PlayStation Disc Phaseout
Sony Reportedly Surveys Game Developers Regarding Plans to End PlayStation Disc Production
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Key Points
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Alinea Analytics estimated that Marvel’s Wolverine sold 1.9 million copies in its first three days, with nearly 23% of its $130 million in revenue coming from disc sales—putting a figure on the physical demand mentioned in the reports.
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The transition may already be underway: one report said Sony had begun retooling factories away from PlayStation disc manufacturing, a potential obstacle to reversing course.
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Digital Foundry’s John Linneman said smaller publishers voiced concerns at Gamescom 2026; some were considering moving support toward the Switch 2, according to the report.
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Former Santa Monica Studio writer Alanah Pearce said her sources at PlayStation first-party studios described strict social-media guidelines for employees on the issue, which she interpreted as a sign the company anticipated substantial public-relations backlash.
Sony is reportedly surveying game developers about its plan to stop producing PlayStation discs in early 2028, according to Moore's Law Is Dead. The move suggests the company may be gauging developer concerns, though it does not confirm Sony is backing down from the controversial decision announced in July.
Strong physical sales tell a different story. Alinea Analytics found that Marvel's Wolverine sold 1.9 million copies in its first three days, with nearly 23% of its $130 million revenue from disc sales—evidence that boxed games still matter to players and publishers alike.
Why Developers and Players Are Pushing Back
The backlash against killing physical discs has been swift and widespread. Digital Foundry's John Linneman reported that smaller publishers voiced serious concerns at Gamescom 2026. Some are already eyeing the Switch 2 as an alternative platform to support their games.
Former Santa Monica Studio writer Alanah Pearce revealed that her sources at PlayStation first-party studios described strict social-media guidelines for employees on the issue. The guidelines suggest Sony expects major public-relations backlash from the announcement.
Factory Retooling May Already Be Underway
One significant obstacle to a reversal: Sony has reportedly begun retooling factories away from PlayStation disc manufacturing. This shift suggests the company is serious about the transition and may face logistical challenges if it tries to reverse course later.
What Could Come Next: Reversal or Compromise
The survey does not confirm Sony is reconsidering its policy entirely. A full reversal remains speculation. However, a compromise—such as limited physical editions for major releases—could satisfy both players and the company's digital-first strategy.
Digital sales offer Sony and publishers clear advantages: higher profit margins, lower logistics costs, and reduced manufacturing expenses. Yet the physical demand shown by Wolverine's sales numbers reveals that players still value owning discs, creating real tension between the company's financial goals and customer preferences.
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