adminBlack Myth: Wukong physical publishing became a major success for PM Studios, even as the games industry shifts towards digital sales. CEO Michael Yum says the game exceeded expectations, while Sony’s plan to end PlayStation disc production in January 2028 raises serious questions about the future of physical releases. PM Studios intends to keep serving collectors and players who value boxed games, while expanding its work as a digital publisher.
Black Myth: Wukong physical publishing and PM Studios
PM Studios has spent around 20 years bringing games to physical formats. The Las Vegas-based company first introduced the Korean rhythm-action series DJMax to the US market and has since worked with publishers and developers on releases across discs and cartridges.
CEO Michael Yum says the company supports around 100 or more physical game releases each year. Its publishing work has also helped bring games from Korea and China to audiences in America and Europe.
Black Myth: Wukong was one of PM Studios’ biggest risks, according to Yum. Its success was much greater than he expected, and the game’s performance had a substantial impact on the company’s business. For publishers considering a physical release, the example shows how a strong audience for a game can support demand for boxed editions as well as digital sales.
Why physical PlayStation games still matter
Yum describes Sony’s planned end to PlayStation disc production in January 2028 as sad and devastating. He grew up playing on PlayStation and still enjoys physical games, but he also recognises that many younger players are more familiar with buying digital copies.
PM Studios plans to continue supporting physical editions where possible. Yum says future products may include a download code in a box, with more emphasis on collectible packaging, premium items and fan-focused bundles. Players interested in physical releases should check what a box contains before buying: a boxed product does not necessarily include a game disc.
Digital sales dominate the broader market, but physical copies remain important for some audiences. Yum says roughly 80% of sales for the children’s game Bluey’s Quest For The Gold Pen were physical. Major franchises also continue to sell well at retail, while collectors have supported physical editions of successful indie games, including Animal Well.
Physical games can also be shared. Yum notes that a single disc can be lent to friends or shared between family members, whereas digital purchases are generally connected to an account. For households weighing up formats, the ability to pass a copy between players may be a useful consideration alongside convenience and storage.
Image credit: Halfbrick Studios/PM Studios
Image credit: PM Studios
Image credit: PM Studios
Ultimately, Yum says many players are upset about the possible loss of discs because it removes a choice, not simply because physical copies account for most sales. Keeping multiple formats available remains valuable to players with different habits and priorities.
PM Studios sees opportunity in AA games
As the physical market changes, PM Studios is taking on more digital publishing work. The company is supporting the physical edition of AdHoc Studio’s Dispatch, and it is also handling broader publishing responsibilities for games such as My Time at Evershine.
PM Studios is working with Telltale on The Wolf Among Us 2. Yum says the company offered investment and support from its marketing, production and operations teams to help the project move towards completion. PM Studios hopes to take on larger projects while managing the risks involved.
Yum sees potential in AA games: productions positioned between indie projects and the biggest, highest-budget releases. With so many titles competing for attention in digital stores, games with polished visuals may be easier to notice. However, AA projects can require a larger initial investment, so PM Studios looks for factors that may reduce uncertainty, such as an established intellectual property, a sequel, an experienced developer or strong wishlists.
The company says it will continue supporting indie developers, including helping some teams complete games for Switch 2. PM Studios was among the early publishers to release Switch 2 games on a full game card. Success from larger projects may also help the company take chances on new indie titles.
Image credit: PM Studios
Image credit: Telltale Games
Chinese developers and the changing market
Yum is impressed by the speed and technical ability of Chinese development teams, and believes their output could influence industry expectations. He also points to the significant presence of Tencent and NetEase in the games business. The observation reflects a competitive landscape in which publishers must assess both development costs and how quickly teams can bring games to market.
PM Studios is not limiting its search for projects to China; Yum says most of its upcoming releases come from Western developers. The company has also launched Panax, a community platform intended to bring together collectors of physical games and merchandise. For players, community platforms can offer a way to follow collections and connect with other fans, while publishers may use them to engage with audiences.
The outlook for Black Myth: Wukong physical publishing
PlayStation disc production may be approaching a turning point, but PM Studios believes physical games still have a role through retail releases, collectible editions and products aimed at families and dedicated fans. At the same time, its investment in digital publishing and AA games reflects the need to adapt as buying habits change.
The success of Black Myth: Wukong shows that demand for a physical edition can remain strong even in a digital-first market. For players, the key is to check each release’s format and contents; for publishers, the challenge is to offer meaningful choices while finding sustainable ways to bring games to market.
