Yoko Taro, the creative force behind titles like Nier: Automata and Drakengard, has voiced his disappointment regarding Sony's reported move away from physical media for future PlayStation consoles. This sentiment echoes concerns previously expressed by industry figures such as Hideo Kojima and former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden, as well as a significant portion of the gaming community.
Taro shared his thoughts on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, in response to news about the discontinuation of physical media production for the PlayStation 5. He noted that while he received the game Hi-Fi Rush from a "last hope" source, his message was a somber reminder: "Don't assume your parents and physical media will always be there, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out."
The veteran developer, whose career spans from the early days of arcade games and the first PlayStation's disc-based releases to directing cult classic RPGs like Drakengard, highlighted the enduring value of physical media. He pointed out that discs and original hardware still allow access to games decades later, a permanence he fears will be lost. "Personally, I can't help but feel sad about physical media disappearing, but I suppose it's just the flow of the times," Taro wrote.
He had previously anticipated that Sony might retain physical disc support, perhaps in the form of expensive collector's editions, even as digital distribution became more prevalent. Taro believed that Sony's control over physical distribution offered an advantage over digital storefronts like Steam. "I thought that holding the reins on physical distribution itself is an advantage compared to Steam and the like, so even if digital downloads are pushed forward, a future like only high-priced limited editions being physical (like CD distribution) would come," he stated. "Missed the mark, too bad."
Taro also expressed skepticism about alternative preservation methods, such as game key cards found in physical boxes, as sufficient replacements for traditional discs. Sony has remained largely silent on the matter since an initial PlayStation Blog post detailing the shift away from physical media, leaving fans and developers to speculate about the future of disc-based gaming. Momentarily, there is still time for Sony to reconsider its strategy. The possibility remains that the company could include an optical drive for next-generation discs, thus catering to enthusiasts who prefer physical copies and maintaining that market segment alongside digital offerings. The rationale behind not manufacturing boxes with download codes and an accompanying optical drive is currently unclear, with Sony offering no further comment since the initial announcement weeks ago.