- Sony has announced that it's ending physical PlayStation game disc production in 2028
- Fans are protesting the decision and have created a petition to urge Sony to change its mind
- It now has over 170,000 signatures
PlayStation fans have created a petition in a bid to urge Sony to reverse its decision to end physical game disc production from January 2028, and it's already reached over 170,000 signatures.
"On July 1, 2026, Sony announced it will end production of physical discs for all new PlayStation games starting January 2028," the 'Don't Kill the Disc' Change.org petition reads. "New games will be sold digitally, or as a box containing only a download code, with no disc inside."
The petition, created by the CEO of Canadian retailer PNP Games, also points out that days earlier, it was confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions will launch with no disc, but a digital download code instead, which many fans are disappointed with.
"When the market leader ends the disc, the rest of the industry follows," the statement continues. A disc is a real game you own. You can lend it, trade it, resell it, gift it, collect it, or pass it down to your kids. A box with only a download code is not the same thing. It is a digital license in plastic packaging. You do not own it. You are renting access that can be revoked, and people have already had purchased movies deleted from their libraries and games pulled from sale weeks after launch."
With a lack of physical games to sell in in-store retailers, there's also the risk of job losses and a weaker local economy, the creator added, and stressed that they're not against digital, but against digital being the only option.
As of writing, the petition has 172,204 signatures, and number which is growing by the minute, and many fans are being vocal about their disdain for Sony's decision.
"Physical media is what makes consoles the best place to play modern AAA games," one petitioner said. "It's the only decentralized local DRM solution that is both acceptable for publishers and provides sufficient ownership and user control to satisfy both sides. It is crucial for physical media to survive until digital ownership is sufficiently solved. My 30-year streak of supporting PlayStation depends on this decision. Don't betray your most loyal long-time customers Sony.
Another comment reads: "I've been a gamer on the PlayStation platform since the PS1 days, and many of my favorite games have been on PlayStation systems, whether as exclusives or simply a preferred platform. However, I'm a physical media gamer, and I refuse to support any gaming company that tells me I don't have the option to own physical media. I hope Sony will reverse this decision, but if not, then they will cease to get business from me after January 2028."
There are plenty more comments to cycle through, but while fans are voicing their concerns, Sony is notably quiet on the matter.
After posting the announcement, the company hasn't yet shared a statement in response to the outcry, so it remains to be seen if the PlayStation maker will cave under pressure.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
➡️ Read our full guide to the best gaming consoles
1. Best overall:
PlayStation 5 Slim
2. Best budget:
Xbox Series S
3. Best handheld:
Nintendo Switch 2
4. Most powerful:
PlayStation 5 Pro
