Halo: Campaign Evolved really, really wants you to know you can get a physical disc even if you buy it on PS5

Microsoft is using Sony's decision to end production of discs from 2028 as a selling point for Halo: Campaign Evolved.

On 1st July, Sony announced plans to end the production of discs for PlayStation games, effective January 2028, after which point, PlayStation games will only be available digitally. Notably, PlayStation games will continue to be sold at retail, just without a physical disc. The news all but confirms the PS6 will not have a disc drive.

Now, in a Q&A posted to its website, Microsoft stressed that buying Halo: Campaign Evolved at a retail store will include a full disc, not a code, "so that you have tangible items to add to your collection".

In response to "If I buy Halo: Campaign Evolved at a retail store, will there be a disc in the box?", Microsoft responded: "Yes! Buying the Xbox or PlayStation version of Halo: Campaign Evolved at your local retailer will result in getting the physical game case and disc so that you have tangible items to add to your collection".

It comes as a new report last weekend cast doubt on hopes that a physical version of Grand Theft Auto 6 will follow the digital release later this year. Pre-orders went live in the week and we finally got a price, too. But there was outrage around reports there will be no disc in the physical edition, only a download code, a decision many think hints at wider plans to crush second-hand sales and prompting a debate about game ownership.

We were pleasantly surprised by Halo: Campaign Evolved when we played it.