physical releases, including a “Yes (mandatory download)” category to describe discs requiring downloads for full functionality.

CEO and founder Clemins Itsel criticizes publishers for making physical releases increasingly incomplete or dependent on online services, arguing this undermines the value of owning a disc.