플레이스테이션, 2028년부터 게임 디스크 단종

Imagine walking into a store to buy a video game—but instead of a disc, you get a small card with a code. That future is coming sooner than you think. Sony has announced that PlayStation will stop making physical game discs in 2028, marking the end of an era that began in 1994.

This change does not mean the end of buying games in shops. Retailers will still sell games, but the packages will contain digital codes instead of discs. Players will enter these codes into their PlayStation console and download the game directly. It sounds simple, but it represents a massive shift in how gaming works.

For decades, physical discs were the standard way to own games. You could hold them, share them with friends, or sell them when you finished playing. Many players still prefer this tactile experience—there is something satisfying about owning a physical product. However, the industry has been moving toward digital downloads for years. Internet speeds have improved, and more people have reliable connections. This makes downloading games faster and more practical than ever before.

The shift raises interesting questions about ownership and rights. When you buy a digital code, you do not truly own the game—you own a license to play it. The company can revoke that license or remove the game from servers. With a physical disc, players felt they had more control. Some gaming enthusiasts worry this change will harm collectors and players in countries with slow internet. Others point out that digital games never get lost, stolen, or scratched.

Sony is not alone in this direction. Microsoft and Nintendo have also increased their focus on digital sales. The industry recognizes that digital distribution is cheaper, faster, and more environmentally friendly than producing and shipping physical products. However, this transition will not happen overnight. PlayStation will continue selling physical games for several more years.

What do you think—would you prefer to download a game instantly, or do you miss the ritual of opening a physical case and inserting a disc?

Inspired by reporting from BBC News.