Ken Kutaragi, widely known as the father of PlayStation, has weighed in on Sony's controversial decision to phase out physical game discs in 2028. While he understands why some players are disappointed, he believes the industry must move beyond traditional ideas of game ownership.
Ken Kutaragi, the former Sony executive responsible for creating the original PlayStation, has shared his thoughts on Sony's decision to stop producing physical game discs for new PlayStation releases beginning in January 2028.
The announcement has sparked criticism among PlayStation fans, particularly those who value physical collections, game ownership, and the ability to resell or trade their games.
However, Kutaragi believes that maintaining physical media is becoming increasingly difficult to justify from an economic perspective.
Speaking to Video Games Chronicle (VGC) during the Game Republic New Horizons event in Middlesbrough, UK, Kutaragi acknowledged the frustration surrounding Sony's decision.
He explained that physical discs have become closely associated with the concept of owning games. However, he pointed out that consumers have already embraced digital content on internet-connected devices such as smartphones, where physical media is no longer considered necessary.
"I really understand [why some people are upset], but I don't think it's economically reasonable. Maybe it's a mentality issue," Kutaragi told VGC.
Sony's plan to end physical PlayStation games in 2028
Sony officially announced on July 1, 2026, that it would discontinue physical disc production for all new games released on PlayStation consoles starting in January 2028.
Following the transition, new PlayStation games will be distributed exclusively in digital formats through the PlayStation Store and other retailers.
Sony has clarified that the decision will not affect games already released on disc or titles scheduled to receive physical editions before the January 2028 deadline.
Kutaragi also suggested that Sony's current leadership increasingly sees PlayStation as more than a traditional gaming console. Instead, the company appears to be moving toward a broader network-connected entertainment platform.
While he recognizes the tension this creates with longtime PlayStation enthusiasts, his comments suggest that the industry's transition toward digital distribution is a natural consequence of changing technology and consumer habits.
For many players, however, the controversy goes beyond nostalgia. Physical editions allow games to be collected, shared, traded, and resold, making their disappearance a significant change to the traditional console gaming experience.
Despite the negative reactions, Sony has not announced any changes to its plans to end physical disc production for new PlayStation games in January 2028.
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