Sony Sticks to Plan to End Physical PlayStation Discs as Petition Momentum Fades
Sony reaffirmed its decision to discontinue physical game discs by 2028, while a petition against the move saw rapid early support but slowed considerably thereafter.
Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed it will phase out physical game discs for new PlayStation titles starting in January 2028, describing the rollout as a cautious progression. The announcement sparked an online petition that gathered 250,000 signatures within six days, but sign-ups fell to about 105,000 over the next 24 days, indicating waning public enthusiasm.
Industry observers noted that the initial surge reflected concerns from collectors, preservationists and fans of physical media, but the reaction has largely plateaued as the decision became more familiar. Ubisoft chief Yves Guillemot, a longtime advocate of traditional gaming formats, said the shift is unlikely to significantly disrupt the industry, emphasizing the continued growth of digital distribution.
Sony has not altered its stance despite the petition and social media commentary, and the company indicated that the move aligns with broader trends toward all-digital gaming.