Sony to End Physical PlayStation Game Discs by 2028, EU Says No Intervention

Sony announced that starting in January 2028 it will no longer produce physical discs for new PlayStation games, shifting all future releases to digital‑only distribution via the PlayStation Store. The company says the move will cut production and logistics costs and increase margins, noting that digital sales already account for about 85 % of full‑game sales on PlayStation.

EU Competition Commissioner Michael McGrath stated that the European Union will not block Sony’s decision as long as existing consumer‑protection rules are respected, emphasizing that companies are free to choose the format in which they offer games.

The announcement triggered a broad backlash. The UK‑based Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) called the plan “a triumph of corporate convenience over consumer choice,” citing that 25 % of under‑25s still buy discs and that the UK physical‑games market was worth over £300 million in 2025. Similar criticism came from retailer groups in Germany, Poland and other European markets, with petitions gathering more than 300 000 signatures.

Analysts note that Sony’s digital‑only strategy could boost its revenue per unit, but it also raises concerns about ownership rights, resale and long‑term preservation of games. A Push Square poll of core fans found that 45 % are seriously considering switching to PC gaming, while about 70 % of the broader gaming community oppose the disc phase‑out.

Legal challenges are emerging: Mexican legislators plan to lodge a complaint with their antitrust authority, and a Dutch consumer group has joined a €400 million class‑action lawsuit against Sony over the move. Despite the pressure, industry experts say Sony is unlikely to reverse the decision, given its over 120 million active PlayStation users and the higher profit margins of digital sales.