Sony to cease physical game sales on PlayStation
Sony Interactive Entertainment will stop selling physical game versions on PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, shifting entirely to digital. This move raises concerns about digital ownership rights as Sony also removes previously purchased movies from user libraries.
Sony Interactive Entertainment will cease selling physical versions of games on its PlayStation platform beginning January 2028. The company announced the transition to a purely digital sales model for titles, impacting sales through retailers and the PlayStation Store.
The shift reflects what Sony describes as changing consumer behavior, with players increasingly opting for digital downloads over physical discs. In the United States, over 25% of PlayStation 5 consoles sold since launch are digital-only models. This move, however, prompts renewed discussion about the nature of digital ownership versus physical ownership.
While physical games can be resold or lent independently, digital games are tied to platform availability and licensing agreements. Users may lose access if digital storefronts close or terms change. This concern is amplified by Sony's recent announcement that it will remove hundreds of previously purchased StudioCanal films and TV shows from user libraries in September due to licensing agreements, despite earlier assurances of continued access.
The trend towards licensing rather than outright ownership is a broader concern in entertainment, impacting games, movies, and streaming services. Regulatory bodies are responding; California has enacted laws requiring clearer disclosure of revocable licenses, and the European Commission is examining an end-of-life code of conduct for video games due to consumer petitions.