Sony Interactive Entertainment's announcement that it will phase out physical discs for new PlayStation titles starting in 2028, shifting to a digital-first model, has sparked widespread backlash. The news, which suggests some retail boxes may only contain a download code, has drawn criticism not just from gamers and industry insiders but has also prompted fast-food brands and celebrities to join the roast.
The official X (formerly Twitter) account for KFC Spain posted a satirical announcement: "BREAKING NEWS! Starting today, KFC will stop offering products in physical format. Products can only be consumed in a fake PNG format through our App. In a month, we will launch a sauce DLC."
"Within a year, we will launch the FriedChicken Pass, where you can access our full catalog for a reasonable monthly fee," the post continued. "If you pirate those PNGs on Pinterest, we will come to your house."
Domino's UK also jumped in on the action, quote-tweeting the PlayStation news with its own satirical take: "In response to gaming industry trends, from 1st April 2027, Domino's UK will be ceasing production of physical pizzas and moving to a digital-only pizza production."
"Customers will be able to download codes for our full range of delicious pizzas and enjoy them in a completely virtual way through the power of imagination."
Notably, former talk show host Trevor Noah weighed in from a gamer's perspective, criticizing the decision by highlighting how physical discs and the used game market are crucial for affordability.
"You can also give the game to a younger brother or sister, which is a great way to introduce them to the world of the games you played," Noah said. He also warned that digital-only media can be revoked at any time. "Imagine one day your entire game library could be deleted overnight because, strictly speaking, you don't own it."
Observers point out that Sony's concurrent announcement to shut down the PS3 and PS Vita stores has only intensified player concerns about digital ownership. Analysts also believe this move strongly hints that the future PS6 could be a digital-only console.