Disgaea Creator Says Sony May As Well Scrap PlayStation Consoles If It’s Killing Game Discs
Sony announced plans to cease manufacturing physical PlayStation discs by January 2028, prompting criticism from industry figures including Disgaea series creator Sohei Niikawa. Speaking at Anime Expo 2026, Niikawa expressed concern that the decision reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what physical media means to players and developers alike.
Niikawa argues that physical games serve multiple important functions beyond product delivery. They create tangible connections between fans and developers, he explained, and hold sentimental value as collectibles that players can cherish long-term. The ability to bring a physical copy to events for signatures—creating a personalized keepsake fans can display at home—represents an emotional dimension to gaming that digital-only distribution cannot replicate.
The Japanese developer was particularly critical of Sony’s apparent lack of consideration for these non-transactional values, suggesting the company “doesn’t understand” what physical editions mean to players who treasure them. His critique prompted the observation that Sony “may as well eliminate the hardware too” if it dismisses the physical media format that has historically been central to console gaming.
While Sony’s decision comes amid documented declining sales of physical PS5 games in major markets, critics argue the company is overlooking the persistent cultural and emotional significance of physical media for dedicated players and collectors.