A petition opposing Sony's planned discontinuation of physical PlayStation game disc production has garnered over 220,000 signatures. The campaign, titled 'Don't Kill the Disc,' was initiated by Canadian retailer PNP Games, which expressed concerns that an all-digital future would eliminate consumer choice and negatively impact various sectors of the gaming industry.
PNP Games, founded in 2005, operates multiple locations across Canada and sells a range of products including gaming hardware and software. The retailer launched the petition on Change.org shortly after Sony announced its intention to cease all new PlayStation game disc production in January 2028. The petition's stated mission is to encourage Sony to continue supporting disc-based games beyond 2028, ensuring that future generations have the option to own their games rather than exclusively rent access through digital means.
According to Jade Pearce, CEO of PNP Games, the transition to an all-digital market threatens to erase a significant industry ecosystem. This ecosystem includes retailers, distributors, manufacturers, logistics operations, the used games market, and the community dedicated to game collecting and preservation. Pearce stated in an interview with IGN that ending physical media would jeopardize thousands of jobs, harm local economies, and grant platform holders unchecked control over game accessibility. The petition emphasizes that the cessation of physical media affects jobs and the ability for consumers to possess tangible copies of games that can be shared, resold, collected, or passed down.
While PNP Games clarifies it is not opposed to digital distribution, the core objection lies in making digital the sole option. The petition argues that a substantial community desires physical games they can truly own. The signatories of the petition have voiced strong opinions, with many indicating that Sony's decision influences their future purchasing of PlayStation products. Some have criticized Sony as being unfriendly to consumers, feeling that the company is undermining customer loyalty. A notable sentiment expressed by some signatories is a consideration to switch to PC gaming if the industry moves entirely to digital formats, thereby losing the benefits associated with physical ownership.