“If You Can’t Own It, What Are You Buying?” – Former PlayStation Boss Questions Sony’s Decision to Kill Discs
Sony’s plan to discontinue PlayStation disc support starting in 2028 continues to draw criticism from gamers and industry figures alike. The announcement, which would eliminate the ability to play physical games on PS5 hardware, has sparked significant controversy regarding consumer ownership rights and digital-only gaming models.
Shawn Layden, former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation division, has weighed in on the decision during an appearance on The Expansion Pass podcast. While acknowledging he wasn’t involved in the decision-making process, Layden expressed concerns about the strategic implications of removing physical media support.
The core concern centers on the nature of digital ownership. By eliminating disc-based gaming, consumers would no longer be able to physically own and resell their games, instead relying entirely on digital licenses tied to their accounts. This shift raises questions about long-term access to game libraries and the consumer’s right to possess purchased media.
Layden characterized the disc discontinuation as potentially “a significant brand hit” for PlayStation, suggesting the move could damage Sony’s relationship with its user base. His comments reflect broader concerns within the gaming community about the loss of consumer choice and ownership rights.
The decision represents Sony’s strategic shift toward a fully digital gaming ecosystem, aligning with industry trends favoring digital distribution. However, the backlash indicates that many players value the option to own physical copies, whether for collecting purposes, resale, or ensuring long-term access to their game libraries.