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Sony will move forward with its plans to stop making PS5 discs despite backlash
Sony has said it will proceed with plans to stop producing discs for newly released PS5 games from 2028, despite significant criticism from players and some industry figures. The decision matters because it would further shift PlayStation towards an all-digital model, raising concerns about ownership, preservation and access to games.
During Sony’s latest earnings-call question-and-answer session, CFO Lin Tao cited the wider digitalisation of content as a main reason for the change. She acknowledged consumers’ strong feelings and the sentimental value of physical games, saying Sony would move forward cautiously and continue exploring how to engage players in a digital ecosystem; discs for games released before the 2028 cut-off would still be made afterwards.
In short
- Sony will stop making discs for new PS5 games from 2028.
- The company acknowledged backlash but reaffirmed its all-digital direction.
- Older PS5 releases will retain disc production after the cut-off.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Sony's shift reflects inevitable industry evolution towards digital distribution, which offers genuine benefits to consumers and operational efficiency. Digital games provide instant access without manufacturing or logistics costs, align with how consumers increasingly purchase music, films and software, and can reduce environmental impact. The company has acknowledged consumer concerns and is proceeding cautiously whilst continuing to produce discs for titles released before 2028, demonstrating a measured transition rather than abrupt market abandonment.
The case against
The discontinuation of physical media removes consumer ownership rights, replacing property ownership with licensing agreements companies can revoke or modify at will. This poses serious risks for game preservation—digital titles regularly disappear when publishers delist them—and creates barriers for those with limited internet connectivity or data allowances. Furthermore, eliminating the used games market reduces consumer value retention and removes economic access for lower-income players, whilst concentrating distribution power entirely with Sony and removing genuine consumer choice about how to purchase games.
Explained simply
PlayStation 5 games are sold both as discs and as digital downloads. With a disc, players can lend or resell the game, and it may be possible to play it without relying on an online shop; a digital game is tied to an account and the services that provide it.
Sony makes PlayStation consoles and games, while players, game studios and retailers all have a stake in how games are sold. A shift towards downloads can affect how people access games, what happens when online stores close, and whether future players can keep older titles available. Physical copies also have sentimental value for some players and collectors.
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