The impact of Sony's decision to stop physical discs on gamers

In short

• Sony has announced that production of physical PlayStation discs will stop in January 2028.
• Around 25% of UK gamers under 25 still use physical discs, increasing the impact of this decision.
• The Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) has criticised the move, warning it limits consumer choice.

GAME-scanner analysis

Sony's announcement that it will end physical discs marks a major shift in the gaming industry. The ERA, which represents major retailers such as Game and Amazon, has described the decision as a restriction on consumer freedom of choice. This is especially relevant given that the disc-based games market was worth more than £300 million in 2025. The effects of this shift are not only financial, but also affect how gamers share, trade and preserve their games. The ability to pass on or resell physical copies, which many players see as essential, will disappear.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, this change means the option to share or resell physical games will disappear. This is especially problematic for younger players, around 25% of whom still use physical discs. The move towards a digital-only future raises questions about ownership and access to games. If cloud gaming and digital distribution infrastructure is not equally accessible to everyone, it could create a digital divide. Gamers also have to ask what happens to their digital libraries if platforms change or shut down.

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• The future of physical discs on PlayStation: what does this mean for gamers?
• The impact of Sony's decision to stop physical discs on gamers