A retailer association has heavily criticized Sony’s decision to kill discs on PlayStation, saying it takes away consumer choice from gamers.
Sony’s controversial decision to stop releasing PlayStation games on physical discs means all new PS5 games launched from January 2028 onwards will be digital only — something that’s almost certain to continue on PS6. The online backlash has been loud and clear. A high-profile petition calling on Sony to reconsider its decision has just passed the 300,000 signatures milestone, and in the past few days PS5 users have taken to social media to share screenshots of cancelled PS Plus subscriptions.
The Game Business has now reported on comments from the UK’s Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA), which called Sony’s decision “a triumph of corporate convenience over consumer choice.”
In a statement published online, Kim Bayley, CEO of ERA, said its data shows that 25% of under 25s use discs for gaming, and that discs should remain as a choice on top of digital.
“Playstation’s announcement that major games will no longer be available on disc is a triumph of corporate convenience over consumer choice,” Bayley said.
“Every year, millions of gamers still choose to buy physical copies because they value true ownership. A disc can be shared with family, traded in, collected, preserved and, crucially, still played years from now. A download licence often offers none of those freedoms.
“ERA consumer data shows that 25% of under 25’s use discs for gaming and the total disc based games market was valued at over £300million in 2025, demonstrating that there remains a substantial and committed audience for boxed games.
“Retailers see this demand every day. Physical games continue to bring people into shops and give consumers real value through gifting, collecting and resale.
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