Video game publisher Astrolabe Games unveiled their “AGO Manifesto” on July 10, stating that the company will manufacture and sell PlayStation 5 physical versions of all their currently unreleased titles that meet the basic requirements.
Astrolabe Games is a publisher based in China, and boasts a diverse catalogue of games across multiple genres, including the 3D rabbit metroidvania F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch. This year, it has released multiple titles including the console port of BLAZBLUE ENTROPY EFFECT X, a roguelike action spin-off of the BLAZBLUE series.
The “AGO Manifesto” comes as a response to the recent news of the discontinuation of physical disks for PlayStation, which is scheduled for 2028. The initiative was named after Astrolabe Game’s Chinese nickname “a-gou” (阿狗, meaning “a puppy”), and the English phrase “to give something a go,” symbolizing the company’s attempt to pursue physical publishing.
According to the official announcement, the initiative will cover all of Astrolabe’s unreleased titles which have been approved for PlayStation 5 before June 1, 2027, with the physical releases planned to roll out in the second half of 2027. The publisher guarantees that it will “produce, manufacture, and distribute at least a run at minimum order quantity of PS5 physical editions in at least one region (NA/EMEA/Asia).” However, the games might not be available in every territory worldwide, due to the regional differences in distribution conditions and market demand.
On the other hand, the publisher warns that, since this is a goodwill commitment, if the production of a PS5 physical edition is prevented by uncontrollable circumstances, they will not be liable for compensation. This includes the possibility of platform holders introducing policies that make production impossible, regional distribution partners reaching production capacity, developers choosing not to proceed with the production of a PS5 version, etc.
At the time of writing, Gurei, Fall Up and OMEGA PHENEX COMMENCED PROJECT SIX have already been confirmed as eligible titles and are set to receive physical editions in Q4 of 2026, the first half of 2027 and the second half of 2027 respectively. Additional games will be added to the initiative as they become available, given that they qualify for a physical PS5 release.
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