Yoko Taro, the creative director behind the Nier series, has expressed his sadness regarding the impending demise of physical game media. His remarks follow Sony's announcement that PlayStation will cease the production of game discs in January 2028.
"Personally, I can't help but feel sad about physical media disappearing, but I suppose it's just the flow of the times," Taro shared on X, formerly Twitter. He had previously envisioned a future where physical copies, particularly high-priced limited editions, would persist as a distribution model even as digital downloads became the norm, drawing a parallel to the continued existence of CD distribution for music. "It’s a shame my prediction was wrong."
Taro’s commentary was in response to a post where he showcased his physical copy of Hi-Fi Rush, encouraging players to acquire game discs while they are still available. He urged readers not to take physical media for granted, stating, "Don't assume your parents and physical media will always be there, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out."
This sentiment is shared by many players online, with numerous comments protesting PlayStation's decision on new game releases. The move has also drawn legal challenges, as a Dutch consumer interest group and Mexican lawmakers argue that the end of physical discs could constitute a monopolistic practice that artificially inflates prices and harms independent game retailers.