The gaming community is up in arms after discovering that the physical PS5 edition of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle requires a significant additional download to play the full game. This development has sparked widespread criticism of Bethesda's marketing practices and raised questions about the value of physical game copies in the digital age.

Players who purchased the physical PS5 version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle were shocked to find that the disc contains only 20 GB of data - just a fraction of the game's total 125 GB size. This means buyers must download over 100 GB of additional content before they can play, effectively making the physical edition little more than a license key in disc form.

What makes this situation particularly frustrating for fans is that the game's box art in online stores doesn't clearly indicate this internet requirement. While the physical packaging does include a small notice about the mandatory download, many consumers feel this information should have been more prominently displayed before purchase.

The gaming community has responded with significant backlash across social media and forums. Many fans argue that this practice undermines the very purpose of physical media, which traditionally offered advantages like immediate playability and preservation. Some have even canceled their pre-orders, questioning why they should pay for a physical copy that offers no practical benefits over digital.

This controversy comes at a time when the gaming industry is increasingly moving toward digital distribution. While large downloads have become common for day-one patches and updates, shipping a physical disc that contains less than 20% of the game represents a new low for physical editions, according to many players.

This isn't the first time Bethesda has faced criticism regarding its physical releases. The company previously came under fire for the Fallout 76 Collector's Edition, which included a nylon bag instead of the advertised canvas duffel. These repeated incidents have led some fans to question Bethesda's commitment to delivering on its physical product promises.

The Indiana Jones and the Great Circle situation highlights broader concerns about the gaming industry's treatment of physical media. While some developers still release complete games on disc (like Baldur's Gate 3), others seem to be treating physical editions as an afterthought. This trend raises important questions about game preservation and consumer rights in an increasingly digital landscape.

For collectors and those with limited internet access, these developments are particularly concerning. As games continue to grow in size and complexity, the industry will need to address these challenges while maintaining transparency with consumers.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launches globally on April 17, 2025, with early access beginning April 14 for premium edition owners.