Sony assures developers they can still order some games on disc after 2027 – but there’s a catch
Sony announced on July 1st its plan to cease manufacturing physical discs for PlayStation games, effective January 2028. After the cutoff, all new PlayStation games will be distributed digitally, though they will continue to be sold through retail channels, presumably as digital codes or licenses. The decision effectively confirms that the next-generation PlayStation console will not include a disc drive.
To address developer concerns, Sony clarified that games released before January 2028 can continue to have physical copies manufactured and ordered beyond the cutoff date.
The announcement sparked immediate and significant backlash from the gaming community. A “Don’t Kill the Disc” petition accumulated 100,000 signatures within four days, reflecting widespread consumer opposition. Critics raise concerns about game preservation, consumer ownership rights, and long-term digital accessibility. Advocates for physical media argue that discs ensure permanent ownership and protect against platform discontinuation—concerns with established historical precedent in the gaming industry. The shift reflects broader industry momentum toward digital-only distribution, positioning PlayStation at the forefront of this transition.