A growing number of PlayStation fans are organizing a "blackout" protest in response to Sony's reported plans to phase out physical game discs. The protest, scheduled to run from August 23rd to August 30th, encourages players to refrain from logging into, playing, or purchasing anything on any PlayStation platform.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Twitter/X account 'Does It Play?', aims to demonstrate the community's dissatisfaction with Sony's direction, particularly the potential discontinuation of physical media by 2028. Organizers cite a series of perceived missteps by Sony Interactive Entertainment, including studio closures, a focus on live-service games, and a perceived disconnect with fan desires.
"For several years now, Sony Interactive Entertainment has continued to grow further apart from its fan base," read a statement from the organizer. "Whether it's closing beloved studios like Bluepoint, pursuing a misguided live-service strategy, canceling fan events, leaving PSVR2 to die, or being completely out of touch with franchises players want to see return, PlayStation has never felt more disconnected from its community."
The statement further suggested that the end of physical discs is a significant point of contention, characterizing it as a symptom of the company mismanaging the strong position it inherited from the PlayStation 4 era. The call to action also mentioned a desire for the return of forgotten franchises like Twisted Metal, SOCOM, Sly Cooper, and Resistance.
The planned "economic and gameplay blackout" is intended to send a clear message to Sony without causing significant immediate impact on publishers and developers, according to the organizers. While the effectiveness of such a protest remains to be seen, it highlights a significant level of frustration within a segment of the PlayStation community regarding the company's future strategy and its perceived detachment from player sentiment.