There really is going to be little reason to actually purchase a disk anymore.
If the only thing that disk is used for is the initial install files then you might just as well download the game and save the trip to the store.
This is simply pushing people to the Steam model. I'm sure they see how many people are purchasing older titles and the control over pricing. MS and EA are probably salivating at the opportunity to do that for consoles. Plus they can get rid of the resale market like many publishers have been trying to do for years. If people don't really need disks then the publishers don't really need B&M retailers which is a larger chunk for them.
While there are some benefits to consumers (similar to Steam) I think there is a solid chunk of downside for the consumer too.
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