PlayStation founder Ken Kutaragi says discs became “metaphor for ‘owning’ games”, and that upset at their discontinuation is a “mentality issue”
PlayStation founder Ken Kutaragi has commented on the backlash surrounding Sony’s discontinuation of physical game discs, characterizing consumer concerns as a “mentality issue” while acknowledging the emotional weight of the decision.
Speaking at the Game Republic New Horizons event, Kutaragi explained that physical discs have become symbolically important to players as a representation of game ownership. He stated: “I understand that physical discs have become a metaphor for ‘owning’ games. I really understand that mentality.” Despite this understanding, he argued that maintaining disc production is not “economically reasonable” for Sony going forward.
Kutaragi drew parallels to other networked devices, specifically mentioning smartphones, which function entirely through digital distribution without physical media. His comments suggest that the shift toward digital-only distribution is a natural progression for connected gaming platforms, similar to how mobile devices abandoned physical media altogether.
The remarks provide insight into Sony’s strategic thinking behind phasing out physical media for PlayStation, even as it frustrates consumers who value the tangible aspects of game ownership and the ability to resell or trade used copies. Kutaragi’s perspective reflects the industry’s broader push toward digital-only ecosystems, though the transition remains contentious among players who view physical ownership as an important aspect of consumer rights and game preservation.