Resident Evil Director Weighs In on Physical vs Digital Games

Zach Cregger, director of the upcoming Resident Evil movie, says he's not a physical media guy anymore, but he still worries about companies deleting games you've paid for.

Ever lost a game disc or had one get scratched beyond repair? You're not alone. Resident Evil movie director Zach Cregger feels your pain. In a recent chat with IndieWire, Cregger opened up about the physical media debate in gaming, and his take is surprisingly relatable.

Cregger straight-up said he's "not a physical media guy" these days. He used to be, but he's the type who often loses or damages his discs, and he simply doesn't have room for stacks of boxes. So downloading games? He's fine with it. "At least it means it's always going to be there when I need it," he explained. That convenience factor is a big deal for him.

But here's the catch: Cregger knows that digital games aren't truly forever. Companies can "just delete it" even after you've paid, he pointed out. "And, yeah, that's too bad. I don't like that," he added. So while he's not losing sleep over going digital, he's not thrilled about the lack of control either.

His comments come amid a huge industry shift. Sony recently announced it will end support for physical game discs starting in January 2028. After that, you'll have to buy games through the PlayStation Store. That's a big change, especially since Sony sold millions of physical discs in the last year alone. The move is all about profitability and control, experts say.

Microsoft isn't sitting still either. The company recently announced a disc-to-digital program for Xbox, and many believe its next-gen platform, Project Helix, won't support discs at all. If next-gen consoles end up costing $1,000 or more, Sony and Microsoft might sell fewer units. But by cutting out discs, they can push digital sales, which have much fatter margins. It's a business decision, but it's leaving physical media fans feeling uneasy.

Cregger's perspective is a mix of practicality and concern. He's not "bent out of shape" about downloading games, but he recognizes the risk. It's a sentiment many of you probably share. The Resident Evil movie, backed by Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions, hits theaters on September 18. Maybe by then, we'll have even more clarity on where the industry is headed.

So, where do you stand? Are you team physical disc or team digital download? And does the thought of games disappearing from your library worry you? Let us know in the comments!