Fans launch week-long PlayStation console blackout protest over planned end of physical discs
A petition urges PlayStation owners to power down their consoles from Aug. 23 to Aug. 30 to protest Sony's plan to discontinue physical game media by 2028.
A group of PlayStation users has organized a week-long "blackout" of their consoles, urging participants to unplug their devices between 7 p.m. local time on Aug. 23 and the same hour on Aug. 30. The protest aims to signal dissatisfaction with Sony Interactive Entertainment’s announced plan to cease production and sale of physical game discs by 2028.
The campaign was promoted on the social platform X by the account "Does It Play?", which argued that Sony has been drifting away from its fan base through studio closures, a focus on live-service titles, cancellation of events, and a perceived neglect of legacy franchises. The organizer described the end of physical media as the tipping point for consumer frustration.
"We feel this period gives publishers and developers minimal impact while still giving players a voice," the statement read.
Organizers hope the coordinated downtime will draw attention from Sony and demonstrate that active, engaged players are willing to take collective action. The petition calls for participants to resume normal use after the designated period.