Sony to Stop Making Disc-Based PlayStation Games by 2028

Sony has announced it will end production of disc-based PlayStation games by 2028, completing the company's shift to an all-digital distribution model.

The announcement confirms what many in the gaming industry had anticipated. Sony has been moving toward digital-only gaming for years, releasing disc-free versions of its PlayStation 5 console and expanding its PlayStation Plus subscription service.

The decision has drawn criticism from game preservation advocates, who argue that physical media is essential for long-term access to games. When a game is only available digitally, its existence depends on the platform holder keeping it available. If Sony shuts down a storefront or removes a title, players who bought it digitally may lose access permanently.

"This is a significant blow to game preservation," said one gaming historian. "Physical media is the only format that gives players true ownership."

Sony has not addressed preservation concerns directly. The company framed the move as a response to consumer behavior, noting that digital game sales now account for the majority of PlayStation revenue.

The shift will also affect retailers who sell physical games. GameStop and other brick-and-mortar stores have already been struggling with declining physical game sales. A full end to disc production by 2028 would remove one of their remaining revenue streams.

Developers and publishers will need to adapt their release strategies. Some smaller studios have relied on physical releases to reach customers who prefer or require them, including players in regions with limited internet access.

Sony said it will provide more details about the transition timeline later this year.