Sony will kill PlayStation video games on discs in 2028 and provide digital downloads solely | PlayStation

Sony stated on Wednesday that it might cease releasing new video video games for the PlayStation console on disc in January 2028 following a shift in client preferences.

“Following this date, new games will be available on PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only,” the corporate stated on its official PlayStation weblog.

In follow, which means players should obtain immediately from Sony’s PlayStation retailer or acquire a obtain code when buying a title from a retailer.

The announcement comes because the upcoming completely digital launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is predicted to grow to be one of many biggest-selling cultural merchandise of all time, has brought about some consternation amongst players.

There was grumbling on social media that the dearth of a bodily disc would remove any secondhand marketplace for the title. Sony stated the upcoming shift “has no impact on games that already released, or will be releasing, prior to January 2028 in disc format”.

Sony started its transfer in the direction of digital downloads in 2020 with the discharge of the most recent console, PlayStation 5, which had a model with no disk drive.

“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,” the corporate stated. “We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans.”

Piers Harding-Rolls at Ampere Analysis stated: “The purchasing trends of gamers are clear.” In 2013, when the PS4 launched, solely 13% of recreation gross sales have been digital, however had risen to just about 80% in 2025, he famous.

That didn’t cease players from complaining, nevertheless. “It’s a catastrophe,” stated gamer and content material creator Conkerax on YouTube.

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“Inevitably there will be concerns from PlayStation gamers around various aspects of this announcement including choice, accessing older physical games on new consoles, the ability to collect physical games and game preservation,” stated Ampere’s Harding-Rolls.

He famous that the shift in the direction of digital would have a destructive influence on specialist video games retailers, and would additionally hit the secondhand market.

The announcement renewed hypothesis in regards to the next-generation PlayStation 6 console. Sony’s announcement “pretty much confirms PS6 will be digital only”, stated Daniel Ahmad at Niko Partners, a online game market analysis agency.