A gaming expert, Fisayo Oke, has expressed concern over Sony’s decision to end physical game disc production for all new titles released on PlayStation consoles from January 2028.
Oke, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Gamble Alert, a non-profit organization that promotes responsible gaming and player protection, shared his views in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
NAN reports that Sony recently announced that all new PlayStation games released from January 2028 will be available exclusively in digital format, marking the end of physical disc production for future titles.
According to the company, the move reflects changing consumer preferences and the entertainment industry’s growing shift from physical media to digital distribution.
Sony, however, clarified that games already released or scheduled for release before January 2028 in disc format would not be affected.
Reacting to the announcement, Oke said physical game discs offer traditional gamers a unique sense of ownership and social connection that digital downloads cannot fully replace.
“There’s a sense of belonging that many gamers value. Someone like me would rather sit down with friends, insert a game disc into the console and enjoy the experience together.
“With the digital version, if you don’t own the game, you simply can’t play,” he said.
He argued that the transition could increase costs for players while reducing the emotional attachment many gamers have to collecting and sharing physical game discs.
Oke also noted that physical discs provide uninterrupted gameplay, unlike some online gaming experiences that may feature advertisements or require constant internet access.
He warned that these factors could lead to resistance from sections of the gaming community.
While acknowledging that Sony’s decision was likely driven by economic considerations, Oke said the company could reduce production and distribution costs, but gamers may end up spending more on digital purchases.
He, however, noted that the shift could create new opportunities for software developers by making it easier to distribute games digitally without relying on physical media.
On concerns over server outages and platform crashes, Oke urged Sony to strengthen its information technology infrastructure and continuously improve its gaming platforms to ensure seamless access for players.
He reiterated that beyond the financial implications, the disappearance of physical game discs could weaken the sense of community and shared experience that has long been part of gaming culture.
Gamble Alert is a non-profit organization focused on responsible gambling, player protection, gaming education, and e-sports development.
