Decoding the Double Disc Dilemma: Why Some PS4 Games Come in Pairs

Ever cracked open a brand new PlayStation 4 game, eager to dive into the digital world, only to be greeted by two discs staring back at you? It can be a bit perplexing, especially in an age where digital downloads seem to be the norm. The short answer is: PS4 games sometimes come on two discs primarily because of storage limitations on standard Blu-ray discs. Let’s delve into this further.

PS4 games, particularly those released later in the console’s lifecycle, often push the boundaries of what’s technically possible. Standard Blu-ray discs, the format used by the PS4, have a storage capacity of approximately 50GB. As games have grown increasingly complex with higher resolution textures, detailed character models, expansive open worlds, and hours of high-quality audio and video, that 50GB limit can quickly become a bottleneck.

Therefore, publishers resort to splitting the game data across two discs. Typically, the first disc serves as a data disc, containing a significant portion of the game’s assets. This disc is primarily used for installation. The second disc, often labeled as the “play” disc, contains the remaining data necessary for gameplay, and also acts as the authentication key to launch the game. The PS4 verifies this disc is present each time the game is started.

The method is an efficient way to deliver large games to players without relying solely on digital downloads, which can be problematic for those with slow internet connections or data caps. Some games use a strategic approach of putting data that is needed at specific points in the game such as audio or video on different disks, rather than duplicating all the data on both disks. It’s a practical solution to a technical challenge, allowing gamers to experience the latest blockbusters without sacrificing visual fidelity or content depth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS4 Games with Two Discs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of why some PS4 games require two discs and what it all means for you:

Why do games need two discs in the first place?

Games now have a lot of content. Think massive open worlds, high-resolution textures, detailed character models, tons of audio, and lengthy videos. Modern games are also larger in size. Given the 50GB limitation of standard Blu-ray discs, some games simply exceed that capacity and require a second disc to accommodate all the data.

What happens if I try to put both discs into my PS4 at the same time?

The PS4 can only read one disc at a time. Inserting both discs simultaneously won’t work. You need to follow the installation instructions, usually starting with the data disc and then inserting the play disc when prompted.

Is all the game data duplicated on both discs?

Not necessarily. While there might be some data that’s duplicated, such as core character models and textures needed throughout the game, developers often optimize storage by splitting content based on when it’s needed. For instance, cutscene videos and specific audio tracks might be placed on one disc, minimizing redundancy.

Which disc do I install first?

Always install the data disc first. This disc contains the bulk of the game’s assets and is designed to be installed onto your PS4’s hard drive. Once the data disc installation is complete, the system will prompt you to insert the play disc.

Can I play the game directly from the data disc?

No. The data disc is solely for installation. You cannot launch the game from this disc. The play disc contains the necessary files to initiate the game and also serves as a means of verifying that you own the game.

What happens if I lose the play disc?

Losing the play disc essentially renders the game unplayable. The PS4 requires the play disc to be inserted each time you launch the game for authentication purposes. If you lose it, you would need to purchase a new copy of the game.

Are there any advantages to having a two-disc game?

The primary advantage is that it allows you to play games that are larger than the storage capacity of a single Blu-ray disc, particularly if your internet is slow or you have data caps. In situations where it isn’t possible to purchase digitally, or even if you want a physical copy, it makes that possible. The Games Learning Society has research on this topic as well. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Does having two discs affect the game’s performance?

Once the game is fully installed onto your PS4’s hard drive, the presence of two discs during the installation process doesn’t affect the game’s performance. The game runs from the installed data, not directly from the discs themselves.

Why don’t all large games come on two discs?

Many large games are available digitally, bypassing the limitations of physical media. Additionally, developers can optimize game assets and compress data to fit within a single Blu-ray disc. The two-disc approach is typically reserved for games that are exceptionally large or when studios are trying to offer a physical release to people with poor internet.

Will PS5 games ever come on two discs?

It’s possible, though less likely. The PS5 uses Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, which have a significantly larger storage capacity (up to 100GB) compared to the PS4’s Blu-ray discs. While some PS5 games are exceptionally large, the increased storage capacity makes it less necessary to split them across two discs.

Is there a specific type of game that is more likely to need two discs?

Games with massive open worlds, extensive cinematics, high-fidelity audio, and incredibly detailed textures are more likely to require two discs due to their large file sizes. Games like The Last of Us Part II and Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4 are prime examples.

Can I delete the game data after I finish playing and reinstall it later?

Yes, you can delete the installed game data from your PS4’s hard drive to free up storage space. You can reinstall the game at any time using both discs.

Does the Complete Collection of some games only use the discs for authentication?

It’s worth noting the Horizon: Forbidden West Complete Collection discs are used for authentication, so players do not need to switch between the two.

Is there a difference between disc and digital versions of games?

There are pros and cons to each. Disc versions offer the advantage of physical ownership and the ability to trade or resell them. Digital versions offer convenience and don’t require physical storage, but you’re often tied to the platform’s ecosystem. Some may want the limited editions, which come on disc. Digital games may be cheaper, so they can be a good alternative too.

How do I delete a disc version of a game off a PS4?

After you’ve played a game for the first time, an icon for it appears in the content area, and remains after you remove the disc. To delete a game, select it, press the OPTIONS button, and then select [Delete].

The existence of two-disc PS4 games reflects a balance between technological limitations and the desire to deliver expansive, high-quality gaming experiences. While it might seem inconvenient at first, it’s a practical solution that allows developers to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the platform.