Former Sony Head Doubts PlayStation’s Digital Future

Former Sony Interactive Entertainment head Shawn Layden called a physical-free future for PlayStation “depressing,” but stated that the situation can still be fixed.

Sony will stop releasing games on discs starting January 1, 2028. The decision has caused player dissatisfaction. Layden previously criticized the potential release of the PS6 without an optical drive.

In a conversation with Game, Layden stated that physical editions could be released by third-party companies:

“If they don’t decide or figure out a way to license some of these specialty disc makers, then there’s just no way that can happen.”

According to Layden, physical media are extremely important for players:

“I think physical media is critically important and key. One of the things that makes us gamers, and one of the core mechanics of gaming since the dawn of this medium, is collecting stuff.”

At the same time, Sony has not yet confirmed that the PS6 will lack support for physical media. Company Chief Financial Officer Lin Tao stated that Sony understands the reaction of players and does not plan to change the decision.