Sony’s ditching game discs for the PlayStation, but fans are still hungry for physical media

Grand Theft Auto 6 is the most anticipated game of the year (and perhaps of the decade, given the agonizing wait since the franchise’s last entry in 2013). But earlier this week, rumors started swirling that Rockstar Games would release the title via digital download only, with physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 being reduced to a box with a download code inside rather than a game disc. Then, on July 1, Sony dealt an even more devastating blow to lovers of physical media: Starting in 2028, new games on PlayStation consoles will only be released digitally, with all physical disc production being discontinued. Rockstar and Sony’s decisions suggest that game lovers are no longer interested in physical discs—but the swift backlash on social media tells a different story. ‘A natural direction’: Why Sony nixed the disc In a post on the official PlayStation blog, Sony explained why it’s doing away with discs. “This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs,” reads the post. “This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.” In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, Sony reported that 85% of full-game software sales on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were digital downloads, with just 15% of sales being physical copies. “We’ll continue to prioritize our resources to drive innovation in how players can access games and provide choices as to where players prefer to purchase new games, whether that’s at retailers or PlayStation Store,” the blog post continued. “We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans and we thank you for your continued support.” Rockstar, meanwhile, has said via customer support that Grand Theft Auto 6 will eventually get a physical release, though not when the game comes out on November 19. “You will be able to