Sony has announced that it will discontinue producing physical discs for all new PlayStation video games starting in 2028, as more customers are opting to purchase and download games online. This decision has sparked concern among gamers who fear losing ownership of their collections.
In a statement on the PlayStation Blog, Sony’s communications director, Sid Shuman, revealed that physical game disc production for new PlayStation releases will cease in January 2028. Moving forward, PlayStation games will only be accessible through the online PlayStation Store, with retail copies in stores being available solely in digital formats. Games already released or scheduled to launch with a retail version will continue to be offered on discs.
Sony also disclosed plans to close the online stores for its older PlayStation 3 and PS Vita devices in specific markets this year, with global closures expected in 2027. The company cited incompatibility with modern commerce systems as the reason for shutting down the older platforms.
Furthermore, the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will be launched with a download code instead of a disc in physical releases, marking a significant shift in the industry.
The trend toward digital media has been evident, with a significant portion of video game sales now occurring online. Analyst Daniel Ahmad reported that 78% of Sony’s full game unit sales last year were digital, while Xbox’s digital sales stood at 90%. Despite the digital shift, physical PlayStation game sales reached 70 million units last year, highlighting ongoing demand for physical copies.
Sales of new physical games in the U.S. totaled $1.6 billion US in the 12-month period ending in May 2025, a significant decline from the $11.5 billion in 2009. Industry analyst Mat Piscatella noted that the resurgence of physical media, such as vinyl records, is unlikely in gaming due to the absence of disc drives in modern consoles.
The announcement by Sony has triggered a negative reaction from gamers and industry professionals alike, with many expressing disappointment over the move away from physical releases. Developers emphasized the importance of physical games for preservation, ownership, and consumer choice.
Looking ahead, analyst Ahmad predicts that the PlayStation 6 console will likely ship without a disc drive, signaling Sony’s commitment to an all-digital future. While consumer preferences play a role, the decision to halt physical disc production is primarily driven by cost-cutting measures, eliminating resale markets, and channeling revenue through the PlayStation Store.
Reflecting on the changing landscape, game creator Benjamin Rivers highlighted the cultural significance of physical game copies, expressing concerns about the shift towards digital-only formats. He emphasized the emotional connection and tangible experience of owning physical game copies, underscoring the potential loss of a cherished aspect of gaming culture.
