Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind games like Death Stranding, has voiced his dismay regarding the video game industry's continued move away from physical media. With PlayStation slated to cease production of game discs by 2028, Kojima finds the transition deeply troubling, particularly for those concerned with game preservation and player rights.
"Since [disc] production is ending in 2028, this is about videogames, but I grew up with physical media, so I find it really sad," Kojima stated during a panel at the Il Cinema in Piazza film festival. He noted that he has been actively purchasing physical media, including Blu-rays and CDs, in response to this trend. This personal stockpiling, he implied, is a reflection of broader concerns about the future of media ownership.
Kojima elaborated on the potential ramifications of a fully digital, streaming-centric future. "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. Unlike physical media or even current digital downloads which reside on personal hardware, streaming models offer access rather than ownership. "You don't download the data, you access it directly through a subscription. And the consequence of that is that you don't actually possess the data yourself."
This lack of tangible ownership raises significant concerns about long-term access. Kojima warned that changes in national policies, political climates, or corporate decisions could lead to the discontinuation of services, rendering purchased digital content inaccessible. "And if that happens you won't be able to watch or play the movies and games you like. That is what is frightening."
Kojima extended his warning beyond the realm of video games, suggesting that the industry's current trajectory serves as an پیشاهنگ for other forms of media. "What is happening to videogames in 2028, might also happen to movies," he cautioned attendees. "I'd like everyone to keep that in mind."