PlayStation has announced via a PlayStation.Blog post that they’re ceasing disc production for all games releasing in 2028 and beyond. This is not only a huge blow for collectors of physical media, but a huge stepping stone into the next chapter of media in general, and possibly a sneak peek at Sony’s next console outing.
Sony cites a decline in physical media sales as the reason for this decision, and while they are seemingly still aiming to sell their games via physical stores and retailers, will opt for the code in the box appraoch, akin to the recent Grand Theft Auto 6 news, which won’t be shipping on a disc in any capacity.
Senior Director, Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications, Sid Shuman, commented on the news via the post, stating, “This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today. ”
For the most part, it’s a solid guess that the next PlayStation won’t be getting a physical disc drive. But we can’t help but think about the next generation of gamers, and what it means to actually own these games anymore. Given that digital purchases merely give us the license to play games, which can be revoked at any point in time for several reasons, it also gives pause to the concept of video game preservation in the long term.
While we’ll have a couple more years to collect and accrue physical media, an era has clearly come to an end.
Featured header image provided by PlayStation.
