Sony's decision to stop physical discs: consequences for gamers in Europe

In brief

• The EU cannot force Sony to keep making physical discs, according to EU Commissioner Michael McGrath.
• Sony has announced that from January 2028 it will no longer release physical discs for new PlayStation games.
• A Change.org petition against the decision has already gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures.

GAME-scanner analysis

Sony's announcement that it will stop releasing physical discs in 2028 is a major step in the gaming industry's evolution. EU Commissioner Michael McGrath has confirmed that the European Union cannot influence this decision, highlighting the autonomy of companies in the digital economy. This move could seriously affect access to games for players who prefer physical media. The shift toward digital distribution is already underway, but fully phasing out physical discs may raise concerns about ownership and the long-term preservation of digital libraries. Gamers will need to consider how they can preserve their collections and what this means for the future of their gaming experience.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, this change means preparing for a world where physical media becomes increasingly scarce. That could affect not only how they buy and store games, but also their sense of ownership. The growing support for the Change.org petition, which has already collected more than 286,000 signatures, shows there is strong concern within the player community. Gamers who value physical collections or worry about digital rights may need to organize and make their voices heard to put pressure on Sony.

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