On July 1, Sony announced that it plans to discontinue physical game releases for PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028. If implemented, this decision would represent a major shift in how consumers buy and own games, with significant consequences for players and the wider gaming industry.

As consumers, here is what we stand to lose:

• True ownership of the games we buy. Instead of owning a physical copy, players will only receive a digital license. Digital licenses are governed by terms set by publishers and platform holders and can at any given time be revoked or removed.
• The ability to lend games to friends and family. Sharing physical games has long been part of gaming culture, allowing more people to experience great titles without purchasing multiple copies.
• A healthy second-hand market. Without physical discs, players can no longer buy or sell used games at lower prices, making gaming less affordable for many people.
• Local game retailers and jobs. A fully digital market could place significant pressure on physical game stores, potentially leading to store closures and job losses throughout the retail sector.
• Consumer choice and competition. With physical copies removed, all PlayStation game purchases would flow through Sony's digital storefront, giving the company greater control over pricing, distribution, and sales within its ecosystem.
• We urge Sony to reconsider this decision and work toward a solution that preserves consumer choice. If Sony no longer wishes to manufacture physical games itself, it should explore licensing third-party manufacturers to continue producing PlayStation game discs.

If you believe consumers should retain the option to buy physical games, please consider signing this petition. Every signature helps demonstrate that players value ownership, affordability, and the freedom to choose how they purchase and enjoy their games. Share this petition with the following hashtag: #savephysicalgaming