It's a funny thing exclusively trying to chase the audience of convenience, because you'll never be more convenient than the devices everyone already has in their pocket and on their desk for school/work. Short-sighted business moves tend to doom future prospects of companies.

I have collected physical media for almost 30 years, and I can wholeheartedly say I have never had any disc rot problems. I own all the video games I've ever owned still, and I can quite confidently know that I can pick any one, take it off the shelf, and it'll just work.

I'm unfortunately on leave due to my partner's health emergency - you can refer to this statement for my / Lost In Cult's response re: today's physical game news - if our take wasn't already obvious. 🙏❤️ Not the best personal timing, so I'll be absent on all the discourse etc.

As a company on a mission to preserve video games, we are deeply saddened by the recent news from PlayStation on ending physical disc production from 2028. We aim to do everything in our power to preserve video games to the best of our ability and will continue to do so for as long as we can.

My home situation has unfortunately worsened last night. My partner is severely unwell and I think the likely next step is him being admitted. A lot is happening this week that requires my attention, so I'll be away for a few days - apologies to anyone put out, back soon ❤️

This is a very transparent and self- reflective explanation, so absolutely no shade at all as I'm sure the lesson has been learned, but I really have no idea why a professional studio would pour time and budget into a project - and launch it! - before getting the licence. 😟

This headline mistakes the point @dringo.bsky.social was making. This is specifically comparing single-player AAA games sold on both PS5 to Xbox sales. It doesn't mean any game that sells 1 million copies, and it absolutely doesn't apply when also accounting for Switch + PC sales lol.

Nintendo actually announced the Splatoon Raiders Direct and the date it was on over three weeks ago, I think everyone just forgot because it was busy summer showcase season 😅 Seeing a lot of posts like it's a sudden drop - this one actually isn't!

I'm trying to get into the habit of using LinkedIn more, because unfortunately, Twitter isn't what it once was, and many games folk simply left and did not join a new platform. Still posting on X/Bsky, but do connect with me there, too. 😘 www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brow...

Star Fox sales are reportedly off to a good start, with a stronger launch than Star Fox Zero or Star Fox 64 3D. (Read more at Nintendo Everything)

Last night, I dreamt that Capcom posted a Dino Crisis remake teaser, and I cried whilst sharing the news on socials. Today, there's a renewed rumour that it's been in development for years. Coincidence? Yes. Trustworthy leak? Probably not.

Physical media, etc etc. 📀 Look, as someone who produces physical video games for a living - it actually isn't preferable that physical is the best option for ownership and access to media and art. Digital *should* make these issues better, but instead, it's worse.

The "it's not their fault components are so expensive, it's AI's" argument works for Valve and their pricing, but it doesn't work well as an excuse for, um, Microsoft, who are partially to blame for the problem to begin with.

XBOX has announced new console price rises - this time an extra $100 for 512GB, $150 for 1TB. 2TB models are now discontinued. Console prices were previously raised by $70. Costs are rising due to AI component demand (partially thanks to Microsoft). www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microso...

Bungie has laid off a "significant" number of staff, including "most of" the Destiny team and some Marathon members. Some supportive SIE staff are also being laid off. Really another example of if it can happen to them, it can happen to any of us. Ugh. (Read more on Sony's blog)

Someone tell Rockstar we'll do a proper physical release for them at Lost In Cult if they're struggling

Rockstar has confirmed that GTA VI will cost $80 standard, $100 for Ultimate Edition. It will not have a proper physical release - only a code in a box. The biggest game of the decade, and no physical release. It's an unfortunate sign of the times... (Read more at VGC)

The Megabonk developer made a very successful game, and seemingly disappeared from the internet with his many millions, rather than keep updating the game, and I think that's wonderful

If anyone knows of any software engineering roles (preferably Java), please hit me up! My partner lost his job recently, and our whole lives have kinda been shaken up as a result. Very keen to get back to normal, and not been employed is a great source of anxiety for him rn.

Bunch of recent vinyl pick-ups... A Static Lullaby, Rosalia, Magdalena Bay, Son Little, Fcukers, Alkaline Trio, Three Days Grace, The Sophs, Enter Shikari, Gorillaz, Girl Scout, and Lily Allen. Some great stuff for the collection! Will be the last for a while due to funds. 🙏

I really want a Steam Machine - I am pretty much bang on its target market; someone who likes the ease of consoles, with the openness of PC. But, through no fault of Valve's, those hefty prices (thanks, AI) means I will absolutely have to wait.

Appreciate all the kind words! I'll be taking Fridays off for at least the next few weeks, so that I can try and have a bit more of a breather juggling work while I'm dealing with my partner's bad health situation. Work-y peeps, I'll still be about Mon-Thurs!

