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Sony Faces Backlash After Announcing Digital-Only PlayStation Games Starting in 2028

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Over the years, we’ve seen a decline in physical media. From the disappearance of stores like Blockbuster to people purchasing fewer CDs and DVDs, digital media and the internet are taking over. Now, video games are following suit. Sony has announced that it will phase out its physical discs starting in 2028. This means PlayStation gamers will only be able to purchase and play digital games. 

Related: Sony Just Formally Announced a Permanent, Franchise-Altering Change to All Future PlayStation Games

In a blog post, the company announced its shift from physical discs to digital, noting that the change is in response to evolving consumer preferences. “This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today,” Sid Shuman, Senior Director of Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications, said in the blog post. 

Since Sony announced the decision, the company has received backlash from PlayStation gamers. Mainstream media outlets such as NBC News, Yahoo! Tech, and Moneywise have since reported on PlayStation’s decision, noting the backlash from consumers. 

Avid gamers have also taken to social media platforms like X to voice their concerns and frustrations. X user @LilithLovett tweeted, “Sony announced them killing off physical games with a tweet and a blog post like it was some regular Wednesday, expecting people will be mad for a bit and move on. And now the backlash has gotten so big it’s being covered by mainstream news outlets. DON’T LET UP, DON’T SHUT UP.”

Others are also wondering how this change will affect retailers like GameStop. Online retail video game store Loot Box Gaming addressed Sony and PlayStation directly in a tweet. Concerns from gamers also include higher digital prices, loss of content and the ability to resell games. 

Consumers are also urging Sony to address the issue, as the company hasn’t released a second statement since making the blog post. Since Sony’s announcement, over 323,600 people have signed a petition asking the company to reconsider. “A disc is a real game you own. You can lend it, trade it, resell it, gift it, collect it, or pass it down to your kids. A box with only a download code is not the same thing. It is a digital license in plastic packaging. You do not own it. You are renting access that can be revoked, and people have already had purchased movies deleted from their libraries and games pulled from sale weeks after launch.” 

The petition also raises concerns about job losses and consumer choice, along with Grand Theft Auto VI confirming a digital-only release. “Ending physical media removes consumer choice, weakens local economies, and hands a few platform holders total control over how, and whether, you can access the games you buy. We are not against digital. We are against digital being the only option. A large and passionate community still wants a real, physical game they own outright, and Sony is about to take that choice away.”

While some wonder how this change will affect the future of gaming, others wonder how it will affect the future of physical media in general. “We’ll continue to prioritize our resources to drive innovation in how players can access games and provide choices as to where players prefer to purchase new games, whether that’s at retailers or PlayStation Store. We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans and we thank you for your continued support,” Sony said in its blog post.

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