PlayStation founder Ken Kutaragi has addressed the public backlash regarding Sony's plan to cease physical game disc production by 2028. Kutaragi described the consumer attachment to physical media as a mentality issue, comparing it to the lack of demand for physical storage in the smartphone era.
The decision to end disc production has faced significant opposition, with a petition titled Don't Kill the Disc gathering over 385,000 signatures. Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden criticized the move as a spreadsheet-driven decision that negatively impacts the company's reputation.
Industry experts suggest that publishers favor the transition to digital to improve profit margins by eliminating production costs and curbing the secondary resale market. Sony has previously stated in court filings that digital purchases on the PlayStation Store are considered revocable licenses rather than ownership.
Critics argue that the company has failed to maintain a dialogue with its audience. While some acknowledge that physical media is not always rational for online multiplayer titles, they suggest that alternative models for digital ownership or peer-to-peer services could address consumer concerns.
