PlayStation to End Disc Releases in 2028

Sony Interactive Entertainment announced that new PlayStation games will cease to be released on physical discs starting in January 2028. While games will still be available for purchase in stores, they will be accompanied by a digital code instead of a disc.

This shift aligns with broader trends in the entertainment industry, where digital distribution has increasingly become the norm. Sony stated that the decision reflects "consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry continue to shift away from physical discs to digital."

The company noted this is a "natural direction" for PlayStation to adapt to evolving consumer habits as the preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This move follows a similar announcement from Rockstar Games, which confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch without a physical disc.

The change will not affect games already released or scheduled for release before January 2028. However, the decision has drawn criticism from some in the gaming community. Gaming journalist Vikki Blake described the move as a "body blow to consumer rights," raising concerns for game preservation and accessibility for players with limited income who rely on resale or borrowing.

In the past, Sony has highlighted the ease of sharing games on its PS4 console in marketing. The BBC has inquired with Sony about the possibility of enabling digital game ownership transfers in the future, but the company has not yet commented on this specific aspect.