Key facts
- Sony will cease production of physical PlayStation discs for new games starting in 2028.
- The decision is attributed to a shift in consumer preference towards digital game releases.
- A social media post from Sony regarding the announcement garnered 145 million views and 90,000 replies, with many negative.
- Concerns raised include potential price increases, loss of game ownership, and the risk of losing access to purchased titles due to licensing issues.
- Game developer Hideo Kojima expressed dismay and warned about the long-term implications of digital-only distribution.
- Rockstar Games' 'Grand Theft Auto 6' will be digital-only.
Sony's decision to discontinue the production of physical PlayStation discs by 2028 has triggered a significant backlash from gamers and industry figures. The company cited a shift in consumer preference towards digital game releases as the reason for this move.
The announcement, made earlier this month, has been met with widespread criticism on social media platforms. A post on X detailing the change has accumulated 145 million views and 90,000 replies, with many top responses expressing negative sentiment. Gamers have voiced concerns that the physical media market historically kept prices competitive and highlighted the risks associated with digital-only ownership, referencing Sony's recent issue where users lost access to over 500 purchased StudioCanal titles due to licensing agreements.
Game developer Hideo Kojima, known for his work with Sony on franchises like 'Metal Gear,' expressed sadness over the end of PlayStation discs. Speaking at a festival, Kojima warned that digital-only distribution could lead to consumers losing access to content they have already paid for.
Sony's announcement follows a similar digital-only strategy from Rockstar Games for its highly anticipated 'Grand Theft Auto 6,' set to launch in November. The move has also prompted humorous reactions from other brands, with companies like GitHub and KFC España making light of the trend towards digital-only products.