Sony has confirmed that it will stop producing game discs for the PlayStation 5 after 2028, but will allow limited disc production for games already released. This clarification comes as a petition against the move reaches 100,000 signatures, though the figure represents a fraction of the over 90 million PS5 consoles sold.
Sony's disc production plans
Sony manufactures all discs for PlayStation consoles, including those for third-party publishers. After January 2028, new game discs will only be pressed for titles that have already been released. The conditions for manufacturing additional copies remain unclear, but the offer is unlikely to appeal to most publishers. Companies with major titles near the deadline, such as Call of Duty or EA Sports FC 28, might take advantage, but broader interest is expected to be minimal.
Limited opposition
Despite vocal online criticism, organized opposition has been sparse. The largest petition, hosted on Change.org, has just surpassed 100,000 signatures. Given the PS5's massive install base, this indicates that most owners do not view the digital-only shift as a critical issue, or are not motivated to act. Sony has already repurposed its main disc-making factory, signaling a firm commitment to an all-digital future.
Hideo Kojima speaks out
Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima has voiced concern over the move. Speaking at the "Il Cinema in Piazza" Film Festival in Italy, he described the news as "really sad." According to a translation by Genki, Kojima warned about the risks of streaming: "[Games] are downloaded to the hard drive, that means the game data remains on your own hardware. However, if things shift to streaming in the future, that won’t be the case anymore... One naturally has to consider the possibility that if there is a change, the data inside will stop being distributed. And if that happens you won’t be able to watch or play the movies and games you like. That is what is frightening."
Industry trends
Sony's decision reflects consumer behavior, as the vast majority of players already purchase games digitally. This trend makes a reversal unlikely, barring minor concessions. The possibility of allowing limited-run physical releases for collectors remains unconfirmed, though it could serve as a compromise. For now, Sony appears set on its digital-only path, with the petition and Kojima's comments highlighting the concerns of a dedicated but minority segment of gamers.
