Ken Kutaragi, widely known as the “Father of PlayStation,” understands why players are frustrated about Sony ending physical game disc production. However, the former PlayStation boss believes continuing to devote resources to discs makes little economic sense.
His comments arrive as players face a major change in how they buy PlayStation games, with Sony’s transition scheduled for January 2028.
In brief:
- Kutaragi sympathizes with players upset about PlayStation moving away from discs.
- He believes the economics favor digital distribution.
- Sony will end disc production for new PlayStation releases starting January 2028.
- Previously released disc games and those arriving before the cutoff are unaffected.
Ken Kutaragi Explains His View on Physical PlayStation Games
Speaking to VGC at the Game Republic New Horizons event in Middlesbrough, Kutaragi connected the debate to how players think about ownership.
He compared gaming with smartphones, where users expect to retain their content without physical media. In his view, widespread connectivity has changed expectations about how entertainment reaches consumers.
“I really understand [why some people are upset], but I don’t think it’s economically reasonable. Maybe it’s a mentality issue,” he said.
Kutaragi also suggested that PlayStation’s current leadership may see the platform evolving into a broader connected entertainment service. He acknowledged that this direction has created tension with dedicated gaming fans. These are his personal observations, rather than an announcement on Sony’s behalf.
When Is PlayStation Ending Physical Disc Production?
Sony announced that physical disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will end starting January 2028. New releases after that point will be available digitally through PlayStation Store and retailers.
The company attributed the decision to changing buying habits, saying digital media has become the preferred option for much of its community. Existing physical releases, including games arriving on disc before the deadline, fall outside the change.
PlayStation Fans Want to Keep Physical Games
Players have practical reasons to care about discs. Lending a game to a friend, selling a finished copy, buying used games, and collecting favorite releases are all part of the appeal.
In July, a petition urging Sony to preserve physical PlayStation games had passed 100,000 signatures. Its arguments included ownership concerns and the effect on businesses that depend on physical game sales.
The backlash also extends to Sony’s communication. According to Alanah Pearce’s account, covered by GameRiv, PlayStation studio employees described unusually strict social media guidance surrounding the announcement.
Could Digital PlayStation Games Become Cheaper?
Other industry figures have offered economic arguments for the transition. Analyst Piers Harding-Rolls described the move as likely inevitable, pointing to the financial pressures facing future console hardware.
Former Square Enix executive Jacob Navok has also argued that stronger competition between publishers could encourage more frequent PlayStation Store discounts. That remains a prediction, with lower prices dependent on how publishers actually respond.
