Gaming expert Mr. Fisayo Oke has expressed concern over Sony’s decision to cease physical disc production for all new PlayStation games by January 2028.
Oke, CEO and Founder of Gamble Alert, a responsible gaming organization, voiced his concerns in an interview with reporters on Tuesday.
It was reported that Sony recently announced it would stop producing physical game discs for new releases on PlayStation consoles starting January 2028.
The company explained that this decision was driven by shifting consumer preferences and industry trends away from physical discs toward digital formats.
Sony stated that from January 2028, new games would be available exclusively through the PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital format. This transition would not affect games already released or scheduled for release before January 2028 in disc format.
The move aims to align more closely with how most of its community prefers to access and play games today.
Reacting to the development, Oke said physical discs give a sense of belonging to traditional gamers and are easy to slot into a PlayStation for instant play with friends, unlike digital versions.
“There’s a sense of belonging that many people seek. Someone like me would prefer sitting down, slotting in my disc, and sharing with friends,” he said.
He added that online versions require players to own the game digitally, which could limit access if they don’t have it.
Oke noted that, besides the costs incurred by players, the passion for gaming might decline, as discs often serve as a connection among players and enthusiasts.
He also pointed out that physical discs do not display ads that can disrupt gameplay, unlike online versions.
“These factors might lead to resistance among gamers,” he said.
Oke suggested that the move might be driven by economic reasons, noting that while it could reduce costs for Sony, it might increase expenses for players.
However, he also acknowledged that the decision could have some positive effects, such as making it easier for software developers to create and distribute their own games without needing physical discs.
Regarding potential technical issues like site malfunctions or crashes, Oke said continuous improvements to gaming platforms and strengthening IT teams could help mitigate or eliminate such problems.
He reiterated that, aside from costs, the passion for gaming might decrease, as physical discs often foster a sense of connection among players.
Gamble Alert, he explained, is a non-profit organization focused on responsible gambling, player protection, and e-sports.
