Key facts
- PlayStation will stop releasing new games on physical discs from January 2028.
- Sony cited a shift in consumer preferences and the entertainment industry towards digital distribution.
- The decision has been met with criticism regarding consumer rights and game conservation.
- Games already released or scheduled for release before January 2028 will not be affected.
Sony has announced that PlayStation will discontinue the release of new games on physical discs starting in January 2028. The company stated that this decision reflects the ongoing shift in consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry away from physical media towards digital distribution.
"This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs," Sony said in a statement.
The move has sparked debate online, with gaming journalist Vikki Blake describing it as a "body blow to consumer rights." Blake expressed concern for game conservation and highlighted the potential negative impact on gamers with lower disposable incomes who rely on trading or borrowing games to afford new titles. She recalled a previous PlayStation 4 advertisement that humorously emphasized the ease of sharing games, contrasting it with the current direction.
Sony has clarified that this change will not affect games that have already been released or are scheduled for release before the January 2028 deadline. The BBC has reached out to Sony for comment on whether digital game ownership transferability will be possible in the future.