PlayStation will discontinue disc-based game releases in 2028

Sony announced yesterday that it is doing away with physical discs for all new PlayStation games starting in January 2028. The move has stirred debate and backlash among fans.

The company stated that moving to digital copies reflects modern player habits. Sony reported that digital downloads made up 85% of full-game software sales for the PS4 and PS5 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, leaving physical game sales at 15%.

Increasing game file sizes
Advances in game development have dramatically increased file sizes, leaving some premium console games too large for a single disc. The Call of Duty franchise illustrates this trend, growing from 1.4 gigabytes in 2003 to more than 100 gigabytes in recent releases.

Retail feels the shift
The fading popularity of physical games has also taken a toll on brick-and-mortar retailers. As more consumers buy games digitally, stores that once relied on physical media continue to close locations. GameStop has reportedly shuttered more than 1,300 stores over the past two fiscal years.

The news follows widespread backlash from Grand Theft Auto VI fans, who recently learned that the game’s “physical” edition will include a download code rather than a game disc.

What are critics saying?
While digital games offer undeniable convenience, skeptics point out that the format eliminates resale value, complicates game sharing among friends, and leaves players entirely dependent on console servers and personal accounts to play their purchased titles.

Players who favor physical copies can still buy PlayStation game discs released before 2028.

PlayStation is not alone
Microsoft-owned Xbox is also reportedly working on allowing its customers to convert their gaming discs to digital formats.