Despite the gaming industry’s steady shift toward digital purchases, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth remains a standout example of the continued demand for physical games.
According to new estimates from games market intelligence firm Alinea Analytics, 48% of the game’s PlayStation sales came from physical copies, the highest share among major PS5 releases in the firm’s latest analysis.
The report arrives as Sony prepares to phase out physical disc support by 2028, a move that has sparked discussion about the future of boxed games. While digital purchases have become the dominant format across the industry, the latest data suggests that certain blockbuster single-player experiences continue to attract collectors and players who prefer owning physical editions.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth stands out as physical media continues to decline
According to Alinea Analytics’ estimates, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth recorded a 48% physical sales share, outperforming several other major PlayStation releases. The report notes that games such as Astro Bot, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 also maintained relatively high physical sales, reflecting stronger demand among fans of premium single-player adventures.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, titles with large live-service or PC-first audiences showed significantly lower physical adoption. Black Myth: Wukong was estimated to have just 10.8% of its PlayStation sales come from physical copies, while annual sports releases like Madden NFL 26 also leaned heavily toward digital purchases.
The analysis suggests these differences reflect changing consumer habits. Story-driven exclusives and collector-focused releases continue to appeal to players who value physical ownership, while multiplayer-focused and live-service games are increasingly purchased digitally.
Sony’s digital strategy could increase profit margins
The report also examines why Sony is moving away from physical media. According to estimates, a standard $70 first-party physical game generates roughly $45 for Sony after retail and manufacturing costs. By comparison, a digital purchase allows Sony to retain nearly the full sale price, representing an estimated 54% increase in revenue per copy.
Third-party releases show a similar, though smaller, advantage. The report estimates Sony earns approximately $35 from a physical third-party game compared to about $49 from a digital sale, or roughly a 40% uplift.
While the financial incentive is clear, the report argues the strategy may have long-term consequences. Physical games, particularly used copies, have historically offered an affordable entry point for younger and budget-conscious players. Reducing access to physical media could make PlayStation’s ecosystem more expensive to enter, even as it improves revenue per customer in the short term.
Sony has not publicly detailed how the transition away from physical media will affect future PlayStation hardware beyond its previously announced plans. However, the latest estimates indicate that games like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continue to demonstrate there is still significant demand for physical releases, especially among fans of high-profile single-player titles.
