Game firms decry Sony's 2028 end to PlayStation disc production

Sony has announced it will stop making discs for new games starting January 2028, prompting dismay from independent publishers, retailers, preservation groups and rental services.

Physical media supporters voice profound disappointment. iam8bit said it is “profoundly disappointed by Sony’s decision to suspend physical games production in 2028.” The company added that physical games are vital to games preservation, ownership, and consumer choice, values that have guided it since its first physical release in 2016. It closed its statement with “Long live physical media.”

Lost in Cult said it aims to “do everything in our power to preserve video games to the best of our ability and will continue to do so for as long as we can.”

Retailers and preservationists warn of harm to gamers and consumer rights. Cody Spencer, co-owner of the small games retail chain Pink Gorilla Games, said “It’s sad to see. This decision is only a negative for gamers. We’re losing the ability to sell games, to share games, and to own games.” Frank Cifaldi, executive director of the Video Game History Foundation, called the news “unfortunate” for those who prefer physical media. He said it represents a significant hit to consumer rights, the resale market, and game creators whose businesses rely on the physical market.

Rental service and developer also respond to the shift. GameFly expressed disappointment and stated it is run by people who believe physical products still matter, a belief at the core of the company since day one. Aeternum Game Studios pledged to work urgently to bring every game it creates and those already on the way to physical shelves before the early 2028 deadline. The studio added that the industry may try to change its course but it will not let go of the customer’s hand.

Physical PS5 sales have already been declining. Physical sales of new PlayStation 5 games have been declining for some time. Immediately after the switch to digital only there may not be much of a change. In five to 10 years, increased prices for physical titles printed before 2028 and a niche but strong demand are expected. The very idea of physical video games will become foreign and more seen as a novelty.

iam8bit collaborates with numerous game companies including Blizzard, Remedy, Capcom, Annapurna, and Xbox on physical games and merch. It also releases vinyl soundtracks for games such as Arc Raiders and Persona. The responses underscore ongoing industry attachment to physical formats even as digital distribution grows dominant.