Microsoft Job Post Hints Xbox Won't Ditch Game Discs Like Sony In 2028

Fair or not, Sony has received quite a bit of criticism for announcing plans to phase out PlayStation game discs starting in 2028. Assuming Sony sticks to its controversial guns—and that is not a foregone conclusion—the move suggests that the eventual PlayStation 6 will be a digital-only console. Will Microsoft do the same with its next-gen Xbox? A recent job listing appears to shed some light on the matter.

Over on LinkedIn, Microsoft posted a job listing for an Xbox Game Supply Strategist. That in and of itself is not surprising, save for the timing (it comes amid a 100-day reset plan that has seen some brutal layoffs at Microsoft and its Xbox division), but it's the job description that is potentially revealing.

"The Xbox Games Supply Strategist will coordinate the launch of physical Xbox games across all platforms, lead development, and oversee execution of global supply positioning strategies across all stages of the product lifecycle, ensure that inventory is positioned to deliver working capital/cost/service goals, and oversee the sales and channel execution of those games," Microsoft states.

Microsoft's job listing goes on to lay out the various responsibilities of the role, as well as what makes for a qualified candidate and some general pay range guidance. However, it does give hope to gamers who are not ready to fully embrace digital that physical game discs may survive another console generation.

At the same time, it's also potentially telling that the listing does not specifically mention discs. As we've seen with Grand Theft Auto VI preorders, a physical release can entail a retail box with a download code inside instead of an actual disc.

It's also worth noting that Microsoft recently launched a disc-to-digital program for Xbox, which enables gamers to convert eligible Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One games on disc into digital licenses for use on supported Xbox consoles and/or PC without needing the disc.

Still, the job listing is not the first indication that Microsoft may keep physical discs around for another console generation. Last month, a Microsoft survey presented to Xbox Insiders asked participants how important it is that a console "lets you install games from a disc." Those who participated in the survey could select among answers that included "not necessary," "nice to have," or "must have."