Starfield PS5 Physical Edition Requires Internet Download for Partial Data
A recent examination of the PlayStation 5 physical edition of 《星空》(Starfield) has revealed a controversial requirement for players. According to members of the Does It Play project, which focuses on physical game preservation research, the PS5 version’s early physical disc requires mandatory internet downloads for partial game data despite including a Blu-ray disc. This discovery has sparked criticism among physical game collectors who purchase discs specifically for long-term game preservation. The issue centers on the disc’s incomplete nature and its implications for future accessibility when download servers may eventually shut down.
The PS5 physical edition of Starfield contains approximately 81GB of game data on the disc, while the complete game size on the console is about 123GB. This significant gap means players must download the remaining files before they can launch the game for the first time. If users attempt to start the game offline after installing from the disc, the system forces them to connect to the internet and download necessary updates. Only after completing all data downloads and installations can players enjoy the game without an internet connection, undermining the traditional purpose of physical media.
Observers note that releasing a dual-disc version could have resolved this issue, a solution many large game projects have employed in the past. However, publishers likely chose the single-disc approach to reduce production costs. This decision prioritizes short-term financial considerations over long-term game preservation. Physical game enthusiasts argue that discs should serve as complete, self-contained versions that guarantee playability regardless of online service availability, but this release fails to meet that expectation.
The single-disc approach has drawn strong criticism from physical game collectors who purchase discs primarily for long-term preservation. If download servers for the supplementary data are shut down in the future, the Starfield physical disc will no longer represent a complete version and will become unusable. Physical media traditionally serves as a guarantee of game integrity, but this release faces potential ‘failure’ risks due to publisher cost considerations. While this approach may save production expenses, it disappoints collectors who value physical games as lasting artifacts in an increasingly digital gaming landscape.
