PlayStation to Cease Physical Game Disc Releases by 2028
The PlayStation 5 was launched in two versions: one equipped with a disc drive and another without.
Sony has announced that from January 2028, new PlayStation games will no longer be released on physical discs. Instead, external new games will continue to be available in retail stores but will come with a digital code for download.
This announcement follows Rockstar's recent confirmation that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will also launch without a physical disc. This development signifies a notable shift within the gaming industry, which has increasingly embraced digital distribution in recent years.
Sony explained the decision in a blog post, stating it aligns with evolving consumer preferences and the broader entertainment industry's move away from physical discs toward digital formats.
"This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs," Sony stated.
However, the announcement has drawn criticism online. Gaming journalist Vikki Blake described it as a "body blow to consumer rights."
"It's of huge concern for game conservation and a massive problem for gamers with lower disposable incomes who rely on part-exchanging or loaning games from friends to keep up with the AAA price tags," she said.
"Just one console cycle ago, Sony made a tongue-in-cheek advert about how easy it is to share games on PS4 as a dig at competitor, Xbox. It's not funny anymore, is it?"
Christopher Dring, editor of The Game Business, expressed surprise at the news despite digital downloads being the dominant method of purchasing PlayStation games today.
"We still see millions and millions of PlayStation games sold as physical goods," he said. "It's a significant business and there are lots of players that prefer to buy this way. It's tough news for retail."
Meanwhile, Lootbox Gaming, an independent retailer based in Delaware that declined to stock the disc-less physical edition of GTA 6, described the move as "an attack on not only gamers and collectors, but also developers, publishers, distributors and retailers around the globe."
"Essentially, this is an attack on anyone who cares about video games or cares about the right to own your purchases," a spokesperson said.
PlayStation clarified that this change will not affect games already released or those released before January 2028.
In addition to this, Sony has faced criticism for removing over 500 films and TV shows purchased on the PlayStation Store from users' collections without compensation. The company explained that its agreement with the film production company StudioCanal has ended, resulting in the loss of rights to sell those titles. Consequently, these movies and shows will be removed from users' collections on 1 September.
Gamers have previously expressed concerns to the BBC about GTA 6 being released without a physical disc, noting that this would prevent them from lending the game to friends or reselling it.
The BBC has inquired with Sony regarding whether there are plans to enable the transfer of digital game ownership in the future, considering this announcement.
GTA 6 is priced at £70 and will be available only as a digital download; the physical edition will not include a disc.
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