Sony's decision to stop producing games on physical media by 2028 has sparked serious discussions in the industry. According to Alinea Analytics, the transition to digital distribution only is not a long-term strategy, but an "emergency bridge" designed to help the company survive the current market crisis.
The main reason cited is the rising cost of memory and electronics due to demand for AI infrastructure. Abandoning discs will allow Sony to cut costs and increase profit from each player during a period when AAA game budgets have reached enormous levels.
However, this decision carries a risk. Used discs have long been the cheapest way for new and young players to enter the PlayStation ecosystem. If this option is removed, some of the audience may switch to PCs, mobile devices, and free games.
Analyst Rhys Elliott believes:
PlayStation's move away from discs in favor of digital versions in 2028 is, in my opinion, more of a temporary solution than a well-thought-out strategy.
According to him, Sony is thus "buying time," hoping to survive a period of high costs. If console production prices do not decrease, this step may not be a salvation, but the beginning of a gradual decline.