Sony announced on July 1 that it will stop manufacturing physical discs for new PlayStation games starting in January 2028. The decision has sparked widespread criticism online and prompted a petition with over 170,000 signatures. Players have also reported receiving discount offers while attempting to cancel PlayStation Plus subscriptions in protest.
The move means the PlayStation 6 will be the first console without physical media support. It affects all releases, including those from third-party publishers, shifting everything to digital formats.
A Change.org petition launched by Canadian retailer PNP Games calls on Sony to reverse course. It highlights consumer ownership concerns and references Sony's 2013 E3 promises about trading and lending games.
Sony remained silent on social media for nearly a week after the announcement. Its first post on July 7, promoting a wireless fight stick, drew over 12,000 negative comments and nearly 4,000 angry quote tweets.
Some users trying to cancel their PS Plus accounts in protest received offers for 50 percent off three months or 25 percent off annual plans. Sony has not officially responded to the petition or backlash.
