03/07/2026 04:36 - Entretenimiento
July 2, 2026 - The video game industry is experiencing a profound transformation. Sony, the Japanese tech giant behind the globally popular PlayStation console, has sparked a massive wave of reactions after announcing that, starting in January 2028, it will no longer manufacture physical discs for new game releases. For those unfamiliar with the gaming world, this means moving entirely away from the traditional Blu-ray discs you can buy in stores, opting instead for a model where games are only available as digital downloads tied to user accounts.
This decision marks the definitive beginning of the exclusively digital era on the PlayStation platform. However, not everyone is on board with this path. The industry's response was swift and decisive, with numerous retail stores, publishers, and developers expressing their opposition, arguing that this policy could harm both consumers and the future of video games as collectible items and sources of employment.
In the hours following the announcement, major retail chains—particularly prominent in Europe such as GAME, Gameplay Stores, Xtralife, Meridiem Games, Impact Games, and Tesura Games—issued statements rejecting the measure. They argue that eliminating the physical format restricts consumer freedom and limits the right to fully own the games they purchase.
Meridiem Games stated that every time a physical edition disappears, "we lose the freedom to enjoy our hobby exactly how we want to." For its part, GAME indicated that the decision "is negative for players, for stores, and for sector workers," highlighting the threat it poses to thousands of jobs linked to the distribution and sale of physical media.
Stores have also warned about the risk to thousands of workers in small businesses and specialized chains. The end of physical support would mean a massive reduction in business volume, which could lead to layoffs and the closure of historic retail locations.
It's not just large retailers criticizing the decision. Small publishers and developers have reinforced their commitment to tangible formats. The distributor iam8bit expressed its disappointment and reaffirmed that physical games "are fundamental for preservation, ownership, and consumer freedom of choice."
Aeternum Game Studios, creators of the acclaimed game Aeterna Noctis, declared that producing physical editions is now an "absolute priority." They believe the physical format is not just a disc, but preservation, culture, and the very soul of video games. Although they depend on Sony until 2028 to manufacture these supports, they insist on their desire to fill players' shelves with tangible stories.
The rental platform GameFly also spoke out, ensuring they will continue renting discs until "they rip the discs from our hands," reflecting the sector's strong attachment to this traditional format.
The reaction hasn't been limited to the business sphere; thousands of players have joined the discontent, flooding Sony's social media with protest messages, especially on posts related to upcoming titles like Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Users point out that exclusively digital access implies losing control over their games, dependence on servers, and the impossibility of reselling or preserving titles long-term.
Distributors and preservation experts insist that digital formats, subject to license changes and technological advances, do not guarantee that games will remain accessible over time. For many, the physical format represents security, collectibility, and a cultural legacy that transcends generations.
Faced with this scenario, various organizations have launched campaigns with the hashtag #GamersUnidos, calling on the community to defend the traditional format. They remind everyone that this isn't just about nostalgia, but about fundamental user rights against a business model focused purely on digital profitability.
Source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
