Image: Push Square
Update [Mon 24th Aug 2026, 2:30pm]:
Angry PS5 players now propose an “indefinite” boycott of Sony’s console, as the previously planned blackout steps up its intensity.
In updated language, protesters say the originally mentioned window of 23rd August through 30th August is now “a minimum requirement”.
Day 1 of the #PSBlackout in the books!
Quick update: The previously mentioned date (August 23 – 30) is a minimum requirement. Makes it easier for more people to join. EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO GO INDEFINITELY until Sony change course! Pedal to the metal or we won’t get anywhere! pic.twitter.com/ueTkpq5UZI
— Does it play? (@DoesItPlay1) August 24, 2026
“Everyone is encouraged to go indefinitely until Sony change course,” the Does It Play account, a leader in the protest, writes. “Pedal to the metal or we won’t get anywhere!”
Major upcoming PS5 games include The Blood of Dawnwalker, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Marvel’s Wolverine, Control Resonant, and GTA 6 – among many others.
It’s going to be really interesting to see how resolute campaigners remain in the face of an increasingly strong release schedule.
Original Story: Irate PS5 players have started unplugging their consoles all around the world, as a protest against Sony gets underway.
The blackout – technically scheduled to start at 7pm local time, but already being observed by many participants – is designed to reduce the Japanese giant’s active users, a key performance metric for the company.
Campaigners suggest participants should keep their consoles unplugged from today through 30th August as a minimum. That means no logins, no gaming, and certainly no spending through the PS Store.
While the protest is primarily aimed at Sony’s decision to cease manufacturing physical discs in January 2028, organisers also argue that the company has grown “further apart from its fan base”.
Sony wants to abandon fans? Let’s give them a small taste of their own medicine!
Together with other creators we call for a 1 week #PSBlackout in August. No logins, no play sessions, no purchases on any of Sony’s platforms. pic.twitter.com/v6JvdvbHLD
— Does it play? (@DoesItPlay1) July 26, 2026
Earlier this week, a Push Square poll concluded 92% of enthusiasts believe PS Studios would benefit from new management, after stories emerged it was rebooting development on spin-off game Horizon Hunters Gathering.
As of its most recent financial report, Sony attracted around 125 million monthly active users, an increase year-over-year. I think this number would have to drop precipitously to have any kind of effect.
Speaking with investors about potential boycotts and PS Plus cancellations, Sony’s CFO Lin Tao said it’s not seeing any “impact on our business”.
This organised and widely publicised blackout campaign may be protesters’ best opportunity to get the company’s attention, then. Will you be taking part?
Will you be participating in the PS Blackout protest? (4,964 votes)
Yes, I’ve unplugged my console41%No, I’ll be gaming like usual49%I’m still not sure10%
As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.