Sony sticks to plans to phase out PS5 discs despite widespread backlash

Sony has confirmed it will proceed with plans to stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation 5 games after 2028, despite sustained criticism from players and developers. The company's chief financial officer, Lin Tao, addressed the decision during a Q&A session following the release of Sony's latest earnings report.

Tao said the move was driven by the growing digitalization of content in general, not just games. She acknowledged that Sony had received 'various opinions' and 'strong views' from consumers, and recognized that games, especially in physical form, are often tied to fond memories. Nevertheless, she confirmed the company would 'cautiously move this forward.'

In a potentially conciliatory remark, Tao added that Sony understands those emotions and wants to consider them, promising to explore ways to engage gamers in the future digital ecosystem. Sony has also said it will continue making discs for games released before the 2028 cutoff after that date passes.

The plan, announced in early July, has triggered an intense backlash. Players have flooded social media with complaints and discussed boycotts. Prominent game creators, including Hideo Kojima and Yoko Taro, as well as developers behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, have expressed disappointment with the all-digital shift.