Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden has criticized Sony’s decision to end physical disc production for new PlayStation games starting in January 2028. He warned that the move could weaken players’ sense of game ownership and damage PlayStation’s reputation among loyal customers.
Sony announced the change on July 1, 2026, confirming that new games released from January 2028 onward will be available in digital formats only. The decision will not affect games already released or scheduled for physical release before that date.
Speaking on the September 30, 2026 episode of The Expansion Pass podcast, Layden acknowledged that downloading games is convenient. However, he argued that physical editions remain important to dedicated players who enjoy collecting and displaying their games. He suggested that roughly 20% of players might still prefer physical copies, although this was an illustrative estimate rather than an official sales figure.
Layden said digital downloads make gaming easier because players can start games without changing discs or visiting stores. However, he questioned what consumers actually receive when they purchase games digitally.
Unlike a physical copy that can often be sold or lent to another person, a PlayStation Store purchase generally gives the buyer a personal license to use the game. Under PlayStation’s terms, that license is usually non-transferable, subject to applicable law. Layden believes this difference raises important questions about ownership, resale, and long-term access to purchased games.
Layden also warned that ending physical game releases could disappoint some of PlayStation’s most loyal customers. Collectors often buy special editions or keep their favorite games on display, making physical ownership an important part of their gaming experience.
Sony says its decision reflects growing consumer demand for digital games. Layden suggested that production costs and financial planning may also have influenced the change, but acknowledged that he does not know Sony’s internal financial calculations. He believes the company must consider whether the benefits of ending disc production outweigh the possible loss of customer trust.
The debate also highlights the difference between buying digital games and accessing titles through a subscription. Services such as PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass give subscribers access to selected games while their membership and the relevant game availability continue. A separate digital purchase may provide longer-lasting access, but it remains subject to the platform’s licensing terms.
Sony’s move toward digital distribution comes as the company already offers gaming hardware designed around downloads. The PS5 Pro, for example, is sold without a built-in disc drive, although owners can purchase a compatible drive separately.
For players who collect physical games, the January 2028 change could limit the ability to buy new releases on disc, share physical copies, or resell them after completing a game. However, Sony has not announced that existing PlayStation game discs will stop working.
Layden served in several senior PlayStation leadership roles, including chairman of Worldwide Studios, before leaving Sony in 2019. His experience with the company’s gaming business gives additional context to his criticism, although he no longer represents Sony or speaks on its behalf.
Sony’s decision represents a major change for PlayStation customers who still prefer physical games. While digital downloads offer convenience, Layden believes the company risks disappointing dedicated collectors and raising more concerns about ownership.
With the January 2028 deadline approaching, the discussion over physical games, consumer choice, and digital licensing is likely to continue. For now, Sony’s announced change applies to new releases from that date, while previously released and qualifying earlier disc editions remain outside the new policy.
