Sony says it remains on track to stop releasing physical discs for new PlayStation 5 games beginning in 2028, reaffirming the plan during its latest earnings call. Although the decision has sparked backlash from players and well-known game developers, the company gave no indication that it intends to change direction.
When Sony announced the change in early July, it explained that only games released before 2028 would continue getting physical discs. New releases after that point will be digital-only. Fans didn’t take the news well, flooding social media with complaints and even urging others to boycott the company.
During this week’s earnings Q&A, Sony CFO Lin Tao was asked about the decision to end physical game discs and the backlash it has generated. Speaking through an interpreter, Tao acknowledged that consumers have expressed a range of opinions, including strong criticism, and recognized that games often hold sentimental value. Even so, she indicated that Sony has no plans to change its decision.
Tao said the decision shows the broader shift toward digital content across the entertainment industry, rather than gaming alone. She added that Sony intends to continue with the transition while proceeding carefully.
In her closing comments, Tao acknowledged that many players have an emotional connection to physical games. She said Sony recognizes those feelings and will continue looking for ways to engage gamers as the industry shifts further toward digital distribution.
It isn’t just players who are unhappy with the shift. Well-known developers like Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro have said they’re disappointed by the move toward all-digital games. Developers behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the recent Game of the Year winner, have echoed those concerns.
As Sony prepares for the next generation of PlayStation, the decision to end physical game discs is becoming one of the company’s most debated policies in recent years. At this stage, Sony appears committed to moving ahead with the transition.
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