Ken Kutaragi, widely recognized as the "Father of PlayStation," has commented on Sony's decision to cease support for PS5 game discs in 2028, acknowledging the emotional attachment consumers have to physical media while framing the move as an economically sensible evolution.
Kutaragi, speaking to VGC, drew parallels between the expectation of physical ownership for games and the lack of such a demand for digital content on devices like smartphones. He stated that while he "really" understands the frustration of players upset by PlayStation's phasing out of discs, the trend toward digital consumption is undeniable. Data indicates that physical game sales on PS5 remain strong, with over 50% of new game sales being physical in some regions. However, Kutaragi posited that continuing disc support is "not economically reasonable," suggesting it may be a "mentality issue."
He also attributed the shift to the evolving composition of PlayStation's teams, which now include individuals from streaming companies acquired by Sony, such as Gaikai. These new team members may view PlayStation not just as a game console but as a "content terminal," a perspective that Kutaragi believes has created friction with the gaming community. Sony itself has described the move away from physical discs as a "natural direction" aligned with consumer trends.
While Sony embraces a digital future, Nintendo has indicated no immediate plans to abandon physical game discs. Microsoft's future strategy regarding Xbox discs remains unspecified, though industry observers anticipate a similar move away from physical media.
Experts suggest that Sony's pivot away from discs is driven by profitability and a desire for greater control over its ecosystem. The transition reflects a broader industry movement towards digital distribution and content streaming.