Acclaimed game director Hideo Kojima has voiced significant apprehension regarding the industry's trajectory towards an all-digital future, a sentiment amplified by Sony's recent announcement to cease physical PlayStation disc production in January 2028. Kojima, known for his work on franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, shared his feelings during a discussion at the Il Cinema in Piazza film festival in Rome.
Reflecting on his personal connection to physical media, Kojima stated, "Since production is ending in 2028, this is about video games, but I grew up with physical media, so I find it really sad." He noted that he has been actively purchasing physical media, including Blu-rays and CDs, in anticipation of this shift.
This concern echoes a message Kojima shared in 2021, where he warned about the potential loss of access to cherished digital content. He elaborated on the difference between game downloads and streaming services. While downloaded games reside on a user's hardware, streaming relies on remote servers, granting access only through subscriptions. "With streaming subscription services, like Netflix or Amazon, there is a server somewhere, and you essentially just have the right to turn the tap, and when you do, the data flows out," he explained. "The consequence of that is that you don't actually possess the data yourself."
The industry has seen other recent shifts away from physical releases. Rockstar Games announced that the physical version of Grand Theft Auto VI will not include a disc, opting instead for a download code. Sony's decision to end physical disc production for its own games has also drawn considerable criticism.
Kojima extended his concerns to the broader implications of digital-only distribution, particularly the reliance on servers controlled by companies. He highlighted the vulnerability of such systems to changes in corporate policy, national politics, or differing ideologies. "There are companies that own these servers and let you 'turn the tap' for a monthly fee," he stated. "However, with nations, politics and various ways of thinking, one naturally has to consider the possibility that if there is a change, the data inside will stop being distributed. And if that happens you won’t be able to watch or play the movies and games you like."
This situation is not isolated to games. Sony has also informed digital movie purchasers that they will lose access to a library of over 550 films, even those previously bought. Kojima concluded by urging people to consider these potential consequences as the industry moves toward a future increasingly defined by digital access and subscription models. "That is what is frightening. So, what is happening to video games in 2028, might also happen to movies. I’d like everyone to keep that in mind."