Sony announced it will stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games starting in January 2028. The move shifts the platform fully to digital distribution. Industry groups and preservation advocates have expressed strong disappointment over the decision.
Sony cited consumer preferences for the change, which applies to both first-party and third-party titles. The company stated it is adapting to trends toward digital purchases.
Boutique publishers reacted sharply. IAm8Bit called the decision a blow to preservation and ownership. Lost in Cult said it was deeply saddened and pledged to continue preservation efforts. Red Art Games described the announcement as a shock to its core identity and vowed to keep producing physical editions as long as possible.
The Entertainment Software Association declined to comment on the move or digital ownership issues. Preservation expert Frank Cifaldi noted that day-one patches already limit the value of physical copies for historical purposes.
Gamers resurfaced a 2013 PlayStation video that mocked Microsoft’s DRM plans, with many comments now criticizing Sony’s shift away from disc-based ownership.
