GameStop CEO Says Sony's Axing of Physical Games 'Doesn't Matter at All' in a Statement Sure to Enrage Gamers
Sony says the shift will affect new PlayStation releases only, while an online petition against the change has drawn more than 320,000 signatures.
- Sony announced on July 1 that it will stop producing physical copies of new games for PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028, with all future releases available exclusively in digital formats.
- Citing consumer trends, the company claims digital media preferences now outpace physical discs, with Grand Theft Auto VI launching exclusively in digital format this November.
- More than 320,000 people have signed a petition titled "Don't Kill the Disc" started by Winnipeg-based PNP Games, where manager Lee Skwarek argues digital purchases are merely revocable licenses unlike physical ownership.
- Emma Vossen, assistant professor of game studies at Brock University, feels "ripped off" by digital-only models, stating that platforms push consumers toward a system where they "don't actually own things."
- Vossen predicts physical video games could experience a resurgence similar to VHS tapes as companies prioritize digital models, while thrift stores are already being "cleared out" of physical media since the announcement.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
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Tech Radar
technewstube.comGameStop CEO says Sony's axing of physical games 'doesn't matter at all' in a statement sure to enrage gamers
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen says Sony's decision to end physical game production is 'totally irrelevant' to the companyThe statement is supported by both physical and digital games, which only contribute 18% to overall revenueCohen's comments likely won't help gamers in their push to retain physical game discsThe backlash against Sony continues after its controversial choice to stop new physical disc production of PlayStation games from January 2028…
More than 320,000 people sign Winnipeg video game store's petition to keep PlayStation discs spinning
Hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition created by a Winnipeg video game store after Sony said earlier this month it plans to ditch physical PlayStation game discs.
In the face of the PlayStation and disc controversy, a user shows that it is possible to keep them at least on Steam
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