Had to take a few days off short notice due to partner's health (and being very burned out looking after him). Have a nurse round every other day, lots of appointments, a facility visit for him soon, and getting referred to family support. Sorry for my absence - will be back! ❤️

Xbox is reportedly looking to close Ninja Theory (Hellblade), Double Fine (Psychonauts), and Compulsion Games (South of Midnight). Studios are in conversation to buy back their studios. Other unknown studios are also reportedly on the chopping block. (Read more at Bloomberg)

A tough weekend - had to take my partner to A&E on Friday as things were dire. A big thanks to the Birmingham mental health team though, who have been immediately helpful with daily nurse visits to the flat + assessments and support this week. ❤️

Gross.

Here's some indie games released TODAY that deserve support & attention. 👇 From post-apocalyptic train-upgrading, to deep cinematic point-and-clicks, open-world witch games, hide-and-seek, and even a Sherlock Holmes adventure game. 8 new indies to buy, wishlist, or share 🧵

Came in to the museum today with a box from the wonderful people at @lostincult.co.uk. From the outside box, to the beautiful packaging inside, @toadsanime.lostincult.co.uk and co have done a remarkable job. Thank you for your continuing support of The Strong and video game preservation.

Right off the back of showcase week, Ubisoft is closing studios and laying off tons of people, and Xbox is gearing up for mass layoffs. A brutal time for the industry in its entirety as it struggles to find a way forward with higher costs + more competition these past few years.

Here's some indie games released TODAY that deserve support & attention. 👇 From post-apocalyptic train-upgrading, to deep cinematic point-and-clicks, open-world witch games, hide-and-seek, and even a Sherlock Holmes adventure game. 8 new indies to buy, wishlist, or share 🧵

The last few weeks have been one of the hardest times in my life. My partner of 14 years is incredibly unwell, awaiting mental health crisis team intervention. It's worse for him ofc, but I'm drained caring for him, and feel very alone. Thanks to all who've reached out. ❤️

Steam is killing off its physical retail gift cards after 14 years, due to scammers using them and adapting to workarounds. (Read more at GamingonLinux)

Here's another new indie game that needs attention. 👇 Crude Oil is an adventure-platformer where you play as a blob of petrol. Collect oil to grow, punish polluters, and splat around like an elastic, blobby Mario. A short 4hr game - launched TODAY! 🛢️ (Support Crude Oil on Steam)

Here's another cool indie game that got a bit buried this week! 👇 I'M YOUR HOST is a deep narrative game where you rearrange audio clips to restore lost podcast episodes on a custom OS to uncover a mystery. Very original, extremely fucking cool. 🎙️ (Wishlist I'M YOUR HOST on Steam)

Here's a cool indie game that got lost in the noise this week. 👇 ROLLA is a Katamari-like, horror B-movie inspired arcade destruction game where you roll around a city as a mass of flesh. It's got the sauce. One of my fave reveals this week. 🍝 (Wishlist ROLLA on Steam)

Here's another new indie game that needs attention. 👇 Crude Oil is an adventure-platformer where you play as a blob of petrol. Collect oil to grow, punish polluters, and splat around like an elastic, blobby Mario. A short 4hr game - launched TODAY! 🛢️ (Support Crude Oil on Steam)

Here's another cool indie game that got a bit buried this week! 👇 I'M YOUR HOST is a deep narrative game where you rearrange audio clips to restore lost podcast episodes on a custom OS to uncover a mystery. Very original, extremely fucking cool. 🎙️ (Wishlist I'M YOUR HOST on Steam)

Here's a cool indie game that got lost in the noise this week. 👇 ROLLA is a Katamari-like, horror B-movie inspired arcade destruction game where you roll around a city as a mass of flesh. It's got the sauce. One of my fave reveals this week. 🍝 (Wishlist ROLLA on Steam)

Announcing... 🥁 TENEBRIS SOMNIA - physical release for Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox! 🩸 Exclusive extras with our Retail+ version - or grab a limited prestigious EDITIONS version! Content on cart/disc 😘 Orders in 48hrs have dev-signed poster Pre-order: bit.ly/TenebrisPhys...

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake coming to the Switch 2 this year! #NintendoDirect

Never would've bet on Kingdom Hearts 4 being at the #NintendoDirect! My baby! Still no date, though.

Full fat non-cloud versions of all the Kingdom Hearts games on the Switch 2, hell yeah baby #NintendoDirect

This has been a weaker #NintendoDirect for me personally so far - lots of great games, but multi-platform players like me already play those bigger titles elsewhere.

thank you for more Pikuniku, I love him #NintendoDirect

Literally just call this Nintendo Sports Wii - Switch 2 Edition and get a couple of million new hardware sales. #NintendoDirect

Thank goodness Muramasa is getting rescued from being stuck on old hardware - great to see it becoming accessible again! #NintendoDirect

Okay, Capcom are putting pretty much everything they have on the Switch 2, too. #NintendoDirect

The third-party support is definitely a bit of a step up now, huh. #NintendoDirect

Another of my most-anticipated games. Big Walk was made for me. 🥲 #NintendoDirect

Orbitals is genuinely one of my most-anticipated games - exceptionally excited! #NintendoDirect