Sony Clears up Confusion over Physical PS5 Games After 2028
Sony said digital downloads made up about 80% of its full-game software sales in fiscal 2025 as it shifts new releases online.
- On June 1, Sony announced it will stop producing physical discs for all new PlayStation games beginning in January 2028, shifting entirely to digital distribution through the PlayStation Store.
- Digital downloads accounted for about 80% of full-game software sales in fiscal 2025, with Sony's financial results showing 85% of revenue from digital games versus just 15% from physical box sales.
- Chris Dring, editor in chief of The Game Business, noted it is not unusual to see "20- 30% of a game's sales" come via physical markets in Europe, though boxed sales barely crossed £300m.
- Separately, Sony will shut down the PlayStation Store on legacy PS3 and Vita devices in select markets this year, expanding globally in 2027 as these 15- to 20-year-old consoles cannot support modern PlayStation Network security systems.
- Osborn, editor in chief of the Video Game Industry Memo, recommends donating to the National Videogame Museum in Sheffield to preserve game history, as ending disc production may align with plans to remove disc drives from future console generations.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Sony Physical Disc Exit Driven by Economic Factors, Says Former PlayStation Boss Shawn Layden | 📲 LatestLY
Former PlayStation Studios boss Shawn Layden has commented on Sony’s move away from physical game discs, describing it as an economic decision driven by the dominance of digital sales. He noted that the shift is a logical response to market trends rather than concerns over used games. 📲 Sony Physical Disc Exit Driven by Economic Factors, Says Former PlayStation Boss Shawn Layden.
Algemeen Dagblad
‘This makes about as much sense as when we switch to digital pizzas.’ With this response, Domino’s Pizza aptly—and with a wink—summarizes its dissatisfaction with Sony. The Japanese tech giant is permanently discontinuing physical PlayStation games on discs in 2028. That decision has sparked a storm of parodies from various major brands.
Sony to end PlayStation game discs in 2028
SONY has announced that it will cease production of physical PlayStation game discs starting from January 2028, pivoting entirely towards digital distributions via its online storefront to adapt to shifting market trends and evolving consumer habits.
The age of physical games begins to come to a close as PlayStation discontinues discs
I can't say I didn't see this coming after Rockstar announced that GTA 6 wouldn't get a physical release. Or, to be honest, after the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles charged an extra fee for a disc drive. I at least thought that they'd wait until the next generation, though. — Read the rest The post The age of physical games begins to come to a close as PlayStation discontinues discs appeared first on Boing Boing.
For many gamers, it feels like an era is coming to an end. Now that Sony has announced it will cease production of physical game discs starting in 2028, unrest is growing among physical game enthusiasts. Not only because the familiar disc is disappearing, but also because they fear losing ownership of their own purchases. "Taking away options from consumers is actually never a good development."
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
