If you play video games, you've probably heard that Sony will discontinue all physical game releases in 2028. All games after that will be digital for PlayStation 5 and (presumably) 6. In truth, it's already starting: The "physical" release of the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI was nothing more than a plastic box with a code in it, and there are no plans for create a physical disc for the game. Ever.
Sony rationalized it by stating that the vast majority of purchases are digital, and so this decision is somehow good for the consumer. After all, who doesn't want fewer choices when buying something? And while it probably won't hurt them much (they can now bypass the brick-and-mortar distribution system and retain complete control of game pricing forever), I think a digital-only draft would surely hurt you.
You could probably make the same argument Sony did: Most of what you do is digital anyway. You likely draft on a website or app, your league is on a website, you talk to other manager on the message board or via text, and you're accessing this site right now on a computer of some sort (though never, ever at work, of course). So what's the big deal?
Well, the counter-argument is the same as it is with Sony's digital issue: Choices. Having a pen and paper by your side when you draft absolutely cannot hurt you in any way. You don't have to use them at all. But having them can save you time and make things easier when every second counts. You can jot down players to remember later without finding the queue tab. You can see your team built in real time with a glance instead of switching to yet another tab. There's nothing to refresh, it's impossible to accidentally hit the wrong button and paper has no connection or Wi-Fi issues. If multi-tasking is important, why would you not use multiple platforms to help get the job done?
I know managers who draft completely on their phone. They're comfortable doing everything on a screen no larger than seven inches or so. Fat fingers? Too bad. Need to jump to a few different sites and make an important decision within 60 seconds? Possible, I suppose. Risk hitting the wrong button and accidentally drafting a guy you didn't want, or exiting the app or page entirely, wasting precious seconds getting back in? Also possible. Personally, I need fewer variables on draft day, not more.
I don't need to do everything on my phone because I don't want portability. I want a quiet place where I have room to write, surf and utilize as many tools as possible to make sure I'm getting the guy I want. I do admit that I'm older now and even turn down the music in my car when looking for the right street. But I have laptops, a desktop, multiple tablets and a phone. I'm comfortable with tech. I'm just not comfortable abandoning everything else when I'm making decisions that will affect the entire fantasy season.
I always want paper and pen when I always want alternate ways to reach the commissioner if necessary. If you get kicked out of the draft room and can't get back in, are you able to let the commissioner know ASAP and have them pause the draft, or make a pick for you? If not, you're relying on a third-party app or website to work flawlessly. Will your fellow managers feel sorry for you if things go wrong? Maybe, but probably not. Do you want to take that chance on draft day?
The real reason Sony wants to go all digital is they pay retailers 30 percent or more to carry and sell their games. That doesn't count distributors and overstock logistics. But if they sell the games themselves, they keep all of that money with no physical inventory headaches. It makes sense. But what doesn't make sense is you doing the same thing. Give yourself physical tools in a physical space, and you'll have a better chance of winning the virtual game you love so much.
What is your draft setup like? Do you do anything by hand anymore? What are your must-haves on draft day? Do you care about Sony’s decision? Share your thoughts below.
