Sohei Niikawa, the creator of the Disgaea series and former CEO of Nippon Ichi Software, has voiced strong criticism regarding Sony's decision to discontinue physical game releases. Niikawa stated that the executives behind this decision likely do not grasp the emotional significance of physical media for many fans. Sony announced earlier this month that new game disc releases would cease production starting January 2028, a move that has provoked considerable backlash online.
During an interview at Anime Expo 2026, Niikawa, who led Nippon Ichi Software from 2009 to 2022, commented on Sony's shift. While acknowledging the business logic, he posited that the decision-makers may not have experienced the personal connection fans have with physical games, such as obtaining an autograph on a disc at an event. He believes these executives may not understand the value fans place on tangible game editions.
Niikawa went further, suggesting that if Sony is committed to eliminating physical packages, they might as well abandon consoles altogether. "If they’re going to go as far as eliminating physical packages, they may as well eliminate the hardware too," he stated. "A television would be enough. Why would you need the console? If you’re going to get rid of physical games, you may as well go all the way."
Sony's decision aligns with a long-term trend of increasing digital game sales, which now significantly outsell physical releases. The company cited adapting to consumer behavior, noting that digital media preference substantially outpaces physical discs. Despite this trend, the strong negative reaction indicates that physical media remains important to a substantial portion of the gaming community. The concept of owning something tangible for one's collection, as Niikawa noted, is a key factor for many.
Concerns also extend to the long-term viability and preservation of games. Historically, some physical releases have been criticized for containing incomplete games or requiring significant day-one patches, questioning the inherent value of a physical product that relies heavily on server access to be fully playable. Industry figures like Hideo Kojima, creator of Death Stranding, have expressed sadness over Sony's move, citing concerns about the potential loss of access to digital content over time, which undermines the concept of true ownership.
Yoko Taro, the creator of Nier, has also urged players to purchase physical game releases while they are still available. Sony's apparent direction suggests future consoles, potentially like a hybrid console-handheld, may be digital-only. It remains uncertain if Sony will offer an add-on disc drive or if collectors will need to rely on older hardware to play their physical game libraries.
This trajectory suggests that complete, playable physical games might become a niche, high-cost product, likely produced in limited runs by companies specializing in such releases. Reports indicate that Sony anticipated the backlash and has implemented strict social media guidelines for its staff concerning the controversy.