A growing online petition is calling on Sony to reconsider its decision to end physical discs for future PlayStation games, arguing the move threatens consumer ownership, game preservation, and jobs across the gaming industry.
The “Don’t Kill the Disc” petition was launched earlier this month after Sony announced it would stop producing physical discs for new PlayStation games beginning in January 2028. Future releases would instead be sold digitally or packaged with download codes.
Lee Skwarek, products and promotions manager at Winnipeg-based PNP Games, said the campaign is not about opposing digital gaming, but about keeping physical copies available as an option.
“The petition is about keeping physical media on the table,” said Skwarek. “Physical ownership is the only kind of ownership. When you buy a digital game, you’re purchasing a licence, not the product itself.”
The petiton currently has 335,542 signatures so far.
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Consumer choice and game preservation
Skwarek said physical games give players options that digital purchases do not, including the ability to lend, resell, or keep games indefinitely if online storefronts eventually shut down.
He said physical media also plays an important role in preserving gaming history.
Beyond ownership concerns, Skwarek said moving away from physical games could affect workers throughout the gaming supply chain.
“It’s everything,” he said. “From indie developers and manufacturers to warehouses, shipping companies, delivery drivers, and retail stores. Removing physical media impacts the entire supply chain.”
Impact on independent developers
Skwarek said independent game developers have increasingly benefited from physical releases, including collector’s editions that can continue selling after players have already purchased digital versions.
He said physical releases can provide another way for smaller studios to reach audiences and build connections with collectors.
Rather than asking Sony to completely reverse its decision, Skwarek said supporters are asking the company to continue offering physical games.
“We’re not looking for a full reversal,” he said. “We’re asking them to keep that choice on the table.”
Concern about industry-wide changes
Skwarek said Sony’s decision could influence other major gaming companies if physical media disappears from the market.
“If Sony gets away with doing something like this, Microsoft, Nintendo and everyone else are going to look at it,” he said. “If removing physical media increases profits, other companies may follow.”
He encouraged gamers who want to continue seeing physical games available to support local retailers, purchase physical editions when possible, and sign the petition.
“Own what you buy,” he said. “If you have the choice between digital and physical, choose physical. Keep supporting local game stores and help spread awareness.”