EU Rules Change Could Result in Smaller PS5 Game Cases

A new European Union packaging regulation could force Sony and other publishers to abandon familiar oversized plastic game cases in favor of compact packaging.

The European Union is preparing new packaging rules that could alter the traditional look of game cases. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to reduce waste. Specifically, empty space inside packaging in many cases must not exceed 50% of its total volume.

These rules may also impact the gaming industry, especially publishers that sell large plastic boxes containing only a card and an activation code.

This issue is particularly relevant for PlayStation. Sony recently announced the end of disk game production, meaning future physical editions may contain only download codes. If the PPWR takes effect in its current form, Sony might have to release significantly smaller cases for Europe.

One potential option could be small cardboard packages similar to those Microsoft uses to sell Windows keys.

It remains unknown whether Sony, Nintendo, and Xbox will create separate packaging for EU countries. After the PPWR comes into force, the familiar appearance of game cases may change.