Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced that starting January 2028, all new PlayStation console games will cease physical disc production, shifting instead to digital sales via the PlayStation Store and other retail channels. This move has continued to draw backlash from players, but Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot recently suggested during an investor Q&A that the transition could also bring positive implications.
When asked about Sony's decision to discontinue physical discs for new PS5 titles, Guillemot stated:
"What we've seen on PC is that it helps the market grow," he continued. "There will also be some pressure on console costs in the future, and being able to go purely digital will help in launching more affordable consoles, I would say. There are pros and cons, but we don't believe it will significantly disrupt the industry."
Sony previously explained on the PlayStation Blog that this shift is a natural progression in response to consumer preferences moving towards digital media. The company emphasized that titles released or slated for disc before January 2028 would remain unaffected. However, players remain concerned about the impact on digital ownership, the secondary market, and game preservation.
Analyst Dr. Serkan Toto also believes Sony is unlikely to reverse its decision. He told IGN that while he sympathized with physical media supporters, Sony would not retract this decision. He added that the company was certainly aware of the online reaction and was now simply waiting for the storm to pass.
He further explained that Sony has over 120 million active PlayStation users, with approximately 50 million subscribed to PlayStation Plus. He posited a thought experiment, suggesting that even if 500,000 people protested by canceling their subscriptions, that would only represent a 1% loss for the business. He concluded that this would certainly not be enough for Sony to reconsider, given how profitable digital versions are.
via： IGN