From January 2028, all new games for PlayStation consoles will be released exclusively in digital format. This decision was made due to changing consumer preferences and the general trend in the entertainment industry.
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Senior Director of Content Communications Sid Shuman stated that the move away from physical media comes amidst a noticeable increase in the popularity of digital versions of games. The company emphasized that all subsequent releases will be available only through the PlayStation Store and retail chains as digital copies.
These changes will not affect games that have already been released on physical media. Sony noted that the shift to digital distribution will better adapt to changes in user behavior, who are increasingly favoring digital content.
It was mentioned that the company also abandoned plans to release major PlayStation 5 games on PC, returning to a console exclusivity strategy after six years of multi-platform releases. This decision is part of the company’s broader strategy to adapt to new market conditions.
Analysts believe that the transition to digital versions could significantly reduce the company’s costs for the production and logistics of physical media. The growth of the digital game market opens up new opportunities, particularly in the direction of subscription services and streaming gaming, which may influence the future of the gaming industry.
| Year | Format |
|---|---|
| Until 2028 | Physical and digital |
| From 2028 | Digital only |
