Key facts
- Sony will end physical disc production for new PlayStation games in January 2028.
- PlayStation will transition to a digital-only sales model.
- The shift reflects changing consumer preferences towards digital media.
- The move has implications for game ownership and resale markets.
- The broader gaming industry is expected to be impacted by this change.
Sony Interactive Entertainment will cease the production of physical discs for new PlayStation game releases beginning in January 2028. This decision marks a definitive pivot towards a digital-only sales strategy for the company's gaming platform. The move signals a broader industry trend where consumers increasingly prefer digital downloads over physical media. This transition is anticipated to have wide-ranging consequences, affecting how players own games, the viability of secondary markets for used games, and the established business models within the global gaming sector. The company has not yet detailed specific plans for how this transition will be managed for existing disc-based libraries or backward compatibility for future hardware. However, the commitment to a digital future is clear, aligning with a growing digital ecosystem across entertainment media. This strategic shift by Sony, a major player in the console market, is likely to influence competitors and content creators alike as they adapt to a landscape where physical media's role diminishes.