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Physical disc production ending in Jan 2028 for new games on PlayStation (blog.playstation.com)

789 points by Tiberium · 10 days ago · 797 comments on HN

Article summary

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that physical disc production for new games on PlayStation consoles will end in January 2028, with new games only being released in digital formats. This decision is in response to shifting consumer preferences towards digital media. The change will not affect games that have already been released or will be released before the cutoff date. Sony will continue to prioritize innovation in game access and provide choices for players to purchase new games.

Main themes

  • Digital game distribution
  • Physical media decline
  • Console gaming
  • Game ownership
  • Digital rights management

What commenters say

  • The end of physical disc production is a natural consequence of the shift towards digital media, driven by consumer preferences and the need for companies to adapt to changing market trends.
  • The decision to discontinue physical discs will make it difficult for players to own and preserve their games in the long term, as digital games can be taken away or made obsolete by the company.
  • The ability to play games without relying on online platforms or digital stores is an important aspect of console gaming, and the loss of physical discs will erode this freedom.
  • The comparison between console gaming and PC gaming highlights the advantages of PC gaming in terms of game preservation and ownership, as players can still download and play old games on PC without relying on the company's servers.
  • The issue of game preservation is not unique to console gaming, as even PC games can become unplayable on modern hardware or be removed from digital stores due to licensing or other issues.
  • The decision to discontinue physical discs is part of a broader trend towards a 'games as a service' model, where games are seen as temporary and ephemeral experiences rather than owned products.
  • The importance of preserving game history and allowing players to access and play old games is a crucial aspect of the gaming industry, and companies should prioritize this in their business decisions.
  • The shift towards digital media and the end of physical discs will ultimately benefit companies and consumers by providing more convenience and flexibility in game distribution and access.