Tokyo: PlayStation has announced that all new first-party games released from January 2028 will no longer be available on physical discs. Instead, boxed copies sold in stores will include digital download codes, reflecting Sony’s continued shift toward digital game distribution.
Sony said the decision follows changing consumer habits, with digital purchases now significantly outnumbering physical game sales. According to the company, the move aligns with broader entertainment industry trends, where streaming and digital downloads have increasingly replaced physical media.
The announcement comes only days after Rockstar Games confirmed that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will also launch without a physical disc. Together, the announcements highlight a major shift in the gaming industry as leading publishers move further toward digital-only releases.
The decision has sparked criticism from gamers, retailers and consumer advocates. Critics argue that removing physical discs will make it harder for players to lend, resell or trade games. Others have expressed concerns about preserving video game history and the long-term ownership of digital purchases.
Independent game retailers also warned that the move could affect businesses that rely on physical game sales. Industry experts noted that while digital downloads dominate the market, millions of PlayStation games are still purchased on disc every year, making the transition significant for both consumers and retail stores.
Sony confirmed that games released before January 2028 will continue to be available on physical discs and that existing physical titles will remain unaffected. The company has not announced any plans to allow users to transfer ownership of digital games, a feature many players believe would help address concerns about digital ownership and consumer rights.
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