Sony faces #PSBlackout boycott over digital licensing and end of physical discs

PlayStation users have launched a coordinated protest known as #PSBlackout, running from August 23 to August 30, 2026. Organized by the community group DoesItPlay, the movement calls for players to turn off their consoles, log out of accounts, and refrain from making any purchases on the PlayStation Store.

The boycott is a response to Sony’s decision to discontinue the production of physical game discs starting in 2028. Protesters argue that the shift toward a digital-only ecosystem undermines consumer ownership rights. This sentiment was exacerbated by recent mass emails sent by Sony to its users, which reminded them of the PlayStation End User License Agreement (EULA). The emails explicitly state that digital software is “licensed to you, not sold,” meaning users hold a revocable license rather than true ownership of their digital titles.

While Sony leadership has indicated that the company is shifting its strategic focus toward monetizing its existing base of 125 million monthly active users rather than aggressive hardware sales, the community remains vocal about the loss of physical media. Critics of the boycott suggest that the impact on Sony’s massive user base may be minimal, but organizers aim to demonstrate that players value the ability to own and control their games through physical formats.