Sony will kill PlayStation games on discs in 2028 and offer digital downloads only
✓Sony said on Wednesday that it would stop releasing new video games for the PlayStation console on disc in January 2028 following a shift in consumer preferences.
“Following this date, new games will be available on PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only,” the company said on its official PlayStation blog.
In practice, that means gamers will have to download directly from Sony’s PlayStation store or obtain a download code when purchasing a title from a retailer.
The announcement comes as the upcoming exclusively digital release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is predicted to become one of the biggest-selling cultural products of all time, has caused some consternation among gamers.
There was grumbling on social media that the lack of a physical disc would eliminate any secondhand market for the title. Sony said the upcoming shift “has no impact on games that already released, or will be releasing, prior to January 2028 in disc format”.
Sony began its move towards digital downloads in 2020 with the release of the latest console, PlayStation 5, which had a version without a disk drive.
“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs,” the company said. “We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans.”
Piers Harding-Rolls at Ampere Analysis said: “The purchasing trends of gamers are clear.” In 2013, when the PS4 launched, only 13% of game sales were digital, but had risen to nearly 80% in 2025, he noted.
That didn’t stop gamers from complaining, however. “It’s a catastrophe,” said gamer and content creator Conkerax on YouTube.
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“Inevitably there will be concerns from PlayStation gamers around various aspects of this announcement including choice, accessing older physical games on new consoles, the ability to collect physical games and game preservation,” said Ampere’s Harding-Rolls.
He noted that the shift towards digital would have a negative impact on specialist game retailers, and would also hit the secondhand market.
The announcement renewed speculation about the next-generation PlayStation 6 console. Sony’s announcement “pretty much confirms PS6 will be digital only”, said Daniel Ahmad at Niko Partners, a video game market research firm.
Read the full story at The Guardian ↗ · BBC ↗
Sony announced it will discontinue physical disc releases for new PlayStation games starting January 2028, requiring players to download games from PlayStation Store or obtain download codes from retailers. The company attributes this to shifting consumer preferences toward digital media. Industry data shows digital game sales have grown from 13% of the market in 2013 to nearly 80% by 2025. Games released on disc before this date will continue to be playable. The announcement has prompted discussion about implications for game preservation, secondhand markets, and independent game retailers.
Read the full story at The Guardian ↗ · BBC ↗
Sony said on Wednesday that it would stop releasing new video games for the PlayStation console on disc in January 2028 following a shift in consumer preferences.
“Following this date, new games will be available on PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only,” the company said on its official PlayStation blog.
In practice, that means gamers will have to download directly from Sony’s PlayStation store or obtain a download code when purchasing a title from a retailer.
The announcement comes as the upcoming exclusively digital release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is predicted to become one of the biggest-selling cultural products of all time, has caused some consternation among gamers.
There was grumbling on social media that the lack of a physical disc would eliminate any secondhand market for the title. Sony said the upcoming shift “has no impact on games that already released, or will be releasing, prior to January 2028 in disc format”.
Sony began its move towards digital downloads in 2020 with the release of the latest console, PlayStation 5, which had a version without a disk drive.
“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs,” the company said. “We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans.”
Piers Harding-Rolls at Ampere Analysis said: “The purchasing trends of gamers are clear.” In 2013, when the PS4 launched, only 13% of game sales were digital, but had risen to nearly 80% in 2025, he noted.
That didn’t stop gamers from complaining, however. “It’s a catastrophe,” said gamer and content creator Conkerax on YouTube.
after newsletter promotion
“Inevitably there will be concerns from PlayStation gamers around various aspects of this announcement including choice, accessing older physical games on new consoles, the ability to collect physical games and game preservation,” said Ampere’s Harding-Rolls.
He noted that the shift towards digital would have a negative impact on specialist game retailers, and would also hit the secondhand market.
The announcement renewed speculation about the next-generation PlayStation 6 console. Sony’s announcement “pretty much confirms PS6 will be digital only”, said Daniel Ahmad at Niko Partners, a video game market research firm.
Read the full story at The Guardian ↗ · BBC ↗
Sony will stop releasing new PlayStation games on disc in January 2028 New games after that date will be available only through PlayStation Store and digital download codes from retailers Digital game sales comprised 13% of the market when PS4 launched in 2013 and reached nearly 80% by 2025 Games released on disc before January 2028 will continue to be compatible with PlayStation consoles This shift reflects a natural direction adapting to consumer trends as digital preference significantly outpaces physical discs The move will negatively impact specialist game retailers and the secondhand market The announcement essentially confirms PlayStation 6 will be digital-only Concerns exist around game preservation, consumer choice, and the ability to collect physical games
Read the full story at The Guardian ↗ · BBC ↗
- Sony will stop releasing new PlayStation games on physical discs in January 2028, moving to digital-only releases
- Digital games will be available through PlayStation Store and retailers offering download codes
- The shift reflects industry trends: digital sales rose from 13% in 2013 to nearly 80% of game sales by 2025
- Existing physical games and those released before January 2028 remain unaffected
- The move raises concerns about game preservation, secondhand markets, and specialist retailers