Sony is about to stop releasing PlayStation game discs

On July 1, Sony said that from the beginning of next year, all new games released for the PlayStation system will only be digital, distributed exclusively through the PlayStation Store online store and authorized retail partners. For games released before January 2028, the company still maintains providing disc versions as usual.

“This is an inevitable direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends, when players’ preferences for digital media far surpass traditional physical discs. The shift helps us get closer to the way the majority of the gaming community is choosing to experience,” said a company representative.

Theo The Verge, Sony’s move was predicted in advance, after the company completely removed the optical drive from the PlayStation 5 Pro version. However, at the end of June, the game information was blockbuster Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) will be sold with a physical box version but only contains the download code instead of the game disc, which has faced a wave of fierce opposition from the fan community.

Although buying digital games brings convenience, speed, and no worry about scratched or damaged game discs, Sony’s decision makes many gamers worried. Deleting physical discs means users will lose the right to exchange, resell old games, or lend the experience to friends.

In addition, players also face the risk of depending entirely on the company’s system server as well as online account ownership to be able to access their game store.