{"id":822663,"date":"2026-08-23T01:36:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T01:36:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/822663\/"},"modified":"2026-08-23T01:36:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T01:36:10","slug":"furious-ps5-players-unplug-their-consoles-in-protest-as-blackout-gets-underway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/822663\/","title":{"rendered":"Furious PS5 Players Unplug Their Consoles in Protest as Blackout Gets Underway"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Furious<\/a> Image: Push Square<\/p>\n

Irate PS5 players have started unplugging their consoles all around the world, as a protest against Sony<\/a> gets underway.<\/p>\n

The blackout \u2013 technically scheduled to start at 7pm local time, but already being observed by many participants \u2013 is designed to reduce the Japanese giant\u2019s active users, a key performance metric for the company.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While the protest is primarily aimed at Sony\u2019s decision to cease manufacturing physical discs in January 2028<\/a>, organisers also argue that the company has grown \u201cfurther apart from its fan base\u201d.<\/p>\n

Sony wants to abandon fans? Let’s give them a small taste of their own medicine!<\/p>\n

Together with other creators we call for a 1 week #PSBlackout<\/a> in August. No logins, no play sessions, no purchases on any of Sony’s platforms. pic.twitter.com\/v6JvdvbHLD<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Does it play? (@DoesItPlay1) July 26, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Earlier this week, a Push Square<\/a> poll concluded 92% of enthusiasts believe PS Studios<\/a> would benefit from new management, after stories emerged it was rebooting development<\/a> on spin-off game Horizon Hunters Gathering<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As of its most recent financial report, Sony attracted around 125 million monthly active users<\/a>, an increase year-over-year. I think this number would have to drop precipitously to have any kind of effect.<\/p>\n

Speaking with investors about potential boycotts and PS Plus<\/a> cancellations, Sony\u2019s CFO Lin Tao said it\u2019s not seeing any \u201cimpact on our business<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n

This organised and widely publicised blackout campaign may be protesters\u2019 best opportunity to get the company\u2019s attention, then. Will you be taking part?<\/p>\n

Will you be participating in the PS Blackout protest? (533 votes)
\nYes, I’ve unplugged my console31%No, I’ll be gaming like usual57%I’m still not sure12%<\/p>\n

\"Sammy<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n